Calling all NYC book lovers! The Brooklyn Book Festival is officially returning this autumn for its 21st annual edition.
Spanning nine full days, the festival brings together hundreds of world-renowned authors, poets, journalists, and illustrators across all five boroughs.
Whether you are hunting for your next great read, eager to hear from Pulitzer Prize winners, or looking for family-friendly weekend plans, this is easily one of the most anticipated free cultural events of the year.
What is the Brooklyn Book Festival?
Launched in 2006, the Brooklyn Book Festival has grown into the largest free book event in New York City.
Its mission is to connect readers directly with local, national, and international writers through inclusive, low-cost, and free programming.
The festival announced award-winning novelist Amitav Ghosh as the recipient of the 2026 Best of Brooklyn (BoBi) Award. The honor is presented each year to a local author whose body of work exemplifies the spirit of the borough.
Key dates for the 2026 festival
The 9-day celebration is packed with virtual panels, children’s workshops, and neighborhood gatherings across the city:
- Sunday, September 20: Virtual Festival Day opens the festival online, featuring global discussions with authors including Maggie Haberman and Chloe Benjamin.
- Saturday, September 26: Children’s Day takes over Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza. Families can enjoy art projects, workshops, and book signings with favorite children’s and YA authors like Bess Kalb, Adam Gidwitz, Vashti Harrison, and R.J. Palacio.
- Sunday, September 27: The flagship Festival Day & Literary Marketplace runs from 10am to 6pm in Downtown Brooklyn.
- Citywide: More than 70 Bookend Events will take place across all five boroughs throughout the festival week, hosted by local bookstores, cultural centers, and venues.
What to expect on flagship Festival Day
The main event on Sunday, September 27 transforms Downtown Brooklyn into a paradise for readers.
Eight indoor and outdoor stages will feature continuous conversations, debates, and readings. Venues include Brooklyn Borough Hall, Brooklyn Law School, Center for Brooklyn History, St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, Columbus Park, and Korean War Veteran’s Park.
Headline authors making appearances on Festival Day include Marlon James, Joyce Carol Oates, Colson Whitehead, Tracy K. Smith, Namwali Serpell, Douglas Stuart, Rachel Aviv, Jelani Cobb, Fab 5 Freddy, and Emma Straub.
Outdoors in Columbus Park and Borough Hall Plaza, readers can explore the largest book market in the Northeast. Over 250 independent publishers, literary organizations, and booksellers will host tents with thousands of titles to browse.
Everything you need to know before you go
- 📅 September 20 – September 27, 2026
- Flagship Festival Day: Sunday, September 27 (10am – 6pm)
- 📍 Downtown Brooklyn (Borough Hall Plaza & surrounding venues) plus citywide locations
- 🎟️ Free admission
- More info: Check full schedules and author lineups on the Brooklyn Book Festival website.