Children's/Young Adult Book Events

Book Festivals and Events for Children's, Middle Grade, Teen and Young Adult Literature

Adirondack Family Book Festival

A free, day-long community event presented by John Brown Lives!, Lake Placid Public Library, the Bookstore Plus, and numerous other partners, the festival features award winning authors and illustrators for children, young adults, and community members sharing their craft. ...

When: August

    Where: Lake Placid, NY US

African American Children’s Book Fair

Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project, the book fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children’s books in the country. ...

When: February

    Where: Philadelphia, PA US

BAM Festival

BAM Festival, a books, art, and music convention for authors, illustrators, and performers who write for children and young adults, provides a county-wide literary experience bringing together authors, teachers, students, families and the community to share their love of books. ...

When: April

    Where: West Palm Beach, FL US

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

The UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival. Held annually in Barnes, London, the festival features a packed program of more than 100 author events, performances and free activities for children and families....

When: June

    Where: London, England UK

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

The Bath Children’s Literature Festival is an annual book festival held in Bath, Somerset, England. It is aimed at children’s books and features a variety of authors, poets, illustrators, and storytellers. The festival typically lasts ten days, spanning two weekends. Over 100 of the hottest debu...

When: September

    Where: Bath, England UK

Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival

The Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival is an annual event that celebrates children’s literature created by and featuring Black people. It aims to support professional and emerging artists of African descent. The festival includes live events across Maine, such as book readings, interac...

When: September

    Where: Portland, ME US

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the most important international event dedicated to the children’s publishing and multimedia industry. In Bologna authors, illustrators, literary agents, licensors and licensees, packagers, distributors, printers, booksellers, and librarians meet to sell and b...

When: April

    Where: Bologna, IT

Bookworm Book Festival

This free bilingual festival featurs author panels and book signings celebrating literature for young readers in Spanish and English. ...

When: February

    Where: Houston, TX US

Bronx Bookworm Book Festival

Attendees of this festival geared toward picture books and illustrated stories will have the opportunity to hear from both authors and illustrators during a special storytime, participate in an illustration demonstration, and engage in a discussion about the the process of creating a book. ...

When: August

    Where: The Bronx, NYC, NY US

Canalside Children’s Book Festival

Games, crafts, activities and more at this fun day for children on the Buffalo Waterfront. ...

When: June

    Where: Buffalo, NY US

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is the largest annual children’s book festival in the tristate region. A free outdoor festival with authors, food trucks, entertainment and more. ...

When: September

    Where: Chappaqua, NY US

Charlotte S. Huck Children’s Literature Festival

Each year, the festival brings together educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, illustrators, editors, and those interested in children’s literature for a unique combination of full conference and small group sessions. ...

When: March

    Where: Redlands, CA US

Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival (CCBF)

Enjoy a bevy of fun activities for the whole family including music, balloon animals and even petting snakes and chicks. Author readings and book signings fill out the event, with over 300 book vouchers being distributed to families signing up for the TCFL’s Summer Reading Program. For the pa...

When: June

    Where: Easton, MD US

Children’s Art + Literacy Festival

The Abilene Children’s Art + Literacy Festival (CALF) is a three-day family experience held in the Abilene Cultural District. It was started in 2012 by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and other community leaders to emphasize the importance of families, art, and literacy in Abilene, Texas,...

When: June

    Where: Abilene, TX US

Children’s Book Festival of Johnstown

The Children’s Book Festival of Johnstown is a FREE festival for families of children in preschool through grade 6. ...

When: March

    Where: Johnstown, PA US

Deep Valley Book Festival

The largest literary festival in Southern Minnesota, DVBF provides readers the chance to interact with their favorite authors and meet new ones. This FREE family event features authors and illustrators, book sales and signings, a full day of programs, panel discussions, book readings, and childrens...

When: October

    Where: Mankato, MN US

Durham Children’s Book Festival

An inspiring and fun two-day family-friendly event in August, full of free book-themed activities for kids. Children can enjoy free workshops with authors and illustrators and a range of story and sensory-themed activities to inspire and entertain during the school summer holidays. ...

When: August

    Where: Durham, England UK

Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival

The Children’s Book Festival annually draws approximately 400 visitors to USM and Hattiesburg annually, including librarians, educators and fans of the genre who enjoy and benefit from the event’s programing that includes lectures and workshops featuring renowned authors and illustrators and oth...

When: April

    Where: Hattiesburg, MS US

FOLD Kids Book Festival

Celebrating a diverse array of Canadian children’s literature through events specifically designed for kids, families, and educators. ...

When: November

    Where: Brampton, ON CA

Forest of Reading Festival of Trees

The Ontario Library Association’s (OLA) Forest of Reading and the Festival of Trees occupy places of prominence in Canada’s literary landscape. The Forest of Reading is Canada’s largest recreational reading programme of its kind. Every year, more than 250,000 Ontario children read and vote for...

When: May

    Where: Toronto, ON CA

Funny Pages

Canada’s only festival devoted to books that crack kids up. We believe humour can introduce even the most reluctant reader to the joy of books - and even the most reluctant writer to the joy of putting a smile on someone’s face. Through Funny Pages, we want to see low literacy rates laughed righ...

