19 U.S. Cities Hosting Must-Visit Book Festivals for Every Book Lover
For book lovers, there’s nothing quite like attending a book festival.
These events bring together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts for days filled with readings, panel discussions, signings, and more.
Across the U.S., certain cities stand out for their incredible book festivals that celebrate the joy of reading and storytelling.
Whether you’re into fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, these festivals offer something for every reader.
From coast to coast, here are 19 U.S. cities known for their book festivals that every literary fan should have on their travel list.
1. Washington, D.C.
The National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., is a major event that draws literary giants and book lovers alike.
Organized by the Library of Congress, this festival features author talks, readings, and book signings.
It’s a must-attend event for anyone passionate about books.
2. New York City, New York
New York City’s Brooklyn Book Festival is one of the largest free literary events in the country.
It brings together top authors, poets, and thinkers for discussions, readings, and more.
The festival celebrates literature in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
3. Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the largest book festival in the U.S.
Held annually at the University of Southern California, this event attracts thousands of visitors.
It’s a massive celebration of literature with a diverse lineup of authors and genres.
4. Miami, Florida
Miami Book Fair is one of the most prestigious book festivals in the country.
Held each November, the festival features a week of author presentations, readings, and street fairs.
It’s a literary event that brings together a multicultural audience and renowned authors.
5. Austin, Texas
The Texas Book Festival, held in Austin, is a two-day event packed with author discussions, panels, and book signings.
It’s a major literary gathering that celebrates books in the heart of Texas.
With its laid-back vibe, Austin provides the perfect setting for book lovers to unite.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
6. Seattle, Washington
Lit Crawl Seattle is part of the larger Seattle Lit Fest, a quirky and fun book festival with events spread across the city.
Participants can enjoy readings in bookstores, bars, and even laundromats.
It’s a unique celebration of literature with Seattle’s creative flair.
7. Tucson, Arizona
The Tucson Festival of Books is one of the largest book festivals in the Southwest.
Held on the University of Arizona campus, this festival draws over 100,000 visitors.
It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves books, featuring authors from all genres.
8. Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Book Festival brings together a diverse array of authors and readers in the heart of the city.
With events across historic Boston, this festival is a literary celebration with a strong community focus.
It offers workshops, readings, and interactive events for all ages.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
9. Atlanta, Georgia
The AJC Decatur Book Festival in Atlanta is one of the largest independent book festivals in the U.S.
Held over Labor Day weekend, it features author talks, panel discussions, and a street fair filled with books.
It’s a lively event that celebrates literature in all its forms.
10. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Litquake is a city-wide celebration of literature, filled with readings, performances, and interactive events.
The festival culminates in the legendary Lit Crawl, where participants can move through the city attending different literary events.
It’s a fun and immersive experience for any book lover.
11. Portland, Oregon
Portland’s Wordstock is a literary festival that celebrates the city’s love for books.
Hosted by the Portland Art Museum, the festival features author discussions, workshops, and plenty of book signings.
It’s a laid-back yet engaging event for readers of all ages.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
12. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival celebrates the life and work of the iconic playwright, while also featuring contemporary authors.
This festival includes panel discussions, readings, and performances, making it a cultural event that’s as literary as it is entertaining.
13. Charlottesville, Virginia
The Virginia Festival of the Book, held in Charlottesville, is a five-day event that highlights the importance of books and reading.
This festival features a diverse lineup of authors, ranging from fiction and non-fiction to poetry and memoir.
It’s a community-driven event that fosters a love of literature.
14. Chicago, Illinois
The Printer’s Row Lit Fest in Chicago is one of the Midwest’s largest literary festivals.
It’s a celebration of the written word, offering author talks, booksellers, and literary discussions.
Set in the historic Printer’s Row district, it’s a festival with deep roots in the city’s literary history.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
15. Denver, Colorado
Denver’s Rocky Mountain Book and Paper Fair is a unique festival that celebrates rare and antique books.
Collectors and book lovers gather to browse and buy from a wide selection of books, maps, and other literary treasures.
It’s a book festival with a special focus on history and preservation.
16. Nashville, Tennessee
The Southern Festival of Books in Nashville is a celebration of Southern literature and storytelling.
Held each October, the festival features author presentations, panel discussions, and book signings.
It’s a warm, welcoming event where readers can connect with their favorite authors.
17. Raleigh, North Carolina
The North Carolina Book Festival in Raleigh highlights local and national authors in an intimate, welcoming setting.
With readings, workshops, and panel discussions, this festival is a celebration of the state’s literary tradition.
It’s a smaller festival with a big heart.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
18. Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Twin Cities Book Festival is Minnesota’s largest literary event, attracting readers and authors from around the region.
The festival offers book signings, readings, and a lively marketplace for book lovers.
It’s a family-friendly event that celebrates books in a warm, community atmosphere.
19. Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair is a long-running festival dedicated to rare books, first editions, and literary artifacts.
It’s a must-visit for collectors and lovers of old books.
The event brings together booksellers and enthusiasts in one of Michigan’s most literary cities.
More from The Modern Day Adventurer
- Global Coffee Capitals: 16 Cities Every Coffee Enthusiast Needs to Explore
- Explore These 19 Iconic Religious Sites for a Spiritual Journey
- 17 Must-Visit Cities for Anyone Obsessed with Movies
- 18 Best Cities to Explore in South America for an Unforgettable Trip
- Top 18 Relaxing Weekend Destinations Just Hours from New York City
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
