On Saturday, Sept. 2, the 17th Library of Congress National Book Festival takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Open to the public, the festival brings together a wide range of literary figures—including authors, poets, and illustrators—for a day of presentations, conversations, and family activities. This year’s lineup features speakers and featured guests such as Condoleezza Rice, Thomas L. Friedman, David Baldacci, Kwame Alexander, Sidney Blumenthal, Thomas Oliphant, Lisa Ko, Alice McDermott and Siddhartha Mukherjee.
The festival uses multiple stages across the venue, creating a lively schedule of simultaneous events. Main Stage author sessions are also streamed live on Facebook for those who cannot attend in person. Attendees can visit the Library of Congress Pavilion to learn more about the institution’s collections and services, and the exposition floor on the convention center’s lower level hosts interactive exhibits and activities designed for families and readers of all ages.
Getting to the convention center is convenient by public transit: the Mount Vernon Square station on the Metro’s Yellow and Green Lines provides easy access. On-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so many visitors choose to use public transportation, rideshare, or nearby parking garages. The festival layout and multiple stages make it simple to move between sessions, meet authors, and explore exhibits throughout the day.
Whether you’re interested in bestselling fiction, insightful nonfiction, poetry, or children’s literature, the National Book Festival offers a diverse program that highlights both well-known and emerging voices. The event is family-friendly, with programming tailored to young readers as well as adults, so you can plan a visit that fits your interests and schedule. Expect author talks, panel discussions, book signings, and opportunities to discover new titles and publishing trends.
Plan ahead by checking the festival’s schedule and session descriptions to prioritize the presentations you want to see. Arrive early for popular sessions to secure seating, bring a refillable water bottle, and allow time to visit the exhibition floor and the Library of Congress Pavilion. The festival’s combination of live events, educational exhibits, and public programming makes it a standout celebration of books and reading in the nation’s capital.