Books have this wonderful ability to transport us into a whole new world or universe, all in a matter of just a few sentences. Novum publishing has picked out the crème de la crème of the United States’ best book festivals to give you an overview for you to pick from – but be aware, the choice is everything but easy!

There is really no endeavor more enticing for a true booklover than to get lost in the utter immersion of the welcoming pages of a really good book. Except, maybe, having the possibility to share and live this passion with fellow book aficionados and geek out over your favorite book series, authors and characters together. Throw in a fair number of renowned authors to give live readings, writing tips, sign their books and answer every question that you might have about the fate of your favorite characters after the last page has been turned and you will never want to go back!

So, the place where dreams come true for all bookworms is a book festival. Every year in autumn, the high season of literary events, book festivals of all durations and sizes are held all across the United States – but don’t worry, there are a few held in other seasons, too!

1. Baybookfest: The Bay Area Book Festival

Shortly after the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, it is time for the Bay Area Book Festival to be held! The self-proclaimed ‘literary extravaganza’ is a relatively young, 2-day event in Berkeley, offering a wealth of literary activities to their bookish visitors. Among the many things to do there, you can attend author presentations, take writing classes and shop for new and pre-loved books alike. As reading is best done on a full stomach, many food trucks and stalls plus an organic beer and wine garden provide everything a bookworm’s tummy could wish for.

The 2018 Baybookfest will be held from April, 28th – 29th ,visit https://www.baybookfest.org for more information!

2. Library of Congress Book Festival

Where would the U.S. be if the capital did not have its very own book festival? The annual Library of Congress Book Festival is a single-day event held in the Washington Convention Center and gathers about 200 authors, illustrators and poets to present their works from pretty much every book genre under the sun. The program also sports a live poetry slam, book signings and specific thematic programs.

The date for 2018 has been confirmed to be September 1st , so be sure to go check http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/ for updates and announcements!

3. Brooklyn Book Festival

Every year in September, bookworms from all corners of the United States flock to the Big Apple to partake of the BBF, the Brooklyn Book Festival. It probably is the largest free-entry literary event in New York.  With the BBF, the center of American book publishing offers a week-long event featuring more than 250 literary idols and authors, emerging and established alike. The many booths, possible meetups and signings with authors in their stalls and panel discussions are also framed, or ‘bookended”, by many literary-themed events throughout the week. These aptly named Bookend Events include film screenings, literary games, parties and children’s theatre taking place all across the borough in bookstores, theatres, clubs, parks and libraries. The Brooklyn Book Festival attracts thousands of people all ages with its always smart and diverse program in true N.Y. fashion.

In 2018, the BBF will be taking place from September 10-17th, check out their homepage http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/ for more information.

4. Baltimore Book Festival

Sponsored by the city of Baltimore and the Maryland State Arts Council, the Baltimore Book Festival is also held in September. With over a hundred exhibitors and book sellers present, it features hundreds of author appearances and signings, non-stop book readings, poetry readings and workshops, cooking demos held by celebrity chefs, panel discussions and walking tours. It is the perfect place to get your hands on original literary tee shirts and totes and you can taste delicious food to get your energies up for the next event you are invited to participate in, like listening and working with storytellers, hands-on projects, kid’s projects, street theater, live music and so much more.

The 2018 Baltimore Book Festival is a 3-day-affair to be held from September 28th – 30th .  For more information go to http://www.baltimorebookfestival.com.

5.  Books by The Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival

The regional one-day festival Books by the Banks is held in October every year in Cincinnati. Many authors attend – both regional and national – and give book signings and panel discussions. These obvious highlights are framed by a number of other exciting activities for all ages like writing contests, all in the name of promoting literacy and lifelong learning.

The 2018 Books by the Banks festival is scheduled for October 20th . For more information just follow the link http://booksbythebanks.org.

6. Texas Book Festival

The deep south is known for everything being a little extra in size, and the Texas Book Festival sure is no exception to this rule! It is actually pretty darn massive, y’all!

Held in Austin, the 2-day-event hosts over 250 nationally and critically acclaimed authors, featuring more than 80 exhibitors across over 20 venues along with an estimated 40,000 visitors.

The first Texas Book Festival took place in 1996 and was established by the then First Lady (and former librarian!) Laura Bush. Since then, it is held annually to celebrate the joy that are books and their contributions to the culture of literacy, fantasy, and imagination.

Of course, also this southern style book fest includes many side events for visitors to enjoy. Engaging live music, mouth-watering food trucks and the possibility of partaking in outdoor excursions with your favorite authors are just a few examples of what this spectacular festival has to offer!

Learn all about this year’s Texas Book Festival to be held from October 27th-28th on  http://www.texasbookfestival.org.

7. Wordstock: Portlands Book Festival

While certainly the puniest book fest by name, Portland’s Wordstock Book Festival does not disappoint in its scheduled events. Although only one day long, Wordstock is able to create a multi-faceted program including a series of author events, writing workshops, concerts, pop-up readings and concerts and, of course, an extensive book fair.

Wordstock, the book-state Oregon’s beloved fest is held annually in November, a date has not been announced as of yet. Visit https://literary-arts.org/ to stay up to date!

So, our dear fellow book festival lovers, we hope you enjoyed this list – now mark your calendars and gather your things, your next literary vacation might be just around the corner!

Let your keyboard run free,

Yours,
novum publishing.

Note: This list is by no means exhaustive, it represents just choice pickings from us here at novum publishing. There are of course many other smaller book festivals, many of them genre-focused. Have you been to one of the festivals presented above, or do you have recommendations to share? 🙂 We would be thrilled if you share your opinions and tips in the comments below!