Preparing to join us at the Tucson Festival of Books? Here’s some information you may find helpful.
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 $2.2 million has been raised for local literacy organizations. Founders of the Tucson Festival of Books include business, university and philanthropic leaders.
When does the Tucson Festival of Books occur?
The Tucson Festival of Books typically occurs during March each year at the University of Arizona campus. 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 surface lots and in the Park Avenue and Highland garage during Festival weekend. The Cherry Avenue, 6th Street, Tyndall, South Stadium and Main Gate garages are available for $5 per vehicle; free entry is granted after 4pm. 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.
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.
Do panels require tickets?
As a reminder, all festival events are free! For some author panels, where we expect larger crowds, we ask attendees to reserve their spot ahead of time. Events offering free advance tickets are identified with a small ticket icon in the upper right corner on our author schedule page. Free ticket reservations typically open one week in advance of the festival. Advance tickets are NOT required (even in those venues that do advanced bookings.) There will always be a percentage of seats available on a first-come first-served basis on the day of the event.
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 Reading Seed, Literacy Connects and University of Arizona Literacy Outreach Programs.
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 here.
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 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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