When: April

    Where: Halifax, NS CA

Glen Rock Childrens Book Festival

The festival features popular children's authors for a day of family fun and storytelling. Come meet your favorite illustrators, support local businesses, and more....

When: October

    Where: Glen Rock, NJ US

Hudson Children’s Book Festival

The Hudson Children’s Book Festival, established in 2009, is held each year in the historic city of Hudson, NY, and strives to create, sustain, and nurture a culture of literacy in partnership with our community and schools. This free, public event fosters a love of reading as families meet and gr...

When: May

    Where: Hudson, NY US

Latinx Kidlit Book Festival

The Latinx Kidlit Book Festival is a virtual celebration of Latinx KidLit authors, illustrators, and books for all students, educators and book lovers everywhere. The festival will present two free days of panels, craft sessions and illustrator draw-offs with your favorite Latinx authors and illustr...

When: September

    Where: , NM US

Little Shop of Stories Children’s Book Festival

Previously known as the Decatur Children's Book Festival, this event features authors and illustrators of children’s picture books, middle-grade literature, and graphic novels, as well as a dedicated stage for young adult literature....

When: May

    Where: Decatur, GA US

Los Angeles Kids Book Festival

The LA Kids Book Festival aims to celebrate children’s literature, foster a love for reading, and provide a platform for both young readers and aspiring authors to engage with the magical world of books....

When: September

    Where: Los Angeles, CA US

Mass Kids Lit Fest

In 2024, the Massachusetts Center for the Book is piloting Mass Kids Lit Fest in the Pioneer Valley, with plans to expand statewide in future years. Help us build excitement around books and reading! This geographically dispersed festival will take place from May 6–12 across Hampshire, Hampden, an...

When: May

    Where: Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties, MA US

MCM-Meridian Sttorytelling Festival

The Storytelling Festival highlights MCM-Meridian’s literacy initiative by hosting performing artists and special guests at the museum. This event features a day of interactive reading, creative storytelling, and musical performances that bring the art of storytelling to life....

When: January

    Where: Meridian, MS US

Minnesota Children’s Book Festival

Taking place at the Anderson Center’s beautiful, historic Tower View campus, the Children’s Book Festival is an ideal opportunity for families to connect, learn and play. Emphasizing the joy of learning through reading and arts activities, the festival has received national acclaim for its effor...

When: September

    Where: Red Wing, MN US

National Young Writers’ Festival

The National Young Writers’ Festival (NYWF) occurs annually in the city of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, over the New South Wales’ Labour Day Holiday Weekend in late September/early October. ...

When: October

    Where: Newcastle, NSW AU

New Zealand Young Writers Festival

Held in the heart of Dunedin, produced by the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust, the festival includes workshops, performances, panel discussions, and bookish social festivities. We join playwrights and poets; comedians and historians; critics and consciences in the sixth annual NZ Young Writers Festival. B...

When: September

    Where: Dunedin, NZ

Newton Children's Book Festival

At the Newton Children’s Book Festival, we celebrate the richness of diverse voices and stories. We believe that literature is a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and connection across different cultures and experiences. We welcome authors of all voices, especially those from mar...

When: December

    Where: Newton, MA US

North Texas Teen Book Festival

The NTTBF is a free book festival created to celebrate teen literature, from both Middle Grade and YA authors. Authors and readers come together for a full day of conversation, book signings, panels and readings....

When: March

    Where: Irving, TX US

Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival

Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival is a new teen book festival focused on teens and tweens of Northwest Ohio. The Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival is a volunteer organization made up of lovers of literature, who have come together to create a fantastic opportunity for teens from Northwest Ohio and t...

When: March

    Where: Rossford, OH US

One Book Two Book Festival

The One Book Two Book Festival in Iowa City is a delightful celebration of children’s literature, hosted by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization. ...

When: February

    Where: Iowa City, IA US

Orange County Children’s Book Festival

There really is something for children of all ages to experience at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival. We know you’ll find our numerous book and educational vendors offering the latest in services and new ideas. You will also be able to buy books too! Newest selections and personally ...

When: June

    Where: Costa Mesa, CA US

Princeton Children’s Book Festival

The Princeton Children’s Book Festival is a town tradition held outside at the Princeton Public Library on Albert E. Hinds Community Plaza. This autumn event promises something for everyone. Young readers can meet their favorite author or illustrator, listen to them discuss their work, have a...

When: October

    Where: Princeton, NJ US

Reading is Magic Festival

The Reading is Magic Festival is a digital event that offers five days of free, inclusive, and engaging activities for schools and families. It features leading authors and illustrators from around the world. The festival is inspired by Cressida Cowell’s Waterstones Children’s Laureate C...

When: October

    Where: Bath, England UK

Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books & Authors

The Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books and Authors, brings writers and illustrators from around the country to Lincoln School. Authors give talks throughout the day, sign their books and mingle with fans....

When: October

    Where: Providence, RI US

Rooted & Radical Youth Poetry Festival

The Rooted & Radical Youth Poetry Festival (R&R) is an annual event that hosts more than 500 youth poets throughout four weeks of showcases, workshops, and special events. ...

