The Bay Area Book Festival returns to Berkeley from May 29–31, 2026, with a theme of 'Writing the Future.' The event features nearly 400 authors, 120+ panels, and free daytime programming. - Headliners include Nnedi Okorafor, Rebecca Solnit, Tananarive Due, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs.
- YouthLit offers free children's and teen author events at the Berkeley Public Library and Civic Center Park. - The Bookworm Block Party on Sunday includes exhibitors, stages, and a Chill Zone.
- Democracy Dialogues and Native Voices panels address civic issues and Indigenous perspectives. The festival aims to foster community and imagination through literature, with most events free to the public.