I think reading books is one hobby.
Buying books is another.
But going to book festivals? That’s the cherry on top.
I used to LOVE a Scholastic Book Fair. Give me a table full of books, some bookish merch, and money to spend and I was happy.
Now imagine turning that into a whole weekend surrounded by people who love books just as much as you do.
That’s why I love book festivals.
I love hearing authors talk about their books and the things they were thinking about while writing them. I love discovering indie authors I probably wouldn’t have found on my own. And I love bookish vendors selling things you can’t just pick up at Barnes & Noble. And honestly? I just love being around people who get it.
So I put together a list of book festivals I’ve been to, want to attend, or have officially added to my bookish bucket list. If you’re looking for book festivals to add to your own calendar, this list is a great place to start.
I’m on the East Coast, so most of these are East Coast festivals. And I’m Black, so yes… a LOT of these are for the culture.
Black Book Fest DC
October 2–3, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
This one is brand new! It’s the first year for Black Book Fest DC, and I’m really excited to support it.
Since it’s a first-year festival, I’m expecting there may be some growing pains, but that’s honestly part of the fun of supporting a new literary event.
I’m going because I want to see what they’re building, support Black authors and vendors, and experience the festival for myself. And yes, I’ll be vlogging it!
BookCon
April 9–11, 2027 | Javits Center, NYC
BookCon is the BIG one.
This feels less like a traditional book festival and more like a bookish convention. You have author panels, signings, workshops, book clubs, interactive experiences, photo sets, bookish merch, giveaways and after-hours programming.
Basically: if you want the full BookTok + Bookstagram + publishing industry + reader experience, this is probably the one.
And it’s expanding to three full days in 2027.
Tickets go on sale November 19 at noon ET.
Kinfolk Lit Fest
July 16–18, 2027 | Indianapolis, Indiana
This one might be at the TOP of my list.
Kinfolk literally calls itself a literary family reunion, and I love that because that is exactly the energy I want.
It’s three full days focused on Black books, readers and storytellers, with eight different literary tracks covering everything from romance and fiction to memoir, history, social commentary and more.
You can spend the weekend going to author conversations, learning about the business of publishing, meeting authors at signings and basically nerding out about books with a bunch of other Black readers.
This one feels less like “I came to buy books” and more like “I came to find my people.”
Love Y’all Book Fest
February 12–14, 2027 | Decatur, Georgia
f you love ROMANCE, put this one on your list.
Love Y’all is bringing together 80+ romance authors, bookish vendors, giveaways, two full days of panels and signings, PLUS a full day of unique reader experiences.
So this isn’t just walking around an author signing and going home.
There are exclusive author experiences, themed events and opportunities to actually hang out with the authors and other romance readers.
And they have a really fun mix of traditionally published, indie, bestselling and debut romance authors.
Basically: romance girlies, this one’s for us.
Basically: romance girlies, this one’s for us.
If you’re looking for your next romantasy read or romance read check out my post, Best Romantasy Books That Will Ruin You (In the Best Way).
Martha’s Vineyard Black Book Festival
August 14, 2027 | Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
his one is different because… BABE, we’re going to Martha’s Vineyard. It’s bougee black girl meets books.
The festival celebrates Black authors across fiction, nonfiction, YA and children’s literature, with author panels, fireside chats, book signings, books and merch for sale, plus light food and refreshments.
And because it’s on Martha’s Vineyard, this feels like the perfect excuse for a bookish girls’ weekend.
Read books. Hear Black authors talk about their work. Buy books. Eat. Explore the island.
Yes please.
Bookish festivals that I wasn’t able to go to/have passed already that are on my radar
Bookish festivals that I wasn’t able to go to/have passed already that are on my radar
Plots & Pours — March 5–6, 2027 | Houston, Texas
This one is specifically focused on Black indie authors, which makes it stand out from the larger multi-publisher festivals.
