Las Vegas Book Festival 2026
Celebrate books, writers, and the magic of storytelling at the Las Vegas Book Festival on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Nevada’s largest literary event returns for its 25th year with acclaimed authors, engaging panel discussions, book signings, poetry, and family-friendly activities.
Held at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas, the festival welcomes readers of every age and interest. Explore fiction, fantasy, politics, history, social issues, young adult literature, poetry, and more during this free, daylong celebration.
Register for Free Festival Updates
Las Vegas Book Festival Event Details
- Event: Las Vegas Book Festival 2026
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free; tickets are not required
- Age Restriction: All ages are welcome
- Venue: Historic Fifth Street School
- Address: 401 S. Fourth St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Official Website: LasVegasBookFestival.com
The complete 2026 schedule, including session locations and signing times, will be published closer to the event.
What to Expect at the Las Vegas Book Festival
The Las Vegas Book Festival brings readers and writers together for conversations about books, creativity, culture, and the issues shaping our world. Programming takes place throughout the Historic Fifth Street School campus, offering guests the freedom to build their own festival experience.
Festival activities are expected to include:
- Conversations with nationally recognized authors
- Literary panels covering several genres and topics
- Author readings and book signings
- Books available for purchase
- Poetry readings and competitions
- Arts and crafts for children
- Family read-alongs and youth programming
- Community organizations and literary exhibitors
Headline authors will have books available for purchase and are expected to participate in signings following their panel discussions. Sessions, authors, and times are subject to change.
2026 Las Vegas Book Festival Headliners
Tony Weaver Jr.
Tony Weaver Jr. is the author of Weirdo and an advocate for young people who embrace comics, gaming, animation, and other parts of nerd culture. His appearance offers younger readers an opportunity to hear from an author who celebrates individuality, confidence, and creativity.
Harry Reid: Then & Now
Nevada political journalist and author Jon Ralston will join local television reporter and political analyst Steve Sebelius for a conversation about the life, career, and continuing influence of former U.S. Senator Harry Reid.
Ralston is the author of The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight.
Natalie Baszile
Author Natalie Baszile joins the 2026 festival lineup for a discussion of her writing and literary career.
Legends, Myths and Aliens Too!
The “Legends, Myths and Aliens Too!” panel brings together bestselling authors for an imaginative conversation about supernatural mysteries, sweeping fantasy worlds, ancient lore, and comedic science fiction.
Participating authors include:
- Ayana Gray
- Clarence A. Haynes
- Kimberly Lemming
- Meghan Le Fay
- Vanessa L. Torres
- Yasmin Angoe
From mythological worlds to alien encounters, the discussion will explore how authors transform folklore, imagination, and the unknown into memorable stories.
See the complete 2026 speaker list.
Spark! Youth Poetry Competition
The annual Spark! Youth Poetry Competition invites Clark County high school students in grades 9 through 12 to share their original writing at the festival’s Poetry Pavilion.
Participating students will present three original poems before a live audience on October 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Cash prizes:
- First Place: $300
- Second Place: $200
- Third Place: $100
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2026
Learn more and register for the Spark! Youth Poetry Competition.
Family Activities and Young Readers
The Las Vegas Book Festival is open to all ages and offers activities created especially for children, teenagers, and families. The complete youth schedule will be released closer to the festival.
Planned programming includes arts and crafts, read-alongs, youth author sessions, and opportunities for young readers to discover new books. Parents should supervise children and review the final schedule to find sessions appropriate for their ages and interests.
Watch the Las Vegas Book Festival Video
See what makes the Las Vegas Book Festival one of downtown’s most anticipated annual cultural events.
Where Is the Las Vegas Book Festival?
The festival takes place at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas. The Spanish Revival-style cultural campus is located near Las Vegas Boulevard and Charleston Boulevard.
Location: Historic Fifth Street School
Address: 401 S. Fourth St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Festival discussions and activities may take place in different indoor and outdoor areas of the campus. Review the final program for the location of each session.
Parking and Transportation
Downtown parking is available in public garages, paid lots, and metered spaces surrounding the Historic Fifth Street School. Availability and rates vary by location.
Use the parking map below to identify nearby parking options before traveling to the festival. Arrive early because the closest spaces may fill quickly.
Rideshare services can also help visitors avoid searching for a parking space. Confirm that your pickup or drop-off point does not block festival entrances or surrounding traffic.
Las Vegas Parking Fees & Information
Know Before You Go
- The festival is free, and tickets are not required.
- Optional registration is available for guests who want festival updates.
- Arrive early to find parking and review the festival schedule.
- Bring a reusable bag for books and festival materials.
- Some programming may take place outdoors, so dress for the weather.
- Authors, panels, signing times, and locations are subject to change.
- Books and other merchandise may be available for purchase.
- Check the official website before attending for the final schedule.
Celebrate 25 Years of the Las Vegas Book Festival
Spend the day discovering new writers, meeting favorite authors, attending fascinating discussions, and sharing the joy of reading with family and friends. Admission is free, making the Las Vegas Book Festival an accessible literary celebration for the entire community.
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