Texas Book Festival 2024

The Texas Book Festival, held annually in Austin, Texas, is recognized as one of the premier literary events in the United States. Scheduled for November 16-17, 2024, the festival continues its tradition of celebrating literature and fostering a love of reading among Texans of all ages. This convention promises to be a significant event in the literary calendar, offering a rich array of activities and opportunities for literary engagement.

Festival Activities

The Texas Book Festival offers a diverse range of activities designed to engage literature enthusiasts. According to the organizers, attendees can expect a variety of events, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and live music. Additionally, there are dedicated activities for children, such as storytelling sessions, crafts, and interactions with costumed characters. The festival also features a selection of food trucks and vendors, providing a vibrant atmosphere around the State Capitol in downtown Austin.

Schedule and Program

The 29th annual Texas Book Festival will take place on November 16–17, 2024. Festival hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday and 11 am – 5 pm on Sunday. Book sales, managed by BookPeople, will be hosted in the Main Book Sales Tent and Children’s Book Sales/Signing Tent, both located on 11th Street and Congress Avenue. The tents will be open from 9:30 am to 5 pm on Saturday and from 10:30 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Visitors may bring one pre-owned book for signing, though guidelines vary by author. For the full schedule, including author presentations and panels, visit the festival's official website.

Tickets and Parking

The Texas Book Festival is a free event but will feature two special ticketed sessions with renowned authors Malcolm Gladwell and Matthew McConaughey. On Saturday, November 16, at 12:45 pm, Gladwell will discuss his upcoming book Revenge of the Tipping Point in conversation with Michele Norris at First Baptist Church in Austin. McConaughey will host an interactive presentation celebrating the paperback release of Greenlights on Sunday, November 17, at 2 pm at the same venue. Additionally, McConaughey’s sold-out 4 pm session with director Richard Linklater will explore Greenlights, including a new afterword. Due to limited parking in downtown Austin, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or ride-sharing services.

Location and Infrastructure

The festival is held in and around the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, a central location that offers ample amenities. Austin, known for its vibrant cultural scene, provides additional opportunities for exploration. Visitors can explore local bookstores such as BookPeople, one of the city's largest independent bookstores, or enjoy the eclectic exhibits at the Blanton Museum of Art. The nearby Barton Springs Pool offers a refreshing outdoor experience, while the Texas State History Museum provides a deeper dive into the state's rich heritage. The proximity to these attractions makes Austin a convenient and appealing destination for both local and out-of-town visitors.

History

Founded in 1995 by Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the Texas Book Festival was created to celebrate Texas authors and support the state's public libraries. The inaugural festival took place in November 1996. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, now drawing over 40,000 attendees and featuring more than 250 authors annually. The festival has become known for its inclusion of notable national and international authors, including Booker Prize winners and Pulitzer Prize recipients.

The festival also supports literacy programs throughout the year. Since its inception, the Texas Book Festival has donated over $3.5 million to Texas public libraries and provided more than 166,000 books to students in Title I schools through its Reading Rock Stars and Real Reads programs. These initiatives aim to foster a love of reading among young readers and support literacy development across the state.