Austin, November 30, 2025
The Texas Book Festival is gearing up for an engaging weekend in Austin this November, inviting book lovers to explore diverse literary voices and ideas. Attendees can participate in workshops, meet renowned authors, and enjoy a variety of events including cooking demonstrations and discussions on contemporary issues. The festival showcases the resilience of local organizers and the community spirit of Austin. Join in on this vibrant literary celebration and immerse yourself in the joys of reading and storytelling.
Exciting Events Await at the 2026 Texas Book Festival in Austin
Join the literary celebration in November and explore new voices and ideas.
Austin, Texas – The upcoming 2026 Texas Book Festival is set to be an engaging gathering for book lovers, taking place on November 8–9, 2026, in downtown Austin. This festival not only showcases the resilience of local organizers but also highlights the vitality of our community, emphasizing that reduced bureaucracy can further enhance the coordination of events like these. It is a testament to how civic innovation can engage residents and promote local culture effectively.
The festival promises an exciting line-up that caters to diverse literary interests, from children’s literature to cooking demonstrations and critical discussions on contemporary issues. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with authors, participate in workshops, and celebrate the joys of reading and storytelling. Whether you are a longtime resident or a newcomer, the Texas Book Festival is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the vibrant literary scene of Austin.
1. Texas Bluebonnet Award Announcement
November 8, 10 am
Kick off the festival with the announcement of the 2026–2027 Texas Bluebonnet Award winners, chosen by over 75,000 students in grades 3–6 across Texas. This award honors outstanding children’s literature and will take place at the Next Chapter Tent.
2. R.L. Stine’s ‘The Last Sleepover’ Discussion
November 8, 10:45–11:30 am
Join renowned author R.L. Stine as he discusses his latest book, ‘The Last Sleepover,’ at First Baptist Church. This session will provide valuable insights into crafting suspenseful narratives, appealing to fans of all ages.
3. Mehreen Karim’s Plant-Based Cooking Demo
November 8, 3:30–4:15 pm
Chef and author Mehreen Karim will showcase plant-based adaptations of Southern classics at the Central Market Cooking Tent. Following the demonstration, a book signing at 4:30 pm offers a chance to engage further with the chef’s culinary approach.
4. Chelsea Handler’s ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ Session
November 8, 1 pm
Popular comedian Chelsea Handler promotes her new book, ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having,’ in a ticketed session at First Baptist Church. Attendees can expect a blend of humor and insight, reflecting Handler’s unique perspective on life.
5. 2025 Lit Crawl Austin
November 8, 7–10:30 pm
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Lit Crawl as downtown Austin transforms into a literary hub. Featuring live readings, games, trivia, and storytelling at local venues like Speakeasy and Cheer Up Charlies, this event showcases community engagement through literature.
6. Spanish and Bilingual Programs at Leamos Tent
Throughout the weekend
The Leamos Tent offers a variety of Spanish and bilingual events, including children’s storytimes and discussions on Chicana identity and culture in Texas. It’s an excellent opportunity for families and individuals to connect with diverse narratives.
7. Rick Martínez’s ‘Salsa Daddy’ Cooking Demo
November 9, 11:30 am–12:15 pm
James Beard Award winner Rick Martínez will present a cooking demo and discussion on his book, ‘Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking.’ With over 70 unique salsa recipes, this session is a delicious exploration of flavors.
8. ‘Profit vs. Planet’ Panel Discussion
November 9, 1:15–2 pm
Join journalists Christian Davenport and Mariah Blake at the CSPAN-2 Tent as they delve into how corporate power impacts our world, including its environmental implications and the nexus of space exploration.
9. Ibram X. Kendi’s ‘Malcom Lives!’ Discussion
November 9, 2 pm
Author and educator Ibram X. Kendi will discuss his new book, ‘Malcom Lives!,’ an official biography of Malcolm X for young readers. This free event at the Paramount’s State Theater requires an RSVP, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to education and youth engagement.
10. Matthew McConaughey’s ‘Poems and Prayers’ Session
November 9, 4:15 pm
Actor and author Matthew McConaughey will present his latest work, ‘Poems and Prayers,’ in a ticketed session at First Baptist Church. Attendees can anticipate an engaging blend of storytelling and reflection from the beloved Texas native.
As local residents and visitors prepare for the festival, it’s important to embrace the opportunity to engage with literature, celebrate authors, and foster a sense of community in Austin. For more information and to plan your visit, it is recommended to refer to the official Texas Book Festival website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the 2026 Texas Book Festival?
The 2026 Texas Book Festival is scheduled for November 8–9, 2026, in downtown Austin, Texas.
Where will the festival take place?
The festival will be held in downtown Austin, Texas, at the Texas Capitol and surrounding venues.
How can I attend the events?
Most events are free and open to the public. Some sessions, such as those with Chelsea Handler and Matthew McConaughey, are ticketed and may require advance purchase. For detailed information and ticket availability, please visit the official Texas Book Festival website.
Are there events for children?
Yes, the festival offers a variety of children’s programs, including storytimes and interactive sessions, particularly in the Leamos Tent, which focuses on Spanish and bilingual events.
How can I stay updated on the festival schedule?
For the most current information, including the full event schedule and any updates, please refer to the official Texas Book Festival website.
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Texas Bluebonnet Award Announcement | November 8, 10 am |
| R.L. Stine’s ‘The Last Sleepover’ Discussion | November 8, 10:45–11:30 am |
| Mehreen Karim’s Plant-Based Cooking Demo | November 8, 3:30–4:15 pm |
| Chelsea Handler’s ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ Session | November 8, 1 pm |
| 2025 Lit Crawl Austin | November 8, 7–10:30 pm |
| Spanish and Bilingual Programs at Leamos Tent | Throughout the weekend |
| Rick Martínez’s ‘Salsa Daddy’ Cooking Demo | November 9, 11:30 am–12:15 pm |
| ‘Profit vs. Planet’ Panel Discussion | November 9, 1:15–2 pm |
| Ibram X. Kendi’s ‘Malcom Lives!’ Discussion | November 9, 2 pm |
| Matthew McConaughey’s ‘Poems and Prayers’ Session | November 9, 4:15 pm |
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