Las Vegas Book Festival returns to Historic Fifth Street School on October 17th, 2026 for its 25th year of author conversations, book signings, poetry, workshops and family activities. The free literary festival runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Downtown Las Vegas and is open to readers of all ages.
Presented by the City of Las Vegas, the festival brings nationally recognized authors together with local writers, young poets and readers. Programming spans fiction, fantasy, science fiction, politics, culture and community, with additional activities designed specifically for children and teens.
Meet the Featured Authors
This year’s featured authors include Tony Weaver Jr., Natalie Baszile, Jon Ralston, Ayana Gray, Clarence A. Haynes, Kimberly Lemming, Meghan Le Fay, Vanessa L. Torres and Yasmin Angoe.
Featured authors will participate in discussions throughout the day, and books will be available for purchase. Book signings are scheduled after select panel discussions, giving attendees an opportunity to meet participating writers and have books signed.
Author Panels and Literary Conversations
The festival includes a range of panel discussions covering different genres and subjects. Local television reporter and political analyst Steve Sebelius will interview Jon Ralston about his book The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight.
Fantasy, supernatural stories and science fiction will come together during the Legends, Myths and Aliens Too! panel. Ayana Gray, Clarence A. Haynes, Kimberly Lemming, Meghan Le Fay, Vanessa L. Torres and Yasmin Angoe will discuss fantasy worlds, supernatural mythology, alien encounters and comedic science fiction.
Culture and Community Discussions
Additional programming explores identity, culture and community. The Identidad Literaria y Comunidad Hispana panel features Mapy Durán and Augusto Lemus M. of Grupo Literario Comala alongside Ere González.
A Native Homelands discussion moderated by Dr. Fátima Suárez adds another perspective to the day’s cultural programming. The complete panel and presentation schedule will be released closer to the festival.
Spark! Youth Poetry Competition
Young writers can participate in the annual Spark! Youth Poetry Competition, open to Clark County students in grades 9 through 12. The competition takes place at the festival’s Poetry Pavilion, with cash prizes awarded to the top three competitors.
Students interested in competing must register in advance. The current registration deadline for the poetry competition is October 12th.
Activities for Children and Families
Las Vegas Book Festival is an all-ages event, with children’s programming scheduled alongside the author sessions. Family activities include arts and crafts, read-alongs, interactive activities for young readers and illustrator demonstrations.
The festival’s mix of adult panels and children’s activities allows families to spend several hours exploring different parts of the program rather than attending a single presentation.
Books, Independent Vendors and Signings
Visitors can browse independent book vendors and literary exhibitors throughout the festival. Books by featured authors will also be available for purchase before scheduled signings.
Historic Fifth Street School includes an auditorium, meeting spaces and the Frank Wright Memorial Courtyard, allowing festival programming to take place across both indoor and outdoor areas of the historic Downtown property.
Tickets and Registration
Las Vegas Book Festival is free and open to the public. General festival admission does not require a paid ticket. Separate advance registration is required for students who want to compete in the Spark! Youth Poetry Competition.
