Which upcoming book fairs are must-visit for passionate readers in 2025

For passionate readers in 2025, several upcoming book fairs and literary festivals stand out as must-visit events due to their scale, diversity of programming, and opportunities to engage with authors, publishers, and fellow book lovers:

Top Must-Visit Book Fairs and Festivals in 2025
The London Book Fair
Dates: April 8–10, 2025 | Location: Olympia London, UK
One of the world’s largest publishing events, featuring panels with bestselling authors, insights into global publishing trends, and networking opportunities with agents and publishers.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Dates: April 19–20, 2025 | Location: Los Angeles, USA
A vibrant celebration of books and authors with celebrity appearances, live storytelling, workshops on adapting books into films, and family-friendly activities.

Virginia Festival of the Book
Dates: March 20–23, 2025 | Location: Charlottesville, VA, USA
A long-standing festival promoting books, reading, and literacy, featuring author talks, panel discussions, and events for readers of all ages.

AWP Conference and Bookfair
Dates: March 26–29, 2025 | Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
A major event for writers, educators, and publishers with hundreds of exhibitors, panel discussions, and keynote speakers focused on contemporary creative writing.

Brooklyn Book Festival
Dates: September 14–20, 2025 | Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
America’s largest free literary event, known for its diverse author lineup, outdoor events, and children’s programming.

Edinburgh International Book Festival
Dates: August 9–25, 2025 | Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
One of the largest public literary festivals worldwide, offering over 900 events including author talks, poetry, and a focus on climate and environmental literature.

Bay Area Book Festival
Dates: May 4–5, 2025 | Location: Berkeley, CA, USA
Celebrates cultural diversity and social issues in literature, with panels, workshops, and a strong focus on women’s voices in global literature.

Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
Dates: March 26–30, 2025 | Location: New Orleans, LA, USA
A five-day festival blending literature and theater, featuring readings, panel discussions, and events honoring Tennessee Williams.

Sharjah International Book Fair
Dates: 2025 (specific dates vary) | Location: Sharjah, UAE
The third-largest book fair globally and the most prestigious in the Arab world, attracting top publishing talent from the Middle East.

Beijing International Book Fair
Dates: June 2025 | Location: Beijing, China
A key event for the Asian publishing market, showcasing a wide range of international and Chinese publishers.

Why These Fairs Are Must-Visits:
Diverse Programming: From author panels and book signings to workshops and cultural events, these fairs offer rich, multifaceted experiences.

Networking Opportunities: Meet authors, publishers, translators, and fellow readers from around the world.

Discover New Voices: Explore books and authors you might not encounter in your local bookstores.

Cultural Exchange: Many fairs emphasize international literature, promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Specialized Focus: Some festivals highlight specific genres, social issues, or literary traditions, enriching your reading palette.