Louisville, KY – Louisville’s literary community will gather downtown Saturday, Oct. 24, for the seventh annual Louisville Book Festival, a free, family-friendly event featuring more than 100 authors, illustrators and exhibitors, includingNew York Timesbestselling author Roxane Gay.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The event will feature author presentations, book signings, panel discussions, writing workshops and activities for readers of all ages. This year’s festival will also coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Kentucky Women’s Book Festival, bringing the two literary events together at one location.

Gay, known for her booksBad FeministandHunger, will headline the festival with a presentation scheduled for 2 p.m. Admission to the festival is free, but tickets are required to reserve a seat for Gay’s presentation.

Kentucky authors among featured guests

The 2026 lineup includes several notable literary figures with ties to Kentucky, including Louisville author and festival founder Deedee Cummings, award-winning Kentucky writer Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. and University of Louisville professor and author Dr. Kaila Story.

Other featured guests include children’s book author Janelle Harper and Dan Issel, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer.

New programming this year includes a romance literature panel curated by Louisville’s A Novel Romance Bookstore and an Ask Me Anything session featuring literary agents from across the country. Independent bookstore Foxing Books will serve as the festival’s official bookseller.

Visitors can also participate in author meet-and-greets, book signings, children’s storytimes, writing and publishing workshops, literary agent pitch sessions and Louisville Free Public Library programming.

Additional attractions include therapy dogs from WAGS, community reg. Free books will be available for children while supplies last

Festival emphasizes literacy and community

Cummings, a Louisville author, therapist and attorney, founded the Louisville Book Festival to promote reading and strengthen community connections through literature.

Through the annual festival and year-round initiatives, including itsIt Pays to Readprogram, the nonprofit organization has distributed more than 20,000 books to children and schools.

“Books are a great way to practice community care and grow community engagement,” Cummings said. “We believe books offer hope and that literacy is a fundamental human right.”

The festival offers an opportunity for Kentucky readers to connect with established authors, discover new writers and participate in programming designed to encourage literacy among children and adults.

The Kentucky International Convention Center’s downtown location also puts visitors within walking distance of Louisville’s Museum Row, restaurants and entertainment along historic Main Street.

Louisville Book Festival details

When:Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:Kentucky International Convention Center, downtown Louisville
Admission:Free; tickets are required for select presentations, including Roxane Gay’s 2 p.m. appearance.

The full author lineup, event schedule and ticket information are available at theLouisville Book Festival website.