Bay Area Book Festival

Plan your visit at the Bay Area Book Festival—an annual Berkeley tradition that celebrates the best of the literary world!

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Calling all bookworms and writers! Every year, Downtown Berkeley transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity and inspiration as the Bay Area Book Festival takes place. From writers workshops and panel discussions to live performances and local vendors, there is no shortage of diverse experiences and activities. Along with featuring legendary and talented authors from around the country, this event invites storytellers and poets of all ages to enrich their skills and connect with fellow writers.

The Bay Area Book Festival is one of the leading literary events in the US, known for a focus on social justice, strong inclusion of BIPOC authors and women's voices. It's the biggest literary weekend of the year in Northern California. This year's edition will feature a Family Day, Writers’ Workshops, and a series of Democracy Dialogues. Whether you’re looking for new ways to appreciate our arts and culture scene or planning to establish your narrative in the literary world, the Bay Area Book Festival has something for everyone.

When & Where

The Bay Area Book Festival will run from May 31 to June 1, 2025, at an array of different locations in Downtown Berkeley. The Bay Area Book Festival is free for all event-goers! However, certain experiences like the headliner events may require tickets. Check out ticket information on the Bay Area Book Festival website.

Featured Experiences

• Guest Speaker Lineup - Listen to an array of guest authors and poets that will discuss a variety of writing topics. Top featured authors include Kazuo Ishiguro, Tracy K. Smith, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Nnedi Okorafor, Richard Flanagan, Shaka Senghor, W. Kamau Bell, Rebecca Solnit, Ann Patchett, and Roxane Gay. Notable children’s and youth authors include Ellen Oh, Kelly Starling Lyons, Misa Sugiura, Rachel Sarah, Meg Medina, Shawn Harris, Annie Barrows, Mac Barnett, Innosanto Nagara, and many more.
• Writers’ Workshops & Pitch Sessions - Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops and pitch sessions during the Bay Area Book Festival, from writing in different genres to discussing creative processes. Free to attend, RSVP required.
• Bookworm Block Party - Taking place Sunday, June 1, the outdoor fair – now Bookworm Block Party – is a lively, immersive experience jam-packed with fun and exploration for festival attendees of all ages and interests. The heart of Northern California’s largest weekend literary event beckons book lovers to meet favorite authors spanning myriad genres, discover new reads, catch live presentations on three outdoor and six indoor stages, spend quality time with the kids in the interactive Family Fun Zone, and enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks and myriad downtown Berkeley brick & mortar establishments!

Where to Stay

Looking for places to stay near the Bay Area Book Festival? There are plenty of top-tier accommodations in Berkeley, offering budget-friendly and luxury suites. Enjoy pet-friendly services, modern amenities, and a close proximity to Berkeley’s top attractions.

2025 Festival Map

Find the full schedule HERE.