17 AWESOME BOOK CONVENTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
Where to Meet Your Favorite Authors
Do you love books? Do you enjoy meeting authors and learning about new releases? If so, then you should check out one of the many book conventions held in the United States each year.
Book conventions are a great way to celebrate the love of reading. They offer a variety of events, such as author signings, readings, panels, and workshops. You can also meet other book lovers and learn about new books.
In this article, we will take a look at 17 of the best book conventions in the United States. We will cover a variety of genres and interests, so there is sure to be something for everyone.
So whether you are a fan of fiction, nonfiction, mystery, romance, or anything in between, be sure to check out one of these book conventions this year. You won’t be disappointed!
What Can You Do At Book Conventions?
There are many things you can do at book conventions. Here are a few ideas:
- Meet authors. This is the most popular activity at book conventions. You can meet your favorite authors and get their books signed. Many authors also give talks or readings at book conventions.
- Explore the exhibits. Book conventions feature exhibits from publishers, distributors, and other businesses related to the book industry. You can learn about new books and trends in publishing.
- Attend workshops and panels. Book conventions often offer workshops and panels on topics related to writing, publishing, and bookselling. These can be a great way to learn new skills and network with other people in the industry.
- Shop for books. Book conventions are a great place to buy books. You can often find books at discounted prices.
- Network with other book lovers. Book conventions are a great place to meet other people who love books. You can discuss your favorite books, find new book recommendations, and make new friends.
- Have fun! Book conventions are a celebration of books and reading. So relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself.
#1 American Booksellers Association (ABA) Annual Winter Convention
The ABA Annual Winter Convention is a trade show and educational conference for independent booksellers. It is held every year in February.
The convention is held in a different city each year. The 2023 ABA Annual Winter Convention will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, from February 11-14.
The convention features a variety of events, including:
- Exhibits from publishers and distributors
- Educational sessions on bookselling topics
- Author signings and readings
- Networking opportunities
- A booksellers’ marketplace
- A children’s pavilion
The ABA Annual Winter Convention is a great opportunity for independent booksellers to learn about new books, network with other booksellers, and connect with publishers and distributors. It is also a great place to meet authors and learn about their books.
The convention is open to ABA members and the public. Registration for the 2023 convention is now open.
Here are some of the benefits of attending the ABA Annual Winter Convention:
- Learn about new books and trends in publishing
- Network with other booksellers and industry professionals
- Meet authors and get their books signed
- Attend educational sessions on bookselling topics
- Find new vendors and products for your store
- Get inspired and motivated to be the best bookseller you can be
If you are an independent bookseller, I encourage you to attend the ABA Annual Winter Convention this year. It is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the bookselling community.
#2 Printers Row Lit Fest
Printers Row Lit Fest is an annual book fair and literary festival held in Chicago, Illinois. It is the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest.
The festival is held in Printers Row, a historic district in Chicago that was once home to many printing presses. The festival features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The festival was founded in 1996 by a group of local writers and publishers who wanted to create a space for people to come together to celebrate the love of reading and writing. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, and it now attracts over 100,000 people each year.
The 2023 Printers Row Lit Fest will be held on September 9-10. The festival will feature over 150 authors, including Toluse Olorunnipa and Robert Samuels, authors of His Name Is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice.
The Printers Row Lit Fest is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
The festival is free to attend, and it is open to the public. It is held rain or shine.
Want to learn more? Click HERE!
#3 East Hampton Library's Author Night
The East Hampton Library’s Author Night is an annual event held in East Hampton, New York. It is organized by the East Hampton Library and features readings, signings, and panel discussions with authors from all genres. Click HERE to learn more.
The festival was founded in 1998 by the East Hampton Library and has grown in popularity over the years. It now attracts over 1,000 people each year.
The 2023 East Hampton Library’s Author Night will be held on Saturday, August 12th. The festival will feature over 100 authors, including Isabel Rosen, author of My Last Innocent Year, and Alice Carrière, author of Everything/Nothing/Someone.
The East Hampton Library’s Author Night is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
The festival is free to attend, but tickets are required for some events. You can find more information on the festival website:
#4 Carolina Mountains Literary Festival
The Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is an annual event held in Burnsville, North Carolina. It is organized by the Yancey County Arts Council and features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The festival was founded in 2006 by a group of local writers and artists who wanted to create a space for people to come together to celebrate the love of reading and writing. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, and it now attracts over 1,000 people each year.
