Events & Conventions

Discover book conventions, writing conferences, festivals, and workshops.

May21

Hay Festival 2026

festival

One of the world's most celebrated literary festivals, set in the stunning Welsh countryside. Eleven days of conversations with writers, scientists, politicians, and musicians. The festival site is free to enter; individual event tickets required.

May 21 – 31, 2026Hay-on-Wye, Wales, United KingdomFree entry, £5–£20 per event
literary fictionnon-fictionpoetryscience
Jun2

SFWA Nebula Awards Conference 2026

conference

The 61st Nebula Awards Conference, hosted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. A week of programming celebrating excellence in science fiction and fantasy writing, culminating in the prestigious Nebula Awards ceremony.

Jun 2 – 7, 2026Chicago, Illinois, United States$250–$350
science fictionfantasyawardswriting craft
Jun25

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026

conference

The American Library Association's 150th Anniversary conference. Five days of programming for librarians, publishers, and book lovers, featuring the Library Marketplace, education programs, author appearances, and celebrations of reading and literacy.

Jun 25 – 29, 2026Chicago, Illinois, United States$200–$500
librariespublishingliteracychildren
Jul15

RWA Conference 2026

conference

The Romance Writers of America annual conference, the defining professional development event for romance authors. Workshops on craft, pitch appointments with editors and agents, the RITA Awards ceremony, book signings, and an unmatched networking community.

Jul 15 – 18, 2026Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States$399–$499
romancewriting craftpitch sessionsawards
Jul23

Writer's Digest Annual Conference 2026

conference

The premier conference for writers at every level, covering craft, genre, and the business of writing including traditional publishing, self-publishing, marketing strategies, and career management. Features pre-conference workshops and pitch sessions.

Jul 23 – 25, 2026New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States$300–$600
writing craftpublishingmarketingpitch sessions
Aug15

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026

festival

One of the largest and most prestigious book festivals in the world, featuring 16 days of author talks, creative writing workshops, book signings, debates, and discussions. Hosted at Edinburgh College of Art with independent bookshops on site.

Aug 15 – 30, 2026Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomFree–£15 per event
literary fictionnon-fictionpoetrychildren
Aug24

National Book Festival 2026

festivalHybrid

The Library of Congress National Book Festival, a free celebration of reading and literacy. Features acclaimed authors, illustrators, and poets in conversations and presentations, with programs livestreamed and recorded for online viewing.

Aug 24 – 24, 2026Washington, District of Columbia, United StatesFree
literary fictionnon-fictionpoetrychildren
Aug27

Worldcon / LAcon V 2026

convention

The 84th World Science Fiction Convention, returning to Los Angeles. Five days of panels, workshops, readings, art shows, and the prestigious Hugo Awards ceremony. Guests of Honor include Barbara Hambly, Ronald D. Moore, and Colleen Doran.

Aug 27 – 31, 2026Anaheim, California, United States$100–$250
science fictionfantasyHugo Awardsfandom
Sep4

Dragon Con 2026

convention

One of the largest multi-media pop culture conventions in the world, featuring dedicated literary tracks for Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, and a Writers' Track. Author panels, writing workshops, book signings, costume contests, and a vibrant literary community within a massive pop culture celebration.

Sep 4 – 7, 2026Atlanta, Georgia, United States$100–$200
science fictionfantasyyoung adultwriting craft
Sep20

Brooklyn Book Festival 2026

festivalHybrid

New York City's largest free literary event. Features a full day Festival & Literary Marketplace with 250+ publishers, hundreds of authors, panel discussions, and activities. Includes a Children's Day, virtual programming, and citywide Bookends events across all five boroughs.

Sep 20 – 28, 2026Brooklyn, New York, United StatesFree
literary fictionpoetrynon-fictionchildren
Sep25

Baltimore Comic-Con 2026

convention

A fan-friendly convention celebrating comics, graphic novels, and genre fiction. Features the prestigious Ringo Awards for comic book excellence, artist alley, panel discussions, and extensive programming for fans of visual storytelling and genre fiction.

Sep 25 – 27, 2026Baltimore, Maryland, United States$30–$80
comicsgraphic novelsgenre fictionillustration
Oct7

Frankfurt Book Fair 2026

book fair

The world's largest and most important international book fair. Five days of rights trading, business deals, cultural events, and seminars bringing together the global publishing industry. The definitive event for international rights sales and publishing trends.

Oct 7 – 11, 2026Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany€25–€500
rights tradinginternational publishingindustry trendstechnology
Oct8

New York Comic Con 2026

convention

The largest pop culture event on the East Coast, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Major publisher panels, author signings, exclusive book reveals, and a massive exhibitor hall. Key event for genre fiction fans with dedicated book programming alongside comics, film, and TV.

Oct 8 – 11, 2026New York, New York, United States$50–$200
genre fictioncomicsyoung adultfantasy
Oct9

Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026

festival

The world's longest-running literature festival, featuring ten days and over 450 events with award-winning writers and world-renowned thinkers. Conversations, debates, workshops, and performances in the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham.

Oct 9 – 18, 2026Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom£5–£25 per event
literary fictionnon-fictionpoetryideas
Oct21

Bouchercon 2026 — World Mystery Convention

convention

The World Mystery Convention, the premier event for mystery and crime fiction. Features Louise Penny (Lifetime Achievement), Kathy Reichs, Harlan Coben, and Jennifer Hillier among the Guests of Honour. Panels, readings, awards, and networking for mystery fans and authors.

Oct 21 – 25, 2026Calgary, Alberta, Canada$200–$400 CAD
mysterycrime fictionthrillerawards
Nov2

20BooksTo50K 2026

conference

The biggest conference in the world focused exclusively on self-publishing success. A week of intensive sessions covering book marketing, advertising, Amazon algorithms, series strategy, and building a sustainable indie author career. Known for its generous author community and actionable takeaways.

Nov 2 – 9, 2026Las Vegas, Nevada, United States$200–$400
self-publishingbook marketingAmazonadvertising
Nov8

SAM: Storytelling Across Media 2026

conference

A one-day symposium by Comic-Con International exploring storytelling across comics, books, gaming, movies, and other media. Features panels on narrative craft, audio dramas, and cross-platform storytelling. Free with Comic-Con Museum admission.

Nov 8 – 8, 2026San Diego, California, United StatesFree with museum admission
storytellingcomicsgamingcross-media
Nov14

Texas Book Festival 2026

festival

One of the premier literary festivals in the United States. A free, two-day event featuring 250–300 authors from Texas and beyond, with panels, readings, book signings, live music, and a vibrant exhibitor marketplace in downtown Austin.

Nov 14 – 15, 2026Austin, Texas, United StatesFree
literary fictionnon-fictionchildrenyoung adult
Nov15

Miami Book Fair 2026

festival

The nation's premier literary festival, featuring eight days of programming in November. Hundreds of authors, readings, panels, book signings, and a massive street fair. A cultural cornerstone of Miami bringing together readers and writers from around the world.

Nov 15 – 22, 2026Miami, Florida, United StatesFree–$20
literary fictionnon-fictionpoetrychildren
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