L.A. Times Festival of Books Draws Record Crowds for a Weekend of Storytelling and Community

Lisa Rinna. Photo Credit: Festival of Books

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returned to the University of Southern California campus in spectacular fashion, drawing an estimated 168,000 attendees and marking its largest celebration in recent years. Now in its 31st year, the beloved literary event reaffirmed its status as the nation’s premier book festival, bringing together more than 550 authors and 350 exhibitors for a vibrant weekend centered on storytelling, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Festivities began on Friday, April 17, with the 46th annual Book Prizes ceremony, setting a tone of recognition and inspiration. Acclaimed author Amy Tan was honored with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, while We Need Diverse Books received the Innovator’s Award for its ongoing efforts to broaden representation in publishing. Thirteen additional awards highlighted excellence across genres, celebrating voices that continue to shape contemporary literature.

Across the weekend, the USC campus transformed into a dynamic literary hub. Eight outdoor stages and 12 indoor venues hosted a wide range of conversations featuring authors, performers, journalists, and public figures. Attendees engaged with thought-provoking discussions that spanned topics from memoir and fiction to politics, identity, and social change, underscoring the enduring relevance of books in a rapidly evolving world.

The festival’s lineup included an impressive roster of high-profile participants, from political leader Stacey Abrams and comedian Larry David to musicians like Lionel Richie and Hayley Kiyoko. Actors, journalists, and bestselling authors added to the star power, including appearances by Jennie Garth and Debbie Gibson, whose presence drew enthusiastic crowds. These appearances created an atmosphere that blended intellectual curiosity with mainstream appeal, as audiences gathered to hear firsthand insights into the creative processes and personal journeys behind influential works.

Beyond author panels, the festival offered immersive experiences for attendees of all interests. The L.A. Times Food Stage hosted lively cooking demonstrations featuring content creator Cassie Yeung and Cassandra Peterson—widely recognized for her iconic Elvira persona—alongside other culinary voices. Phil Rosenthal and his daughter Lily also took the stage to share stories behind their latest project, drawing food lovers and readers alike into conversations that bridged cuisine and storytelling.

A notable addition this year was the Audiobook and Podcast Stage, presented by Spotify, reflecting the growing influence of audio storytelling. Featuring authors, narrators, and podcast hosts, the stage highlighted the evolving ways audiences consume literature. Sessions ranged from discussions with prominent writers like Shelby Van Pelt and S.A. Cosby to panels showcasing celebrated romance audiobook narrators and live podcast recordings.

The festival also emphasized inclusivity and cultural representation through dedicated programming. The De Los Stage, in partnership with L.A. Times en Español, spotlighted Latinx voices with panels addressing migration, motherhood, and identity, alongside children’s readings and musical performances by Mariachi Corazon Hispano. Meanwhile, the Children’s Stage offered engaging programming for younger audiences, featuring authors, musicians, and popular performers like Blippi and Meekah, ensuring that the joy of reading reached across generations.

Page-to-screen programming provided a glimpse into the growing relationship between literature and visual media. Literary icons Margaret Atwood and Isabel Allende participated in virtual appearances tied to adaptations of their works, giving audiences exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes insights into how beloved stories transition to television.

The exhibitor area was equally bustling, with a diverse array of bookstores, publishers, artists, and literary organizations filling the campus. From independent bookshops to major publishing houses, the booths offered festival goers the opportunity to discover new titles, meet authors, and celebrate the tangible experience of books in an increasingly digital age.

Adding a journalistic dimension, the L.A. Times hosted “Ask a Reporter” sessions, where newsroom staff shared insights into their reporting processes and engaged directly with readers. Interactive experiences, including word puzzles and giveaways from L.A. Times Games, further enriched the festival atmosphere, blending education with entertainment.

For those unable to attend every event, LA Times Studios’ The Stream provided access to highlights from the weekend, including panel discussions, celebrity appearances, and culinary demonstrations. These digital offerings extended the festival’s reach, ensuring that its conversations continued beyond the physical event.

As the festival concluded, it left behind a powerful reminder of literature’s ability to connect communities, spark dialogue, and inspire change. With plans already in place for next year’s event on April 17–18, 2027, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to evolve while staying true to its core mission: celebrating the written word and the diverse voices that bring it to life.