Things to Do

The Texas Book Festival is Happening This Weekend in Austin

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Texas Book Festival is happening this weekend, (November 4 and 5) in Austin and it’s sure to be an exciting weekend for everyone–from beginning readers to adults. The festival is held on the grounds of the Texas Capitol each fall and features more than 250 renowned authors, panels, book signings, live music, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities. Last year’s event was the most successful on record and welcomed more than 50,000 attendees. Organizers are expecting even larger crowds this year.

Promoting the Joys of Reading and Writing

Texas Book Festival

Photo: Facebook/Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the one-day Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars program, grants to Texas libraries, Fresh Ink Fiction Contest, and year-round literary programming. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and 1,000 volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.

There is More Than Just Books at the Texas Book Festival

Texas Book Festival

Photo: Facebook/Texas Book Festival

In addition to the readings and book signings, festival-goers will also enjoy live music, local food, vendors from across the state, YA authors, and purchasing books in the Festival’s tents. While remaining an important showcase for the work of Texas authors, Texas Book Festival hosts writers from all over the world and has earned a national reputation for the quality of its programming and its appeal to readers, authors, and publishers alike.

Celebrities Trying Their Hand at Book Writing

kelly clarkson TBF

Photo: Facebook/Texas Book Festival

This year’s event kicks off with the First Daughters of Texas, Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, who will share their new book entitled “Sisters First,” a celebration of the unique joys of sisterhood. Actor Tom Hanks will also be making an appearance, discussing his new book called “Uncommon Type: Some Stories.”

To see a complete lineup of events and learn more about the festival, visit the Texas Book Festival webpage or follow them on Facebook.