When: February

    Where: Chicago, IL US

SML Children’s Book Festival

The Shreve Memorial Library Children's Book Festival is held annually on the first Saturday of May in conjunction with Children's Book Week. The family-friendly festival welcomes children of all ages to celebrate the joy of reading. The event is free to the public and features both local ...

When: May

    Where: Shreveport, LA US

Somerset Storyfest

Somerset Storyfest is a nationally recognised youth literature organisation based on the Gold Coast. Delivering a series of literary experiences along with workshops, masterclasses and featured authors throughout the year, Storyfest nurtures emerging writers and provides opportunities for readers an...

When: April

    Where: Mudgeeraba, QLD AU

Teen Bookfest by the Bay

Teen Bookfest by the Bay is a non-profit organization formed by a group of Corpus Christi Bay area school and public librarians for the express purpose of planning and providing an annual book festival for area teens. Librarians from school and public libraries in Corpus Christi, Orange Grove, Bisho...

When: February

    Where: Corpus Christi, TX US

Telling Tales Festival

We are proud to host a festival, produce a reading list and more, where homegrown Canadian authors, illustrators and storytellers are spotlighted and given the opportunity to connect with fans and new audiences. ...

When: September

    Where: Burlington, ON CA

Texas Storytelling Festival

Join the masters of storytelling at the Texas Storytelling Festival in Denton, Texas. Held over four days, this festival brings together the best in storytelling for an oral tradition that can be enjoyed by all ages. Tales of all genres are shared, and various bands perform throughout the event....

When: March

    Where: Denton, TX US

The Big Malarkey Festival

The Big Malarkey Festival is a celebration of children’s literature for everyone aged 0 – 16 years. The Festival includes amazing artists, authors, illustrators, performers, poets, writers, musicians, makers, dancers and dreamers!...

When: June

    Where: Hull, England UK

Towers and Tales

Towers and Tales is an annual festival, held in Lismore Castle, celebrating the magic of contemporary children’s literature and illustration. ...

When: May

    Where: Lismore, Co. Waterf IE

UND Writers Conference

Founded in 1970 and held every year since, the UND Writers Conference is a three-day event featuring six to eight authors annually ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks and August Wilson to Tommy Orange and Colson Whitehead. The UND Writers Conference is committed to community outreach, engagement, and find...

When: March

    Where: Grand Forks, ND US

Vancouver Island Children’s Book Fest

BookFest is a wonderful, fun-filled day for children and adults alike. Renowned authors and illustrators come from across Canada to present their work, tell stories about their creations and lives, and inspire youth through literature and art. ...

When: April

    Where: Nanaimo, BC CA

Virginia Children’s Book Festival

The Virginia Children’s Book Festival is free, three-day festival held each year on the campus of Longwood University. Come meet your favorite authors and illustrators in person, participate in amazing activities, and and experience the magic of reading. The VCBF was created to inspire kids to...

When: October

    Where: Farmville, VA US

Warwick Children’s Book Festival

The Warwick Children’s Book Festival is an annual event held in Warwick, New York, organized by the Albert Wisner Public Library. The festival celebrates children’s literacy and brings together authors, illustrators, and readers for a day filled with book signings, readings, and activiti...

When: October

    Where: Warwick, NY US

WCU Spring Literary Festival

Western Carolina University’s annual Spring Literary Festival has a long tradition of bringing established and emerging literary talent to our campus and region. It reflects WCU’s commitment to providing the best humanities education possible to its students and to bringing the best of the arts ...

When: April

    Where: Cullowhee, NC US

Whitewater Storytelling Festival

The Whitewater Storytelling Festival promises entertainment for attendees of all ages, with talented storytellers and musicians for the young and young-at-heart. From children’s stories and interactive activities that will spark the creativity of the little ones, to all-ages storytelling sessions ...

When: May

    Where: Whitewater, WI US

Words Of Wonder Literary Festival

Come and join us each year for a literary festival on the South Side of Chicago designed with young readers and writers of all ages in mind! ? We will have interactive literacy and art programming, opportunities for youth and families to connect with community resources, animated storytell...

When: July

    Where: Chicago, IL US

YALLFest Charleston Young Adult Book Festival

YALLFest is a Young Adult book festival hosted by Blue Bicycle Books in Charleston, South Carolina. YALLFest signings, panels, and other events take place at the bookstore as well as at other venues throughout Downtown Charleston, including the Music Hall, the Museum, the Charleston Library Society,...

When: November

    Where: Charleston, SC US

YALLWEST Book Festival

Over 60 authors and presenters including New York Times Bestsellers along with local and acclaimed young adult and middle grade writers, plus notable TV, film, video game, and comic creators.<p> A day of panels, book signings, food trucks, bad jokes, rock ’n’ roll, killer photo ops &...

When: May

    Where: Santa Monica, CA US

Youngstown State University English Festival

An annual 3-day program that promotes and cultivates reading and writing, reaching out to about 3,000 students in grades 7-12 from Northeast OH and Western PA....

When: April

    Where: Youngstown, OH US