Weekend Full of Free Family Fun at Upcoming 2017 Texas Book Festival

Stroll around the beautiful grounds of the State Capitol where Texas Book Festival is held each year
(Credit: Bob Daemmrich)

Calling all avid readers; it’s that time of year again. The 2017 Texas Book Festival will be taking over the grounds of the Texas State Capitol on Nov. 4-5, 2017. This event is free and fun for the entire family.

Texas Book Festival, which is held annually, is one of the largest literary festivals in the country. Founded in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, the festival is a nonprofit organization that supports literacy programs and grants for Texas public libraries.

This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever, featuring over 300 renowned authors, including several who call Austin home. It’s also the inaugural year for the Antone’s stage, where more than 10 local musicians will perform.

Many of the exhibits, panels, book signings, food venues, and family activities will be located inside the Capitol building or grounds. However, there are additional venues that will house certain activities. Allow this article to be your guide to all things local at Texas Book Festival this year, helping you make the most of your time during this fun and prestigious festival.

Texas Book Festival’s Local Venues

The Texas State Capitol is the primary venue for Texas Book Festival. Feel free to roam about the different rooms while you’re visiting, as there will be attractions throughout the building. If you’ve never been to the building, then you’re in for a real treat. There will be several exhibitor tents set up on the grounds outside, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

➡️ Keep reading: “Creative Ways to Explore the Texas State Capitol in Austin”

Additional venues include:

First United Methodist Church Sanctuary (1201 Lavaca St., enter from Lavaca St.)
Central Presbyterian Church (208 E. 8th St.)
First Baptist Church (901 Trinity St.)
Omni Hotel Downtown (700 San Jacinto Blvd.)
The Austin Club (110 E. 9th St.)
The Contemporary Austin (700 Congress Ave.)

Event Highlights Featuring Local Authors

The streets surrounding the Capitol feature exhibit tents and vendors (Credit: Bob Daemmrich)

Saturday, 10-10:45 a.m.

The Long Reach of Crime, featuring Meg Gardiner and Jan Reid
When All Hell Breaks Loose, featuring Owen Egerton

Saturday, 11-11:45 a.m.

The Good Old Sound of Austin, featuring Donna Marie Miller, Jesse Sublet, and Eddie Wilson

Saturday, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

Exit Right: The Origins of Politics, featuring Daniel Oppenheimer

Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

How The Story Starts: A Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Panel, featuring Jardine Libaire

Saturday, 1-1:45 p.m.

Waltz Across Texas, featuring Michael Corcoran

Saturday, 2-2:45 p.m.

American Wolf: A True Story Of Survival and Obsession In The West, featuring Nate Blakeslee

Sunday, 11-11:45 a.m.

Stories Of Family, Stories Of Self, featuring Carolyn Osborn

Sunday, 12-12:45 p.m.

Flipping The Villain: Good, Evil, And In Between In SFF, featuring Robert Jackson Bennett

Sunday, 1-2 p.m.

Read Me A Story with Chris Burton

Sunday, 2-2:30 p.m.

Read Me A Story with Don Tate

Sunday, 3:15-4 p.m.

Humor Out Of Heartbreak, featuring Deb Olin Unferth

You can find the full schedule here.

Local Musicians on the Antone’s Stage

Brad Stivers (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Jabo & The Old Dogs (Saturday, 1 p.m.)
Bill Carter – Blues/Rock (Saturday, 2 p.m.)
Matthew Robinson & The Jelly Kings (Saturday, 3 p.m.)
Red Young & His Hot Horns (Saturday, 4 p.m.)
WhoDo (Sunday, 12 p.m.)
Ted Roddy & His One Man Trio (Sunday, 1 p.m.)
Don Leady’s Tail Gators (Sunday, 2 p.m.)
Tommy Shannon Blues Band (Sunday, 3 p.m.)
Miss Lavelle White & The L Men (Sunday, 4 p.m.)

Family Fun and More

Tons of fun for the entire family at Texas Book Festival (Credit: Bob Daemmric)

All ages can participate and have fun at Texas Book Festival. You’ll find plenty to see, do, and eat! There are multiple tents with activities for children, including book readings and Kids Passport sessions, where kids can earn a coupon for a free scoop of Amy’s Ice Creams.

Be sure to arrive hungry, as there will be a plethora of local food trucks, joining in the fun and serving up some tasty treats. Central Market will have its own tent, so don’t miss the food demos there.

Know Before You Go

Find new books to relax with (Credit: Bob Daemmrich)

You can find a map for the festival here.

Beware of street closings in the area and use these walk-in points of entry:

8th Street and Congress Avenue
11th Street and Congress Avenue
11th Street and San Jacinto Blvd.
11th Street and Brazos Street
12th Street and Colorado Street
13th Street and Colorado Street

If you want a place to sit during a session, it is first come, first serve unless you have a Festival Friends Pass.

If you’re looking to purchase a book by one of the festival authors, you can find them in one of the BookPeople Sales tents.

If you’d like to join a signing line, you must purchase a book at one of the BookPeople Sales tents.

If you planned on bringing a book from home to be signed, there is no guarantee it’ll be allowed.

For the full schedule, lineup, and details, visit Texas Book Festival’s website. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

@amandalgagnon wants to know:

Who are your favorite local authors, and will you be attending Texas Book Festival this year?