A Brilliant List of BIPOC Book Festivals

Mar 11

UPDATED for 2024

What could be better than attending a party where the theme was books and writing? Essentially, that’s what book festivals and literary festivals are, when you really think about it. And as writers and readers, that’s the kind of party we should all be trying to attend. Not only because book festivals are nourishing to our literary souls, but also, because they can be excellent places to network, to get inspiration, and to work on our craft.( Pro tip: If you are a freelance writer, ask your accountant if attending a book festival counts as professional development when you’re doing your taxes at the end of the year.)

Book Festivals Can Be Fun and Functional

Speaking of professional development, writers should be going to book festivals not only for the good times, but also to stay current on the latest trends in the industry. What’s more, depending on the caliber of the festival, and one’s own level of authority as a writer, book festivals can be a great place to try to get speaking engagements, meet industry professionals, and/or to promote your own work. In other words, be proactive with getting your name and your book(s) on the radar of festival organizers, so you can benefit from all the in-house promotion and new audiences.

It's never too early to start planning which events you want to attend, particularly if you want to be a part of the festival. That’s why I curated this list of brilliant BIPOC book festivals taking place in 2024. I have also included a small handful of festivals that aren’t specifically designated as a BIPOC event, but they have a reputation for being quite BIPOC friendly.

Book Festivals at Home and Abroad

Most of the events listed are based in the United States and are English-language dominant, but I wanted to also share some book festivals in other countries that are well-known and worth the trip. I mean, what could be more fun than a trip abroad and attending a BIPOC book fair? That’s literary tourism at its best. Am I right?

So, please enjoy my list of BIPOC Book Festivals for 2024, and start planning your bookish itinerary.

A Brilliant List of BIPOC Book and Literary Festivals

National Black Writers Conference, Brooklyn, NY. March 20 -23, 2024

From the website: “Roundtable discussions and other events of this four-day public gathering will explore several issues in the world of Black writing and publishing, including the impact of environmental and systemic racism, the impact of social media, and the need for peace and emotional healing.

Come out to hear from and network with award-winning Black writers and scholars across several genres and generations, including recipients of the NAACP Image Award and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur “Genius” Fellows, New York Times best-sellers, poet laureates, and other distinguished guest and publishing executives.” The 2024 Conference is the 17th annual event and the honorees include Bernice McFadden and Percival Everett

The Fold (The Festival of Literary Diversity). Brampton, Ontario. April 28 - May 5, 2024.

Diverse book festivals in Canada? Yes indeed. The Fold has it all. From the website: “The Festival of Literary Diversity is Canada’s first festival for diverse authors and storytellers, held in historic downtown Brampton. The FOLD provides one-of-a-kind events for kids and adults that engage readers, inspire writers, and empower educators by highlighting important and underrepresented voices…The festival includes panels, discussions, workshops, and interactive events that allow guests from across Canada and around the world to participate.” The festival is in person, but also offers some virtual events and programming all year long.

Bocas Literary Festival. Port of Spain, Trinidad. April 25 – 28, 2024

Books in a tropical paradise? Yes please! The Bocas Literary Festival has been listed as one of the top literary festivals in the world. From the website: “Founded in 2011, the NGC Bocas Lit Fest is Trinidad and Tobago’s premier annual literary festival: a lively celebration of books, writers, writing, and ideas, with a Caribbean focus and international scope. The Festival brings together readers and writers from Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and the wider world for readings, performances, workshops, discussions, film screenings, and more. Most events are free and open to the public.”

Santa Fe International Literary Festival. Santa Fe, New Mexico. May 17– 19, 2024

The Santa Fe International Literary Festival is not billed as a BIPOC event, but they do highlight local and nationally known Native and Latino authors, amongst a stellar list of bestselling national and international authors. I think it’s worth checking out. From the website: “Santa Fe, a city rich in cultural diversity, creativity, and dazzling light, is home to a four-day event that celebrates our shared love of language and ideas. We’ll explore issues at a time of extraordinary change—in politics, race, immigration, the environment, and more—as well as simply escape into great stories. The Santa Fe International Literary Festival will feed our minds and hearts and send us back into the world inspired.” In 2024 the line-up of author talent includes, Jesmyn Ward, Julia Alvarez, and Tommy Orange!

Asian Festival of Children’s Content, Singapore. May 23 -26, 2024

Singapore may be a long way to go for a book festival, but if you’re creating content for Asian youth, this festival might be worth the trip. From the website: “The Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) is the leading festival in Asia for children’s stories and young adult (YA) fiction. Targeted at writers, illustrators, translators, publishers, educators and media professionals, AFCC offers a series of exciting programmes, including panel discussions, presentations, workshops, lectures, masterclasses, networking sessions and public programmes that promote the creation and appreciation of quality children's literature and YA with a focus on Asian themes.”

