Books take over downtown Portland this November as the 11th annual Portland Book Festival, organized by Literary Arts, returns Saturday, Nov. 8. The festival brings together hundreds of authors, poets and readers for a day packed with conversations, signings, workshops and performances across the Portland Art Museum and neighboring venues.
From bestselling novelists and emerging voices to local publishers and food vendors, the festival celebrates every corner of the literary world — and there’s something for every kind of reader.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Prioritize one or two must-see sessions, but be open to surprises.
Festival director Amanda Bullock recommends picking one or two can’t-miss events and arriving early to those sessions. Popular sessions often fill up fast.
“One of my favorite things is the serendipity and the surprise that’s possible in an event like this,” Bullock said. “I’m looking forward to the unexpected.”
2. Plan ahead to explore beyond the panels.
During the festival, visit the book fair, pop into the Portland Art Museum for readings and meet local publishers, bookstores and nonprofits. Each festival ticket includes a $5 book voucher redeemable at the book fair.
Explore sessions at pdxbookfest.org/schedule. Most sessions also offer book sales and signing opportunities right after the event.
3. Take advantage of weeklong Cover to Cover events.
Cover to Cover, a program of community-partnered events, expands on the main festival with events running Nov. 1-9. Cover to Cover events are not included with a festival ticket, and many events are free to attend.
The lineup this year includes tea services, book-themed trivia, musical performances, writing workshops and other unique events. See the full schedule at pdxbookfest.org/cover-to-cover-schedule.
4. Take advantage of early deals.
Tickets are $7 cheaper in advance, and you can pick up your wristband early to skip lines on festival day. Early pickup takes place at Literary Arts, 716 S.E. Grand Ave., on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and Thursday, Nov. 6, between noon and 7 p.m.
If you’re picking up a wristband the day of, organizers recommend arriving early.
5. Don’t miss the headliners.
Special-ticket events include Rebecca Yarros at 10 a.m. (sold out) and Stacey Abrams at noon at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Read more about what to expect from Abrams’ discussion here.
For full details and tickets, visit pdxbookfest.org.
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