On May 30, 2026, Pgh Book Fest is back for its fifth year – celebrating the stories that bring us all together.
Pgh Book Fest is a free, citywide celebration of books, creativity, and connection held at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s main campus in Oakland.
Hosted by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), the Festival showcases a wide range of voices — from nationally recognized authors, indie booksellers, and community partners. With panel discussions, poetry readings, family activities, and a bookish exhibitor space, it’s a day dedicated to storytelling in all its forms.
This year marks a new chapter.
Our campus map is your official guide to Festival adventures, and there’s plenty of parking for everyone making the journey!
Learn more about the programs and workshops for all ages at the festival
Books aren’t the only thing worth browsing at this year’s Festival… check out the local vendors joining us!
Accommodations are available for those traveling from out of town.
FAQs
You’ll want to jot this down. Pgh Book Fest is happening on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pgh Book Fest is held at the historic Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (4400 Forbes Ave.) in Oakland. Programming can be found both inside and outside of the Library’s campus, and across the street at Schenley Plaza and the Hillman Library at University of Pittsburgh.
Absolutely nothing – unless you count the irresistible urge to buy a book (or three). Admission and programming are free for all ages. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to support local booksellers, publishers, and vendors throughout the day.
Prepare for an entire day of author talks, panel discussions, poetry readings, workshops and so much more. See the Programming section of our website to learn more.
All ages are welcome! Programming is made for adults, teens, and even the littlest of readers.
A little rain has never stopped us! All author talks and panels are held either inside or under the Schenley Plaza tent, ensuring you’ll stay dry while hearing your favorite authors speak. Vendors, exhibitors, Writer’s Row, and bookstores will be held under tents outside. In the event of severe weather, updates will be shared via our social media.
Our sponsoring bookstores will be on-site selling books from all authors presenting, and even a few extra titles!
Paid parking options are available on-site behind the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and in surrounding public garages. Click here for more information on where to park.
Registration is not required but guarantees you a spot at programs where seating is limited. Don’t miss out on hearing from your favorite authors by snagging your spot! Register on Humantix
Come with an appetite for good food and even better stories — there will be a variety of local food truck on site. Click here to learn more about the food trucks joining us.
Of course! Our sponsoring bookstores will also be selling copies of our featured authors’ books on-site.
No programs will be live streamed, but photos from the day will be shared on our socials after the Festival so that everyone can look back on the day’s events.
Applications for Pgh Book Fest 2026 are currently closed. Check back for more opportunities in Fall 2026!