The 2023 Carolina Mountains Literary Festival will be held on September 7-9. The festival will feature over 50 authors, including Jason Mott, Anne E Tazewell, and Kenneth Chamlee.
The Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
The festival is free to attend, but tickets are required for some events.
Get up-to-date news HERE!
#5 HARLEM BOOKFAIR in New York
The Harlem Book Fair is an annual literary festival held in Harlem, New York City. It is the United States’ largest African-American book fair and the nation’s flagship Black literary event. Held annually in Harlem, New York, the Harlem Book Fair features exhibition booths, panel discussions, book sales, and workshops.
The Harlem Book Fair was founded in 1982 by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and has grown to become one of the largest and most popular literary events in the United States. The festival attracts over 250,000 visitors each year and features over 500 exhibitors, including publishers, booksellers, authors, and artists.
The Harlem Book Fair is a celebration of African-American culture and literature. It is a place where people of all ages can come together to learn about and celebrate the rich history and traditions of the African-American community.
The festival also features a variety of events, including:
- Author readings and signings
- Panel discussions on topics of interest to the African-American community, such as history, culture, and politics
- Children’s programs with activities and readings
- Workshops on writing, editing, and publishing
- A book fair with a wide selection of books by African-American authors
The Harlem Book Fair is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and connect with other people who love to read and write. It is also a great way to celebrate the rich culture and history of the African-American community.
The Harlem Book Fair is held every year in September. The 2023 Harlem Book Fair will be held on Saturday, September 23rd from 10am to 6pm. The festival is free to attend.
Click HERE to explore their website.
#6 Festival of Woman Writers
The Hobart Festival of Women Writers is a celebration of the power of women’s voices and the importance of women’s writing. It is a place where women writers can come together to share their work, learn from each other, and connect with their readers.
If you are a fan of women’s writing, I encourage you to attend the Hobart Festival of Women Writers. It is a truly special event that you will not want to miss.
- The festival is held in the Hobart Book Village, a small town in the Catskills Mountains. The Book Village is home to over 20 independent bookstores, making it a natural setting for a festival of women writers.
- The festival is organized by the Hobart Literary Arts Center, a non-profit organization that promotes the work of women writers.
- The festival features a variety of events, including:
- Readings by established and emerging women writers
- Panel discussions on topics of interest to women writers, such as environmental writing, activism, and the creative process
- Workshops on writing, editing, and publishing
- A book fair with a wide selection of books by women writers
- A children’s program with activities and readings
- The festival is open to the public and is free to attend.
- The festival is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and connect with other women who love to read and write.
Discover more news about the festival HERE!
#7 Mississippi Book Festival
The Mississippi Book Festival is an annual literary festival held in Jackson, Mississippi. It is organized by the Mississippi Library Commission and features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The festival was founded in 2015 by the Mississippi Library Commission and the Friends of the Mississippi Library Commission. It is held every year in August.
In 2023, the Mississippi Book Festival will be held on Saturday, August 19th. The festival will feature over 100 authors, and it is expected to attract over 20,000 people.
The Mississippi Book Festival is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
The festival is also a major fundraiser for the Mississippi Library Commission. The Library Commission is a non-profit organization that works to improve library services in Mississippi.
The festival is a great way to support a good cause while also enjoying a day of books and fun.
Click HERE to read more about it.
#8 HISTORY BOOK FESTIVAL
The History Book Festival is an annual literary festival held in Lewes, Delaware. It is organized by the Delaware Humanities Forum and features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors of newly published narrative nonfiction and historical fiction.
The festival was founded in 2014 by Sally Mott Freeman, a historian and author. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, and it now attracts over 5,000 people each year.
The festival is held at the Lewes Public Library and surrounding venues, and it is free to attend. The festival is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it features a variety of activities, including:
- Author readings and signings
- Panel discussions on historical topics
- Workshops on historical research and writing
- A children’s area with activities and readings
- A book fair with a variety of historical books for sale
The History Book Festival is a great way to learn about history and to meet your favorite authors. It is also a great opportunity to get involved in the local community and to support the Delaware Humanities Forum.
The 2023 History Book Festival will be held on September 29, 30, and October 1st. The festival will feature over 50 authors, including Sally Mott Freeman, John Keegan, and Sharon Steele.