The 2027 event is built around connecting readers directly with Black indie authors, with a Y2K-themed kickoff and a Saturday book expo featuring 30+ authors, vendors, games and more.
If you specifically want to discover authors outside of the traditional publishing pipeline, this is the one to watch. the tickets for the 2027 are sold out so join their newsletter for the details for the 2028 one.
Imaginarium Book Festival — June 4–5, 2027 | Washington, D.C.
Fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal and speculative fiction girlies… this one’s for YOU.
Imaginarium brings together 100+ authors and vendors for book signings, themed events, bookish games, giveaways, scavenger hunts and more.
And because it’s right here in the DMV, this one is absolutely going on my list. This one is also currently sold out. Join the newsletter babes!
Also if you’re into black fantasy books check out my post, Romantasy by Black Authors: Stories Where Black Women Are Magical and Loved
Petersburg Book Fest — September 12, 2027 | Petersburg, Virginia –
This one has a completely different vibe.
It’s focused on literacy, community and local literary culture, while also highlighting Black authors, independent bookselling and local artists. It’s free and family-friendly, making it a really accessible way to spend a Saturday around books without needing to drop hundreds of dollars on a festival ticket.
And it’s close enough to DC that this is basically a day trip.
Chocolate City Book Festival – Washington, D.C.
I went to this one last year as a volunteer. It was a good time. There were speakers and a ton of vendors. There were some hiccups but that’s to be expected with it being it’s first year.
It was a 3 day event I believe, with Friday being the opening night with a meet and greet, Saturday being the festival and an evening pj party event.
They stated on their IG they would bring it back in 2028 so we shall see what this one turns into.
The Library of Congress National Book Festival – August, 26th, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
I went to this one last month and it was… intersting. I feel like I didn’t get the full experience because I didn’t plan ahead. So this is my warning to you.
Plan ahead.
It’s a free event and a very large event.
They have multiple panels going on at the same time at different wings of the building. It’s a little difficult to navigate and a ton of people.
They didn’t have a ton of authors that I’m was interested in, but the for the few that I did have an interest in I missed their panels because I didn’t realize I should’ve planned out what I wanted to do ahead of time.
Lastly, the shopping wasn’t that great in my opinion. I think they could’ve really book a ton of vendors and make it feel more like a scholastic book Faire, instead it left a lot to the imagination.
I would definitely go back because hey it’s free, but I would plan ahead. They also gave out a free poster and tote bag.
Black Romance Book Festival – Atlanta, Georgia
And yes… I skipped BRBF this year.
I didn’t get a ticket to the Black Romance Book Festival this year because I wanted to explore some of these other festivals.
With BRBF being around $500, I figured I’d rather spread that money across several different bookish experiences.
To everyone who got a ticket: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I went last year and had an absolute TIME. It really does feel like a giant family reunion.
Maybe I’ll reconsider next year, but there are SO many bookish events happening now that I want to experience some different ones too.
To Wrap it Up
I am really getting into my book festival bag this year. I love the energy and meeting new people. And there are so many I haven;t even mentioned. Like know there is a romance book cruise happening too.
You don’t have to choose ONE event and make that your entire bookish personality. You can go to a huge convention like BookCon.
A Black literary family reunion like Kinfolk.
A romance-focused weekend like Love Y’all.
An indie-author event like Plots & Pours.
A genre-specific festival like Imaginarium.
Or a community-centered festival like Petersburg.
There is literally a bookish event for everybody, and honestly, book festivals are one of the best ways to find it.
And if you’re trying to get out of the house more and meet other readers, don’t sleep on the events happening in your own city either.
Look up your favorite bookish content creators and local bookstores. People are hosting book clubs, brunches, happy hours, author conversations, audiobook walking groups and reader socials ALL the time.
Especially in the DMV.
You don’t always have to travel across the country to find your book people.
Sometimes they’re right down the street. But if you do want to travel, these book festivals are worth the trip.
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