The Los Angeles Times FestiThe Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the nation’s largest literary and cultural festival, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary on April 26-27, 2025. Hosted at the University of Southern California’s (USC) University Park Campus, this milestone event promises a weekend packed with exciting activities, celebrity authors, and engaging discussions for book lovers of all ages.
With a legacy spanning three decades, the festival continues to inspire, educate, and entertain through a wide variety of literary events, performances, and interactive sessions. This year’s special anniversary edition is expected to be one of the biggest and most memorable in its history.
A Legacy of Literary Celebration
Since its launch in 1996, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has become a cornerstone of literary culture, drawing in over 150,000 attendees annually. It has hosted thousands of authors, including some of the most well-known figures in the literary world. The festival has also helped new and emerging writers find their audience, making it a must-attend event for readers, writers, and publishers alike.
Over the years, the festival has seen appearances from legendary authors, including:
- Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale)
- George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones)
- Isabel Allende (The House of the Spirits)
- Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me)
- Neil Gaiman (Coraline, American Gods)
The festival has also expanded beyond books, incorporating spoken word poetry, live music, culinary showcases, and interactive exhibits, making it a true celebration of creativity in all its forms.
What to Expect at the 30th Anniversary Festival
This year’s festival promises to blend tradition with new and exciting experiences. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Author Panels and Interviews
Book lovers will get the chance to hear from bestselling authors, poets, and literary icons as they share insights into their works and creative processes. These panels will cover various genres, from fiction and non-fiction to poetry, memoirs, and graphic novels.
2. Book Signings
Fans can meet their favorite authors in person and get their books signed. Past years have featured long lines for signings from authors like Stephen King, Michelle Obama, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
3. Exhibitor Booths and Bookstores
The festival will feature hundreds of booths representing major publishing houses, independent bookstores, literary organizations, and self-published authors. Attendees can browse and purchase books, discover new releases, and support local bookstores and small publishers.
4. Live Performances and Readings
The festival’s main stage and smaller performance areas will showcase spoken word poetry, live theatrical readings, and musical performances inspired by literature.
5. Cooking Demonstrations
Food lovers can attend live cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chefs and cookbook authors. Previous years have included Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, and Padma Lakshmi sharing their favorite recipes and cooking tips.
6. Children’s and Young Adult Activities
The festival has a special section for children and young adult readers, featuring:
- Storytelling sessions
- Illustration workshops
- Meet-and-greet events with popular children’s book authors
- Interactive art and craft activities
Young readers can engage with authors of beloved books like R.J. Palacio’s Wonder or Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.
7. Poetry and Spoken Word Performances
Poetry lovers can attend live performances by acclaimed poets and spoken word artists. The festival often highlights poets from the Los Angeles literary scene, including national poetry slam champions and award-winning writers.
8. Latinx and BIPOC Voices in Literature
A special focus will be given to Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented voices, featuring authors and activists who explore themes of identity, heritage, and cultural storytelling.
Planning Your Visit
The Festival of Books is free and open to the public, making it one of the most accessible cultural events in Los Angeles. However, some exclusive author panels, book signings, and special presentations require reserved tickets due to limited seating.
Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the official festival website for event schedules, ticketing information, and any updated health and safety guidelines.
Getting to the Festival
The University of Southern California (USC) campus is centrally located in Los Angeles, making it easy to access by different transportation methods:
- Public Transit: The Metro Expo Line and multiple bus routes serve USC, making it a convenient way to reach the event.
- Parking: Limited on-campus parking is available, but spots fill up quickly. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early or use nearby parking garages.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft will have designated drop-off and pick-up zones near the festival entrance.
For a smooth experience, it’s best to arrange transportation in advance and consider using public transit to avoid traffic congestion.
Stay Connected and Get Updates
For real-time festival updates, attendees can follow the Festival of Books on social media:
- Instagram: @latimesfob
- Facebook: L.A. Times Festival of Books
- X (formerly Twitter): @latimesfob
Additionally, the official Festival of Books mobile app provides attendees with:
- Event schedules
- Speaker lineups
- Festival maps
- Live notifications for last-minute changes
The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Festival
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is more than just a literary event—it’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates storytelling, creativity, and the power of words. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or a casual reader, the festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with authors, fellow book lovers, and the vibrant literary community.
Some reasons why you should attend this year’s festival:
- Experience live discussions with your favorite authors.
- Discover new books and genres you may not have explored before.
- Engage in interactive activities that bring stories to life.
- Network with writers, publishers, and literary professionals.
- Support independent bookstores and emerging authors.
Join the Celebration
As the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books marks its 30th anniversary, it continues to honor the rich tapestry of stories that connect us all. This event is a testament to the power of literature in bringing communities together, inspiring creativity, and fostering meaningful conversations.
Make sure to save the date—April 26-27, 2025—and be part of this historic literary celebration in the heart of Los Angeles.
Whether you’re attending for the authors, discussions, performances, or simply the love of books, this festival is an unmissable experience for anyone who appreciates the magic of storytelling.