I hope you can attend the History Book Festival this year!
Get up-to-date information HERE!
#9 Chappaqua Childrens Book Festival
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is an annual event that celebrates the love of reading for children of all ages. The festival is held in Chappaqua, New York, and features readings, signings, and activities with some of the most popular children’s authors and illustrators.
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival was founded in 2013 by Karina Yan Glaser, a children’s author and illustrator. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, and it now attracts over 8,000 people each year.
The festival is held at the Chappaqua Train Station, and it is free to attend. The festival is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and it features a variety of activities, including:
- Author readings and signings
- Illustrator demonstrations
- Book-making workshops
- A kids’ zone with games and activities
- Storytime
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is a great way to introduce your child to the joy of reading. It is also a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors and illustrators and learn more about their books.
The 2023 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will be held on Saturday, September 30th. The festival will feature over 180 authors and illustrators, including Mary Pope Osborne, Dav Pilkey, and Doreen Cronin.
I hope you and your child can attend the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival this year!
Learn more about the festival HERE!
#10 The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Festival of Books
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Festival of Books is an annual literary festival held at the University of San Diego. It is a free event for book lovers of all ages.
The festival features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The festival was founded in 2017 by the San Diego Union-Tribune and the University of San Diego. It is held every year in August.
In 2023, the festival will be held on Saturday, August 19th. The festival will feature over 100 authors, and it is expected to attract over 20,000 people.
Here are some of the authors who have participated in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Festival of Books in the past:
- Isabel Allende
- Michael Connelly
- James Patterson
- Jodi Picoult
- John Grisham
- David Baldacci
- Tayari Jones
- Colson Whitehead
- Jesmyn Ward
- Tommy Orange
- Malala Yousafzai
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Festival of Books is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
The festival is also a major fundraiser for the San Diego Council on Literacy. The Council on Literacy is a non-profit organization that works to improve literacy rates in San Diego County.
The festival is a great way to support a good cause while also enjoying a day of books and fun.
Click HERE to see their website.
#11 Miami Book Fair International
The Miami Book Fair International is an annual literary festival held in Miami, Florida. It is organized by Miami Dade College and was founded in 1984.
The festival features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The Miami Book Fair International is a free event, and it is open to the public. It is held every year in November.
In 2023, the Miami Book Fair International will be held from November 12 to 19. The festival will feature over 300 authors, and it is expected to attract over 200,000 people.
Here are some of the authors who have participated in the Miami Book Fair International in the past:
- Isabel Allende
- Junot Díaz
- Salman Rushdie
- Margaret Atwood
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- George R.R. Martin
- Barack Obama
- Michelle Obama
- Malala Yousafzai
- Colson Whitehead
- Jesmyn Ward
The Miami Book Fair International is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
The festival also has a strong focus on Latin American and Caribbean literature. In 2023, the festival will feature a pavilion dedicated to translation, as well as a program of events focused on Cuban literature.
The Miami Book Fair International is a major cultural event in Miami, and it is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant literary scene.
#12 National Book Festival
The National Book Festival is an annual literary festival held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., United States. It is organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, and was founded by Laura Bush and James H. Billington in 2001.
The festival features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The National Book Festival is a free event, and it is open to the public. It is held every year on the first Saturday in September.
In 2023, the National Book Festival will be held on Saturday, September 10th. The festival will feature over 200 authors, and it is expected to attract over 200,000 people.
If you are interested in attending the National Book Festival, you can find more information on the Library of Congress website: https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-book-festival/
Here are some of the authors who have participated in the National Book Festival in the past:
- Toni Morrison
- Stephen King
- J.K. Rowling
- Margaret Atwood
- Khaled Hosseini
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- George R.R. Martin
- Barack Obama
- Michelle Obama
- Malala Yousafzai
- Colson Whitehead
- Jesmyn Ward
The National Book Festival is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
#13 Portland Book Festival
The Portland Book Festival is an annual literary festival held in Portland, Oregon. It is the largest festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
The festival features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The Portland Book Festival is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. The festival is held every September.
Here are some of the events that take place at the Portland Book Festival:
- Author readings: This is the main event of the festival, and it features readings by dozens of authors from all genres.
- Book signings: You will have the opportunity to meet and get books signed by your favorite authors.
- Panel discussions: There are panel discussions on a variety of topics, such as writing, publishing, and the history of literature.
