The American West is home to some of the nation’s most vibrant literary gatherings—festivals and events that bring together readers, writers, publishers, artists, and scholars for conversations that span genres and generations. From coastal cities to high-desert towns, these celebrations highlight the depth and diversity of Western literature and the communities that host them.
Below is a guide to literary festivals and events taking place across the American West. If you would like your festival or event considered for inclusion, please send details to editor@literarywest.com.
Aspen Literary Festival — Aspen, Colorado
A three-day celebration of books, authors, and ideas set against the stunning mountain backdrop of downtown Aspen. Produced by Aspen Words—a program of the Aspen Institute—and presented by Book of the Month, the festival brings together more than 40 nationally recognized and emerging authors.
Next Festival: September 25–27, 2026
Website: aspenliteraryfestival.org
Bay Area Book Festival — Berkeley, California
One of the West Coast’s most beloved literary events, featuring hundreds of authors in a weekend of panels, readings, outdoor book fairs, and community programming. The festival embraces a broad range of genres, with particular attention to social justice, global voices, and literary innovation.
Next Festival: May 30–31, 2026
Website: baybookfest.org
Jackson Hole Writers Conference — Jackson, Wyoming
Part festival, part workshop series, this conference blends craft-focused programming with discussions shaped by the region’s landscapes and artistic communities.
Next Conference: October 21–25, 2026
Website: jhwriters.org
Litquake — San Francisco, California
Known for its iconic “Lit Crawl,” Litquake turns San Francisco into a citywide celebration of pop-up readings in bars, parks, cafés, and public spaces.
Next Event: TBD (typically October)
Website: litquake.org
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books — Los Angeles, California
The largest literary festival in the United States, drawing more than 150,000 attendees each year. Programming spans books, film, food, art, and journalism, with conversations featuring bestselling authors, cultural figures, and emerging voices.
Next Festival: April 18–19, 2026
Website: events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
Portland Book Festival — Portland, Oregon
Hosted by Literary Arts, this festival fills downtown Portland with readings, workshops, book signings, and musical performances. It is known for its focus on craft, community, and the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant arts culture.
Next Festival: TBD (typically November)
Website: pdxbookfest.org
San Antonio Book Festival — San Antonio, Texas
A showcase for Texas writers and national voices alike, blending literature with history, food, and culture. The festival celebrates multilingual storytelling, borderlands narratives, and the diverse literary traditions of South Texas.
Next Festival: April 11, 2026
Website: sabookfestival.org
Santa Fe International Literary Festival — Santa Fe, New Mexico
Set against the high-desert landscape of northern New Mexico, this festival brings together renowned authors from around the world. Programming emphasizes global literature, Indigenous storytelling, and conversations rooted in place, art, and cultural history.
Next Festival: May 15–17, 2026
Website: sfinternationallitfest.org
Texas Book Festival — Austin, Texas
One of the country’s premier literary events, founded by former First Lady Laura Bush. The festival features a wide-ranging lineup—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, and children’s literature—and is known for strong statewide support of libraries and literacy programs.
Next Festival: TBD (typically October/November)
Website: texasbookfestival.org
Tucson Festival of Books — Tucson, Arizona
With more than 100,000 annual attendees, the Tucson Festival of Books is one of the largest book festivals in the nation. Programming emphasizes science, nature writing, regional literature, and the storytelling traditions of the Southwest’s diverse communities.
Next Festival: March 14–15, 2026
Website: tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
Yallwest Book Festival — Santa Monica, California
A lively celebration of young adult and middle-grade literature, bringing leading YA authors, creators, and thousands of young readers together for signings, panels, and interactive events.
Next Festival: TBD (typically April/May)
Website: yallwest.com