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A two-day lineup of bestseller-worthy experiences!
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!
Calling all bookworms and writers! Every year, Downtown Berkeley transforms into a buzzing 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 experiences and activities to enjoy. 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.
Back for its 12th year in Downtown Berkeley, the Bay Area Book Festival is one of the leading literary events in the U.S, 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, themed "Writing the Future," will feature YouthLit programs, Writers’ Workshops, and a series of Democracy Dialogues. Some of the best and brightest minds of the literary world will be in one place all across Downtown Berkeley, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Whether you’re looking for new ways to appreciate the local arts and culture scene or planning to establish your narrative in the literary world, the Bay Area Book Festival has something for you.
When & Where
The Bay Area Book Festival will run from May 30 to May 31, 2026, at 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 guest authors and poets discussing a variety of writing topics throughout the festival. Top featured authors include Phoebe Robinson, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Annalee Newitz, Isis Asare, Renee Swindle, Susana M. Morris, Max Delsohn, Julian Brave Noisecat, Greg Sarris, Elaine Hsieh Chou, Emily St. James, Kyla Zhao, Sophia Benoit, and many more.
- Writers’ Workshops - Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops 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, May 31, the outdoor fair 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 4 outdoor and 8 indoor stages, spend quality time with the kids in the interactive YouthLit Corner, and enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks and myriad downtown Berkeley 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.