- Workshops: There are workshops for writers, readers, and educators.
- Children’s events: There are events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
- The Oregon Book Award: This is an award that is given to the best book of the year by an Oregon author.
The Portland Book Festival is a great way to celebrate books and reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
Here are some additional details about the festival:
- The festival is held at the Portland Art Museum and neighboring venues.
- The festival hashtag is #PDXBookFest.
#14 Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival is a three-day celebration of books, reading, and literacy held in Austin, Texas. It is the largest literary event in Texas, and it attracts over 250,000 people each year.
The festival features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The Texas Book Festival is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. The festival is held every October.
The Texas Book Festival is a great way to celebrate books and reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
Here are some additional details about the festival:
- The festival is held at the Texas State Capitol.
- The festival hashtag is #TxBookFest.
#15 Virginia Festival of the Book
The Virginia Festival of the Book is a ten-day celebration of books, reading, and literacy held in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is the largest literary event in Virginia, and it attracts over 20,000 people each year.
The festival features readings, signings, panel discussions, and workshops with authors from all genres. There are also events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
The Virginia Festival of the Book is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, learn about new books, and celebrate the power of reading. The festival is held every March.
Here are some of the events that take place at the Virginia Festival of the Book:
- Author readings: This is the main event of the festival, and it features readings by dozens of authors from all genres
- Book signings: You will have the opportunity to meet and get books signed by your favorite authors.
- Panel discussions: There are panel discussions on a variety of topics, such as writing, publishing, and the history of literature.
- Workshops: There are workshops for writers, readers, and educators.
- Children’s events: There are events for children and families, such as storytime and bookmaking workshops.
- The Carol Troxell Reader: This is an award that is given to a Virginia author who has made a significant contribution to literature.
The Virginia Festival of the Book is a great way to celebrate books and reading. If you are a fan of literature, I encourage you to attend the festival this year.
Here are some additional details about the festival:
- The festival is held at the University of Virginia.
- The festival hashtag is #VaBookFest.
#16 World Book Night
This is a global event that celebrates books and reading. It is held every April in over 100 countries.
World Book Night is a global event that celebrates books and reading. It is held every year on April 23, which is the birthday of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.
The goal of World Book Night is to inspire people to read for pleasure and to share their love of books with others. On World Book Night, volunteers give away free books to people who might not otherwise have access to them.
The books that are given away on World Book Night are chosen by a panel of experts. They are all high-quality books that are sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.
World Book Night is a great way to get involved in your community and to share your love of books with others. If you are interested in volunteering for World Book Night, you can find more information on the World Book Night website: https://worldbooknight.org/
Here are some of the things that happen on World Book Night:
- Volunteers give away free books to people in public places, such as libraries, hospitals, and prisons.
- There are events and readings at bookstores, libraries, and other community centers.
- Schools and other organizations hold activities to promote reading.
- People take to social media to share their love of books.
World Book Night is a growing movement that is making a difference in the world. By celebrating books and reading, we can help to create a more literate and informed society.
#17 Bouchercon
Bouchercon is the world’s largest mystery convention, and it is held every year in a different city.
The convention will feature a variety of events, including:
- Panel discussions: There will be over 125 panels on a variety of topics, such as writing, publishing, and the history of mystery fiction.
- Readings: There will be readings by dozens of mystery authors, including many of the biggest names in the genre.
Check out their website HERE.
CONCLUSION
Book conventions are a great way to celebrate the love of reading. They offer a variety of events, such as author signings, readings, panels, and workshops. You can also meet other book lovers and learn about new books.
If you are a fan of books, I encourage you to attend a book convention. It is a great way to learn about new books, meet authors, and connect with other book lovers.
Here are some tips for finding a book convention that is right for you:
- Consider your interests. What genres of books do you enjoy? Are you interested in meeting authors of a particular genre?
- Think about your budget. Book conventions can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget before you start planning.
- Consider the location. Where do you want to go? Are there any book conventions near you?
- Check the dates and times. Make sure the book convention you choose fits your schedule.
- Do your research. Read reviews of different book conventions to get an idea of what to expect.
Once you have found a book convention that you are interested in, start planning your trip. Book your flights and hotel, and make sure to bring comfortable shoes!
I hope this article has helped you plan your next trip to a book convention. Have fun and celebrate the love of reading!