Preparing to join us at the Tucson Festival of Books? Here’s some information you may find helpful.
When does the Tucson Festival of Books occur?
The Tucson Festival of Books occurs March 15-16, 2025. Festival hours of operation (during festival weekend) are typically 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, except for festival launch activities like our Storybook Parade which begins at 9:00 AM.
How much does it cost to attend the Festival?
The Festival is offered free of charge to the public. Parking at the University of Arizona is complimentary in many surface lots. Event parking charges of $10 per day will be in effect in all available garages and certain surface lots. See map for details. Parking at University of Arizona is cashless and cash will not be accepted.
Use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Both the SunTran bus system and the SunLink street car provide convenient alternatives to parking at the University of Arizona.
What activities happen at the Tucson Festival of Books?
The Tucson Festival of Books is a community-wide celebration of literature. Festival activities include both large and small author panels and workshops on various literary and book-centered topics. Additionally, the festival features hundreds of local and national exhibitors with literacy-focused booths and activities. Attendees can meet their favorite authors, purchase books and book-themed merch, learn about local nonprofits, interact with indie authors, publishers, and much more.
How does admission to festival presentations work?
Admission to all presentations is free to the community. For all admission types, please enter with your party as saving seats within the venues is not allowed.
General Admission:
Every venue will have General Admission available on the day of the event. We recommend arriving early for presentations by popular authors and in the venues offering Fast Passes for the best chance of General Admission. None of our venues will "sell out" before the event date.
Fast Passes:
As General Admission is first-come, first-seated and it is possible we will not be able to accommodate everyone who joins that line on the day of the Festival, a Fast Pass can give you more certainty of being able to attend the presentations you are most excited about and help you plan the best day for yourself.
Limited advance Fast Passes are available for four venues: Gallagher Theatre, ILC 120, Koffler 204 and the Student Union North Ballroom. Fast Passes give attendees the privilege of entering our most popular venues before General Admission begins.
Sponsor/Presenter Badges:
These badges give those who have made major contributions to the Festival of Books the privilege to enter Gallagher Theatre, ILC 120, Koffler 204, the Student Union North Ballroom, and Modern Languages via the Badges (Sponsors/Presenters) line.
For these five venues:
At Childrens and Teens venues please join the General Admission line. Badge seating in these areas is not guaranteed.
At other venues, if you arrive 20 minutes early and find a line, you are welcome to ask the line monitor if you may join the front of the line.
Please plan to enter with your party as saving seats inside the venues is not allowed.
How can I get a Fast Pass?
For the following venues where many of our most popular presentations will take place, we allow a portion of our capacity for festival goers who reserve a place in the Fast Pass line. The Fast Pass holders in line at least 20 minutes before the event starts will be allowed to enter the venue before the General Admission line may enter.
A portion of seats in these venues will be allocated Fast Passes in 2025:
Fast Passes will be available on our website starting at noon on March 5 for Friends of the Festival (based on giving level) and on March 10 for everyone.
All venues will have General Admission available on the day of the event, so don't stress if you don't have a Fast Pass--many people will be admitted by General Admission. And remember, all other venues will seat on a first-come, first-seated basis.There's always something worthwhile to see and do at Tucson Festival of Books.
Are there author signings?
Most presenting and indie authors provide signings at the festival. Presenting authors sign immediately following their scheduled panels or throughout the festival at some exhibitor booths (schedules separate from main festival schedule.) Many indie authors sign at their booths or in our indie author pavillion. Signing information (both panels and signing area locations) can be found on the author page during festival weekend.
Where can I find accessibility support?
Although the University of Arizona campus is accessible and ADA compliant, we encourage attendees who will require accessibility suport to contact the festival beforehand. This way, we can ensure that assistive listening systems, accessible seating, sign language interpreters, or any other accessibility-related accomodations that you may request are available at the events you attend. Find more information on access at the Disability Resource Center of the University of Arizona.
What security precautions are taken for public safety?
The Tucson Festival of Books is a highlight of our community, bringing together authors, readers, and families for a weekend of learning and connection. The University of Arizona Office of Public Safety, in collaboration with our regional partners, has taken thoughtful steps to enhance security and maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
This year, you’ll notice an increased presence of security personnel throughout the festival, along with enhanced physical safety measures in and around the event space. While some aspects of our safety plan are not publicly shared, please know that every effort has been made to support a smooth and comfortable festival experience.
We encourage attendees to be mindful of their surroundings and reach out to festival staff or security personnel if assistance is needed. Thank you for being part of this special event—we look forward to hosting a fantastic and safe weekend!
Does the festival have a mobile app?
The Tucson Festival of Books mobile apps are available for Apple and Android. The apps are designed to be a handy companion to guide you through the festival and include event times and locations, presenting author profiles, exhibitors, and much more. You'll also find news of any last-minute schedule or author changes, parking maps, sponsor lineups, and pages for social media interaction. The 2025 mobile app will become available closer to the date of the festival.
Are pets welcome at the festival?
With over 100,000 people (including many families with young children) the Tucson Festival of Books can be a crowded and intimidating place for our four-legged friends. If you choose to bring your pet(s) to the festival, please note that only service animals with the proper identification will be allowed to enter any university buildings or festival venues. Any animal exhibiting aggressive or inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave campus. Please do not ever leave your pets in your car.
How did the Tucson Festival of Books begin?
The Tucson Festival of Books, a registered non-profit organization established to support and fund literacy advancement in southern Arizona, debuted in March 2009 after two years of planning. More than $2.3 million has been raised for local literacy organizations. Founders of the Tucson Festival of Books include business, university and philanthropic leaders.
How are authors chosen for the Tucson Festival of Books?
Authors have a number of different avenues to participate in the Tucson Festival of Books.
Presenting Authors are selected and invited by our Book & Author committee to participate in presentations and panel discussions. Authors may also be considered for panels and presentations through the Indie Author Experience and self nomination application process. These opportunities open in late summer each year.
The Indie Author pavilions are venues for local, regional and national authors to meet and greet the public.
How can I apply to be an exhibitor?
Exhibitor applications for the upcoming year's festival typically open in early September. Check our website homepage regularly for updates on application dates.
How can I apply to be an food vendor?
Food & Beverage vendor applications for the upcoming year's festival typically open in early September. Check our website homepage regularly for updates on application dates.
Where are Festival proceeds directed?
The Tucson Festival of Books supports organizations that work to improve literacy rates in Southern Arizona. Those groups include Literacy Connects, Make Way for Books and University of Arizona Literacy Outreach Programs.
How do I get support with technical issues on the festival website?
We’re happy to help! Contact help@tucsonfestivalofbooks.org for more support.
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