BIPOC Book Festival. Houston, Texas, May 04, 2024.

The title of this festival says it all. And because Houston is now America’s most diverse city, it makes sense that it is the birthplace of the BIPOC book festival. From the website: “The annual BIPOC Book Fest is a celebration centered on underrepresented voices through a showcase of literary works that feature Black, Indigenous, People of Color and other creatives of marginalized communities. Curated with diversity in mind, the festival combines the nostalgia of the book fairs we knew and loved as children with unique programming, panels, readings, vendors, book-related memorabilia, poetry performances and more!”

Kweli International Writers Festival. New York, NY Specific Date in TBD, 2024.

The Kweli Writers Festival is a fan favorite for BIPOC writers, authors and readers. From the website: “Our annual summer festival will take place in July 2023 at Barnard in partnership with the Barnard Center for Research on Women. Kweli’s mission is to nurture emerging writers of color and create opportunities for their voices to be recognized and valued. By creating a community of Black, Indigenous and POC artists and programming based on artistic excellence and rigor, Kweli empowers writers to share stories that engage and impact our communities. Our vision is for a world where the narratives being told reflect the truth of our histories and the possibilities for our future.”

The Bronx Book Festival. The Bronx, New York, June 5-9, 2024

Although the Bronx Book Festival isn’t billed specifically as a BIPOC event, it is an event for a mostly Brown and Black community. This is a multi-day festival with dynamic programming featuring local and national authors and literacy events for the whole family. It’s a party and a vibe in the Bronx! More details of the author line-up TBD.

Schomburg Center Literary Festival. New York, New York, June 15, 2024.

A new-ish and exciting literary festival in Harlem. From the website: “ The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. The Schomburg Center Literary Festival: Reading the African Diaspora extends our engagement with authors of African descent and champions literacy and books across genres to amplify Black history and culture. Festival programming features some of the most talented writers and influential figures in culture today. The festival is built on the foundation created by Arturo Schomburg–encouraging freedom of thought, the relentless pursuit of Black history, and the engagement of our imagination towards our collective freedom.” Stay tuned for details about the 2024 festival.

National Book Club Conference. Atlanta, Georgia, August 2-4, 2024

A book festival with a twist, the NBCC is another fan favorite for readers and writers alike. From the website: “ The National Book Club Conference places readers in an upscale, intimate environment with some of their favorite authors–and introduces attendees to new talent to add to their reading lists. The annual weekend, which is almost a spiritual occasion, consists of numerous book club meetings, panel discussions and other events that give readers face time with authors that rivals any literary occasion anywhere, in a fun, relaxed and intimate setting. The NBCC is where readers from across the country come together and depart friends.”

Black Writers Weekend. Atlanta, Georgia, August 1-4, 2024.

More than just a book festival, Black Writers weekend brings Black writers from multiple fields together for one weekend. From the website: “Experience the only weekend where you'll meet your favorite author, screenwriter, and film & television stars. Meet up with friends at one of the Lit crawl locations; just before you step into the Lit social for a drink. But don't forget to enjoy an intimate book chat with one of our featured literary rock stars. Enjoy live readings, parties, movie screenings, and masterclasses. Black Writers Weekend was explicitly created for creatives and culture lovers.”

Edinburgh International Book Festival. Edinburgh, Scotland. August 10 - 25, 2024

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is not specifically a BIPOC book festival, but it is billed as “the largest public celebration of the written word in the world.” And boasting 500 featured authors from all around the world, it is definitely a book festival with a lot of color and culture represented. From the website, the Festival is described as a, “uniquely vibrant and inspiring gathering of readers and writers.” With events for adults and children, this is a book festival where everyone can find books and authors that suit their tastes.

Black Girl Book Fest. Brooklyn, NY. August 2024 Date TBD

The Black Girl Book Fest debuted in 2023 and organizers say they will be bringing it back in 2024. The brainchild of book lover Kayla Starr, the Black Girl Book Fest is exactly what it sounds like, and more. From the website: “The Black Girl Book Fest is a festival and community space that aims to center and amplify Black women and Black Non-Binary folks in literature. The festival will have several local bookstore and small business vendors, food options and BYOF), a DJ, a yoga/meditation station, a poetry open mic and much much more.

This will be a picnic style festival / hangout where we urge you to get comfortable on the grass, lay out, chat and of course READ! We also hope to bridge our community even more by mixing and mingling local authors, bookstagrammers/booktokers and all those who enjoy Blackness and Books!” Stay tuned for updates about the 2024 festival.

Harlem Book Fair. New York, New York, September 7, 2024.

A legendary book fair in Harlem, USA. From the website: “Twenty-five years ago, we launched the Harlem Book Fair in New York City to give voice to an expanding community of readers and writers. We have introduced thousands of readers to thousands of books, and have inspired many more through writer's showcases, author discussions, and young writer’s contests. Always free to the public - always entertaining, enjoyable, informative, and always self-affirming.”

