Bay Area Book Festival

The 10th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival will take place in two parts: Family Day at the Berkeley Public Library on Saturday, May 4, 2024 (geared towards youngsters through teens/YA) and our full 10th Anniversary festival on June 1 & 2, 2024 in Downtown Berkeley. We plan to present the 2024 festival fully in person, with the possibility of some events additionally available via livestream. Barring unforeseen changes in the public health situation, we do not currently plan to host any fully virtual events in 2024.

About the Bay Area Book Festival
Annually featuring scores of renowned and emerging authors in conversations at multiple indoor and outdoor venues, the Bay Area Book Festival has become one of the country’s premier literary events. We are lucky to be based in a region rich in literary history and innovation and brimming with writers, readers, activists, and independent booksellers. Attracting 10,000 attendees over the course of the events in Downtown Berkeley, the festival promotes its authors and programs through a robust publicity strategy utilizing social media, partnerships with local press and partner organizations, and story placements in diverse and wide-ranging media outlets.

The Festival offers a panoramic view of what’s most exciting in literature today. Our goal is to create conversation, prioritizing authors and topics that reflect and engage the diverse readers who live and work in the Bay Area. We center marginalized voices, explore complex current events from a multitude of angles, and celebrate boundary-pushing literature. Our comprehensive program for children and middle grade readers finds new and creative ways to engage young readers and their caregivers through interactive and innovative programming.

Full lineup and schedule for both weekends will be live at the beginning of April!

Bay Area Book Festival 2024

Family Day at Berkeley Public Library

Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11 am – 5 pm
FREE

Celebrating “Star Wars: May the 4th be With You” and “National Free Comic Book Day”

• Young Readers/Writers Showcase
• Youth-Oriented Author Talks, Panels, Signings
• Teens/YA Programs
• Family Reading Activities
• Arts, Crafts, and STEAM Activities
• Free Book Giveaway
• Literacy Information & Services

10th Anniversary Festival

June 1-2, 2024, 11 am – 5pm
Free Admission (+ ticketed evening events)

• Various Venues in Downtown Berkeley
• Top Authors
• Critical Conversations
• Writers’ Day
• Outdoor Fair/Literary Marketplace (Sunday only)

Saturday June 1 – Writers’ Day

Berkeley Public Library

We know our community is filled with writers and authors, aspiring and published. The Festival wants to honor all of you with a day-long series of workshops and sessions that drill down into topics that will spur your creativity, engage your writerly minds, and even support you with practical, insiders’ advice and guidance in your journey to publication.

That’s why, in addition to our usual amazing programs and headliner events, we’re planning a Writers’ Day. This full day of sessions will feature nonfiction, poetry, and fiction events, a session on publishing, and two pitch sessions for our robust writing community.

Saturday June 1 – Evening Headliner (TBA)

The Freight & Salvage

Sunday June 2 – Author Events

MLK, Jr. Civic Center Park and Various Venues in Downtown Berkeley

• Provocative Keynotes, Panels, Interviews, Readings
• Critical Conversations with Top Authors, Thought Leaders
• Indigenous Authors Showcase
• Author Q&A and Book Signings

Sunday June 2 – Outdoor Fair

MLK, Jr. Civic Center Park ─ Free Admission

• Author Pavilion – new and emerging writers
• Literary Marketplace ─ books, literary-themed gifts
• Youth Activity Tent ─ interactive fun for kids!
• Food Court ─ Popular Bay Area vendors and trucks

Sunday June 2 – Evening Headliners (TBA)

The Freight & Salvage