From the Library of Congress National Book Festival to the Edinburgh Book Fair, August brings some events that book lovers in America, the UK and Canada will find enjoyable. Here are eight diverse festivals focused on the written and spoken word, art books, Black culture, LBGTQ themes, and regional experiences. Visit their websites for schedules and particulars. Most are free, a few have associated fees.
Some events live streamed as early as Aug. 3rd
Most events are LIVE on Sat., Aug. 12, 2023
Library of Congress National Book Festival, Washington, DC Free and open to the public.
The Library of Congress National Book Festival is an annual literary event that brings together best-selling authors, poets and illustrators with thousands of readers for book talks, panel discussions, book signings and other engaging activities. Over the course of its 20-year history, the Festival has become one of the most prominent literary events in the nation.
https://www.loc.gov/events/2023-national-book-festival/
https://www.loc.gov/events/2023-national-book-festival/schedule/
Aug. 4 - 6, 2023
When Words Collide, Calgary, Canada, Some of the events at this popular Canadian event are free. According to its website it is mostly sold out, but would-be participants can register for the waiting list. See the link for details
When Words Collide is an annual non-profit festival designed to bring readers and writers together in a celebration of the written word. Up to 10 tracks of programming, beginning at 1pm on Friday and running through 5pm Sunday, offer informational, educational, and social activities covering a wide spectrum of literature including Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Literary, Script-writing, Poetry, Comics, and Non-fiction. Roughly 650 readers, writers, editors, publishers, agents, and artists attend with over 200 presenters in this exciting Canadian program. http://www.whenwordscollide.org/
Aug. 11 - 13, 2023
OUTWRITE, Washington, DC, Free and open to the public.
OutWrite is Washington, D.C.’s annual LGBTQ literary festival. https://thedccenter.org/outwrite/#2022
Aug. 10 - 13, 2023
LOS ANGELES ART BOOK FAIR, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.
This appears to be a trade fair for art books. Info posted online does not make it clear if there is an admission fee, nor is a schedule of events posted.
Initiated in 2013, the LA Art Book Fair is a celebration and international gathering for artists’ book publishers to distribute their work, connect with broad audiences, and nurture new and longstanding relationships.
Aug. 12 - 28, 2023,
Edinburgh International Book Festival, Scotland
See the website for a schedule and list of free and paid events.
Edinburgh International Book Festival is a distinctive international showcase celebrating the written word, literature and ideas. Every August it brings around 500 writers and thinkers from leading and emerging international, British and Scottish authors and thinkers together to inspire each other and audiences in an extensive program of public events. It claims to be the largest public celebration of the written word in the world.
Aug. 19, 2023
Mississippi Book Festival, Jackson, MS. Free and open to the public.
The Mississippi Book Festival is a nonprofit organization founded by literacy advocates. Launched in 2015 on the State Capitol grounds it continues to draw thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” and book lovers’ celebration. Visit their Replay festival pages for highlights, pictures and videos of past festivals.
Aug. 19, 2023
Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair, Dallas, TX, Free and open to the public.
Tulisoma, Swahili for “we read,” is a community-based literary festival promoting literacy and the arts in the South Dallas/Fair Park area. Founded in 2003, the goal of Tulisoma is to create a dynamic event tailored to engage local families, avid readers, aspiring writers and visitors to the city.
https://aamdallas.org/events/ scroll down for schedule of the free events at Tulsisoma.
Aug. 25 - 27, 2023
James Baldwin Festival of Words, Chattanooga, TN Free and open to the public.
This event is a part of the Black Arts and Ideas Festivals. Billed as “A celebration of Black literary excellence,” this new festival features a Black author marketplace, panel discussion, workshops, a spoken word and hip hop showcase, and more. https://www.blackartsandideasfest.com/festivals/james-baldwin-festival-of-words
