Bay Area Book Festival
Free Outdoor Fair
Downtown Berkeley
Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park
11am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday
2022 Stages at Outdoor Fair:
San Francisco Chronicle Stage, StoryTime Circle, Word Power Stage, Young Readers Stage
The festival’s free Outdoor Fair is a lively, immersive experience jam-packed with fun and exploration for festivalgoers of all ages and interests. The heart of Northern California’s largest weekend literary event beckons book lovers to meet favorite authors, discover new reads, catch live performances on four outdoor stages, relax and unwind, and enjoy fresh, local food.
Nearly 150 exhibitors including acclaimed and emerging authors will be joined by an eclectic array of independent booksellers, publishers, poets, book artists and thought leaders from all over the region, nation and the world.
Anchored by a 600-seat outdoor stage with prominent literary talent hosted by the San Francisco Chronicle, the festival offers stage programming surrounded by a park full of on-site exhibitors. The outdoor fair features three additional stages geared largely toward young readers: Young Readers Stage for middle grade and teens; Word Power Stage for all ages with special programming for teens and young adults; and Storytime Circle for youngsters. In addition a powerful music and poetry showcase will be held both days in the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza sponsored by Downtown Berkeley Association and KPFA 941. For the full Poetry in the Plaza lineup, click here!
Children and families can create their own books, make original art with found objects, and participate in a wide range of STEM and STEAM activities in the Family Fun Zone.
RETURNING ─ LA COCINA FOOD COURT!
We are thrilled about the continuing partnership with La Cocina to bring sustainably-sourced, mouth-watering eats to the festival. The nationally-recognized nonprofit incubator kitchen has pioneered a movement to help mostly women of color and immigrants cultivate food businesses.
READING LOUNGES
Take a break from the hustle and bustle in the outdoor fair’s outdoor reading nooks and lounges. Grab a book and relax in camping chairs, hammocks, and Stan Clark’s whimsical “Astrobotanicals” sculptures.