Calling for all bookworms, it’s time to step out of your cozy reading nooks and into the wild world of book festivals! Whether you’re into romance novels or non-fiction, there’s a festival out there that will tickle your literary fancy. Here, we will discuss some upcoming best book festivals to look out for in 2023.
I adore book events because I meet my favorite authors, explore new books and authors, and connect with other book lovers. One can attend fun and educational events while supporting the literary community. Overall, book festivals are a great way to immerse myself in literature.
From sunny San Diego to bustling Atlanta, book lovers around the country are gearing up for some of the year’s biggest and best book festivals. With a lineup of author panels, book signings, and literary events that will make any bibliophile swoon, these festivals are not to be missed.
Grab your reading glasses and get ready for some fantastic upcoming book festivals!
Book Festivals For Book Lovers to Look Out For in 2023
1. The Imaginarium Book Festival
Place: Washington D.C.
Date: May 20-21, 2023
The Imaginarium Book Festival honors imaginative, paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy. You may meet your favorite authors, get their books autographed, and have brunch with them at the cosmic brunch buffet in addition to panels and a Lit Talk in which authors respond to your questions.
Amazing authors like Chelsea Abdullah, Kalynn Bayron, Roseanne A. Brown, Scarlett St. Clair, Andrea Tang, and many others have already indicated they will attend.
2. Sleuthfest
Place: Boca Raton, Florida
Date: July 6-9, 2023
The largest convention for mystery, suspense, and thriller writers will return in July. Sleuthfest is a fantastic conference for a mystery/thriller writer or reader because they often provide readings, author signings, and many creative, entertaining seminars on the craft of writing mysteries.
Authors are welcome to attend but need more time to disclose who will be there. Previously honored guests have included Meg Gardiner, Dennis Lehane, Jeffery Deaver, Tracy Clark, and Genevieve Essig.
3. Readercon
Place: Quincy, Massachusetts
Date: July 13-16, 2023
The main book festival for science fiction, fantasy, and speculative literature took a vacation due to the epidemic. Still, they are all scheduled to hold an in-person conference in July. The Shirley Jackson Awards for dark fantasy and psychological suspense are presented during this con, jam-packed with panels, author readings and signings, workshops, and other events.
There is currently no information available regarding the authors who will be attending the event next year. Still, past attendees have included T. Kingfisher, Catherynne M. Valente, Amal El-Mohtar, Megan Whalen Turner, and Darcy Little Badger, to name a few.
4. Book Bonanza
Place: Grapevine, Texas
Date: June 23-24, 2023
Colleen Hoover and her sisters founded Book Bonanza, a festival honoring books of all genres with a strong emphasis on romance, and it consistently draws a long list of outstanding authors. The humanitarian objective of Book Bonanza, rather than just its remarkable roster of attendees, is what sets it apart.
All profits are contributed to charitable causes, such as those that assist women and children, victims of domestic abuse, and those that promote reading. We’d be here all day if I named them all, but next year’s bonanza will include Colleen Hoover, Mia Sosa, Scarlett St. Clair, Sonali Dev, Zoraida Córdova, Emily McIntire, and much more.
5. International Christian Retail Show
Place: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia
Date: June 25-28, 2023
According to Sara Bolme, author of Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace, this is the best book show for Christian authors. Global suppliers and merchants of Christian goods will be able to meet on a significant scale at the International Christian Retail Show.
Because various Christian goods will be displayed under one roof, this event is an excellent venue for connecting vendors and customers. As a result, this event will save customers time and energy by reducing the effort required to move from store to store.
6. The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase
Place: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Date: June 27-30, 2023
The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase is an event that takes place annually as part of the RBMS conference, which brings together librarians, booksellers, collectors, and other professionals who work with rare books, manuscripts, and special collections. The Booksellers’ Showcase allows booksellers and exhibitors to display and sell their rare books, manuscripts, prints, and other items to the conference attendees.
It features various products, including original art and illustration, historical documents, maps, and other unique items. It is an excellent opportunity for attendees to browse and purchase rare and exciting things from booksellers and exhibitors.
7. Mississippi Book Festival
Place: Jackson, Mississippi
Date: August 19, 2023
The Mississippi Book Festival is an annual event in Jackson, Mississippi. It was founded in 2015 by a group of literacy advocates and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy and celebrating books and authors.
The festival takes place on the State Capitol grounds and features a variety of events, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and children’s activities. It is a family-friendly event that promotes a love of reading and books in people of all ages.
The Mississippi Book Festival has become popular, drawing thousands of attendees each year to its “literary lawn party” and celebration of books. The festival has featured various authors, including best-selling novelists, poets, memoirists, journalists, and local and regional writers.
8. Bouchercon World Mystery Convention
Place: San Diego, California
Date: August 30-September 03, 2023
The World Mystery Convention, a nonprofit organization of volunteers, hosts an annual convention in Anthony Boucher’s honor. Boucher is a renowned mystery fiction critic, editor, and author.
Every year, readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, and other crime fiction fans congregate for a 4-day weekend of learning, entertainment, and fun at Bouchercon, their annual world mystery convention.
9. Washington Island Literary Festival
Place: Washington Island
Date: September 21-23, 2023
This festival celebrates the written word and brings together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts from around the country. The festival is known for its moveable feast of events, which take place at various venues around the island.
These venues include historical sites, quaint buildings, and beautiful outdoor locations, providing a unique and inspiring setting for the festival’s events. The festival offers a range of activities, including writers’ workshops, author panels, presentations, readings, and parties.
Attendees can hear from diverse writers and engage in discussions and conversations about literature and writing.
10. Twin Cities Book Festival
Place: St Paul, Minnesota
Date: October 14, 2023
This festival offers a wide range of activities, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and a large book fair featuring publishers, booksellers, and literary organizations. Attendees can meet and interact with authors, discover new books and literary works, and discuss literature and writing.
The festival has become a highly anticipated event in the Twin Cities area and is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It provides a unique opportunity for book lovers of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the written word and engage with the literary community. Whether a casual reader or a devoted book lover, the Twin Cities Book Festival offers something for everyone.
Conclusion| Best Book Festivals to Look Out For in 2023
So, what do you feel about it? Book festivals are a fantastic way to celebrate the joy of reading, connect with other book lovers, and discover new books and authors.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular genre or love to read, there’s a book festival for you. I know all of you live in different parts of the world, and not every one of you can physically attend the festival, but for those who have a chance, grab it!
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