Bay Area Book Festival

We’ll see you on May 4 + 5, 2019!

Tens of thousands of book lovers meet hundreds of acclaimed authors over an exciting weekend in downtown Berkeley, California. One of the premier literary events in the nation!

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Sneak Peek of 2019 Speakers released

Sponsorships for the 2019 festival available

Join us on Thursday, February 21 for our next Women Lit Live event:

An Evening with Gloria Steinem: More Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions

Gloria Steinem in conversation with Favianna Rodriguez,
moderated by Lauren Schiller.
7:00 p.m. program, followed by book signing

The Castro Theatre
429 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
General Admission $20; Students $15

Program/
Schedule

Authors&
Speakers

Outdoor Fair

Children and
Family

Festival FAQ

2019 Speaker Sneak Peek

Esi Edugyan

Jose Antonio Vargas

Linn Ullman

Shane Bauer

Jamel Brinkley

"Moby" Richard Melvile Hall

R.O Kwon

David Blight

Megan Abbott

Tommy Pico

Discover more speakers

“It was perfect. Couldn’t have been better. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity.”

Robert Reich, Author

“My experience was unbelievable. Each of the panels I attended exceeded my expectations. This Festival was the high point of my year.”

Attendee

“My best festival experience ever.”

Pulitzer finalist Hernan Diaz

“I was incredibly inspired by how this Festival provides so many writers and artists with the opportunity to share their work with such a vibrant community in the Bay Area.”

Attendee

“I was truly impressed by the scope and diversity of the panels, participants, and overall programming.”

Maw Shein Win, Author

“The panelists were clearly selected with care, and in all cases I could have listened to them speak all day.”

Attendee

“All the writers I spoke to expressed their love and admiration for the Festival. I do mean all the writers – every single one.”

Marie Mockett, Author

“I’m pretty sure that everyone who attended will agree that they will be forever changed.”

Elizabeth Rosner, Author

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Donate

We keep the festival low cost so all can participate. Nearly 90% of our budget comes from donors and sponsors ─ and your donation is essential to making it all possible.
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Volunteer

Volunteers are a crucial part of the Festival’s success each year. No experience is necessary and you’ll enjoy learning what is required to produce a major literary event!
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Bay Area Book Festival

An Evening with Gloria Steinem: More Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions

Program/
Schedule

Authors&
Speakers

Outdoor Fair

Children and
Family