The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC drew more than 150,000 visitors and over 500 authors and cultural figures, reaffirming its status as the largest literary event in the United States. It was awesome, but it was last weekend so you will have to wait a year.

A Celebration of Storytelling and Community

Alex, Kim and Darrell at the LA Times Festival of Books

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returned to the University of Southern California campus on April 18–19, 2026, transforming the university’s walkways and courtyards into a vibrant celebration of literature, art, and ideas. Now in its 29th year, the festival continues to serve as a cornerstone of Southern California’s cultural calendar — a place where readers, writers, and thinkers converge to celebrate the written word in all its forms.

Founded in 1996 by the Los Angeles Times and originally hosted at UCLA, the Festival of Books was conceived as a public celebration of reading and storytelling in a city better known for its film industry. The event moved to USC in 2011, where its urban setting and academic atmosphere helped it expand into a multidisciplinary showcase of creativity. Over nearly three decades, the festival has grown from a regional literary fair into a national institution, attracting authors, musicians, filmmakers, and educators from around the world.

Record Attendance and Diverse Programming

This year’s festival drew an estimated 150,000 attendees, according to organizers, with more than 500 authors and celebrities participating in over 300 events across multiple stages and venues on the USC campus. Visitors enjoyed panel discussions, book signings, live music, and interactive exhibits, all under the spring sunshine that has become part of the festival’s charm.

The programming reflected the diversity of Los Angeles itself — from literary fiction and poetry to science, memoir, and social commentary. The Classical California Harmony Hub offered musical interludes and community activities, while the USC Stage hosted performances celebrating rhythm and creativity.

Star Power and Thoughtful Conversations

Among the most talked‑about appearances were Larry David, co‑creator of Seinfeld and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, who joined Los Angeles Times culture critic Lorraine Ali for a humorous conversation about storytelling and satire. Sarah Jessica Parker discussed her publishing imprint, SJP Lit, and her latest novel The Radiant Dark with author Alexandra Oliva. Pat Benatar, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, spoke about her memoir chronicling her music career and personal journey. Tina Knowles, designer and mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, shared insights from her new book on creativity and legacy.

These celebrity panels were balanced by appearances from emerging writers, scholars, and journalists, including USC faculty who led discussions on literature, media, and social change. The festival’s mix of star power and intellectual depth has become one of its defining features — a blend of Hollywood glamour and academic rigor that reflects Los Angeles itself.

The Festival’s Cultural Significance

The L.A. Times Festival of Books is more than an event; it’s a statement about the enduring power of storytelling in a digital age. As publishing adapts to new technologies and attention spans shrink, the festival reminds attendees that books remain vital instruments of empathy and imagination.

For authors, it offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with readers. For publishers, it’s a showcase of talent and innovation. For families, it’s a weekend of discovery — with children’s stages, poetry readings, and hands‑on workshops that make literature accessible to all ages.

The festival also plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and education. Local schools and libraries partner with organizers to bring students to the event, encouraging young readers to see books not as assignments but as adventures.

A Living Tradition

Over the years, the Festival of Books has hosted literary giants such as Ray Bradbury, Joan Didion, Isabel Allende, and Margaret Atwood. Its longevity is a testament to Los Angeles’s evolving identity — a city that embraces both the cinematic and the literary, both spectacle and substance.

This year’s edition continued that tradition, blending nostalgia with innovation. Interactive exhibits showcased AI‑driven storytelling tools and digital publishing platforms, reflecting how technology is reshaping the creative process. Yet the heart of the festival remained human: conversations, laughter, and the shared joy of discovering a new book.

Looking Ahead

As the festival concluded on Sunday evening, organizers reflected on its growing influence. With attendance numbers rivaling major music and film events, the L.A. Times Festival of Books has proven that literature still commands a passionate audience. Plans are already underway for the 2027 edition, which will mark the festival’s 30th anniversary — a milestone likely to draw even larger crowds and more international voices.

In a city often defined by screens and scripts, the Festival of Books stands as a reminder that the most powerful stories are still found between the covers of a book — and in the conversations they inspire.