Asian American Literature Festival. Various Cities, September 14 - 22. 2024

After the 2023 Asian American literature festival was abruptly canceled by the Smithsonian last year, with little explanation, in 2024 a collective of Asian American literary organizations are working together to host a multi-city, international, week-long festival celebrating Asian American literature. Currently, events will be taking place in Athens and Atlanta, GA; Champaign-Urbana, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA. Events are also planned for New Zealand and Australia as well. A full schedule of events will be released in the summer of 2024, so stay tuned to find out the specifics.

Furious Flower Poetry Conference. Harrisonburg, VA. September 18 - 21, 2024.

The Furious Flower Poetry Conference only happens once every ten years, so you know it has to be good. From the website: “Our flagship event, the Furious Flower Poetry Conference convenes every 10 years for scholars and writers from around the world to explore contemporary trends in Black literature, culture, and thought, and publish a signature volume of poetry, poetics, and criticism to commemorate each conference.

Intergenerational, international, and intentional in its focus on the expansiveness of the Black poetic tradition, the 2024 Furious Flower Conference celebrates The Worlds of Black Poetry and is jointly dedicated to the inestimable Elizabeth Alexander and Kwame Dawes. Furious Flower IV will be held at its traditional home at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia on September 18-21, 2024. “

Black British Book Festival. London, England, October 2024 Dates TBD.

Billed as the largest Black book festival in Europe and the UK. From the website: “The Black British Book Festival is a showcase of the UK’s best Black authors and an important educational platform for new and emerging talent…Join us as we bring together literary enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and avid readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Black British literature. With a diverse lineup of talented authors, engaging discussions, inspiring workshops, and interactive activities, this festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages.” This will be the fourth year of the Black British Book Festival and every year it seems to get bigger and better.

Griot & Grey Owl Black Southern Writers Conference. Durham, NC. November 2024 TBD.

This grassroots literary festival successfully launched in 2023. From the website: “Rooted in Durham, NC, the Griot and Grey Owl Black Southern Writers Conference was formed from a need. Far too often Black stories are pushed to the margins leaving diasporic writers without access or opportunity. Griot and Grey Owl seeks to answer that call. G&G is a 3-day writing conference for Black Southern writers packed with world-class workshops, panels, and historical tours that cover culture, career, and community.” After a successful first conference, they promised to be back in 2024. Stay tuned their website and social channels for updates.

Leimert Park Village Book Fair. Los Angeles, CA, November 2024 Dates TBD.

The Leimert Park Village Book Fair is the largest African American book festival on the West Coast and has a storied history. From the website: “The Leimert Park Village Book Fair is the largest African American book fair on the west coast. It is centered in one of the most historic and cultural areas of Los Angeles. The book fair has become a lively cultural tradition in the community of Los Angeles providing authors and aspiring writers the opportunity to share their latest works and engage their fans up close and personal. This premier family event also hosts special events, panels discussions, poetry readings, exhibitions, kid activities, cooking stage entertainment and much more.”

Miami Book Fair November. Miami, Florida, November 17-24, 2024.

The Miami Book Fair is not designated as a BIPOC-only book festival, but due to the city’s wildly diverse population, the Miami Book Fair is known for celebrating multicultural voices in literature, with an emphasis on Latino and Caribbean authors. From the website: “ Miami Book Fair began as a two-day event in November 1984, when a small group of determined individuals – including educators from Miami Dade College, independent booksellers, and librarians – founded Miami Book Fair International. In the nearly 40 years since, MBF has grown into one of the most significant cultural events in the region, the most comprehensively programmed book fair in the nation, and an internationally recognized model of excellence.”

Mosaic Literary Conference. New York, New York, November TBD, 2024

Truly a cultural institution based in the Bronx, but with a national flavor, the Mosaic Literary Conference should be on every New Yorker’s literary list. From the website:”The Mosaic Literary Conference provides a platform for literature-based creative thinking and knowledge sharing. Each year we invite educators, community and arts organizations, as well as the public to participate in a variety of workshops. Launched in 2003, MLC presents a variety of topical, historical, and culturally themed panels and workshops that connect our South Bronx community to the world.” After a hiatus, the Mosaic Festival is due to return in 2024.

Have Fun and Get Lit at the Next BIPOC Book Festival

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list of every BIPOC book and literary festival in the world, but it’s a good start and offers a slew of choices for you. And of course, you don’t have to attend just one of these amazing events. You could make it a goal to attend one every season, for example. Whatever you choose to do, I hope you use this list of BIPOC book festivals to go out and get lit! Let me know if you’re aware of a festival that I missed, and I’ll be sure to add it to the list.