A massive, star-studded literary gathering in the nation’s capital that brings together world-class biographers, graphic novelists, and iconic authors for massive panels and interactive book signatures.
BOOK FESTIVAL DETAILS
Saturday, August 22, 2026 (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
Ticket Info: The event is free, but advance tickets are strictly required for entry into the convention center. Tickets are issued via the festival’s eTix platform. Admission to specific author talks inside the venue does not require separate tickets and remains first-come, first-served.
Celebrity Participants/Authors: The Library of Congress brings together dozens of bestselling and celebrity authors every year. (The finalized headliners for 2026 will be announced on the LOC website approximately one month before the event).
About the Event:
The 26th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is one of the nation’s premier literary traditions. Held on August 22, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., this year’s event integrates the “America 250: It’s Your Story” celebration. The festival will host more than 80 authors, illustrators, and poets—including heavy hitters like Cynthia Erivo, Ann Patchett, and Martin Scorsese—across dedicated genre stages. Attendees can also explore interactive spaces like the STEM District, the Story District, and hands-on workshops.
Event Website: https://www.loc.gov/events/2026-national-book-festival
