How to Make the Most out of Your Local Book Festival

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned book festival? You walk in and hear the buzz of people who love to read books, write books, or write about good books. You are able to wander in and out of discussions, inspirational book displays, all the while sipping on a glass of wine. It is a literary dream kind of day. Today is all about insider tips for how to make the most out of your local book festival!

My local book festival  is the National Book Festival in Washington D.C.. It feels a lot like Christmas morning to be handed a custom bag to fill with as many free books as you can carry. There was no eggnog or mistletoe, but authors like Stephen King, Marilynne Robinson, Angela J. Davis, and Katherine Patterson were all ready to share a little piece of their writing souls and how their passion drives their lives and changes history.

I have attended many book festivals, and even in the best cities or events, the experience can be confusing and the best events are easy to miss.  Here are six foolproof tips to enjoy a fabulous experience at your own local book festival.

1. Maps and Apps

Most book festivals these days will have an app you can download. The app will not only give you a detailed map of the event, but a useful list of the different events and their locations.  You can save all the events you want to attend in the app. This way, you can create a schedule of events that your whole family will enjoy.

Planning ahead will save you time, money and confusion at the event. Also, it will allow you to maximize your time and reserve seats/tickets ahead of time. The map is crucial for planning ahead.  You do not want to miss an important event due to lack of time to get there.

Most apps have an FAQ page and a list of tips for things like parking, ticket lines, food venues, etc. to help you smoothly navigate the festival.

2. Read About the Event in the News or on Social Media

The list of authors is overwhelming, and you may not recognize every author’s name. It will only take you a few minutes to read a quick review of the author on Goodreads or ask your friends on Facebook or Twitter for feedback. A little legwork means you’ll make it to that unforgettable event you would have otherwise missed.  

3. Put Yourself Out There in a Conversation

Many authors will have down time between sessions.  I urge you to take the opportunity to walk over and say, “I really loved your book.” You may be afraid of rejection or think they do not have time. However, most authors would love to chat with a fellow lover of books. They usually greatly appreciate you taking the time to tell them how you loved their work.  I have connected with authors on Twitter and Instagram and the personal connection is amazing!

If you don’t know what to say after the first greeting, try asking about their experience in your city. Tell them about a local eatery that you love so they can check it out after the festival. Ask them if they have souvenirs to bring home to their families, and tell them where to get them. Or better yet, offer to take them shopping!   

4. Family Friendly Activities 

You have that glass of wine in your hand and have met a group of people who love the same book you are currently reading. However, your family is whining they are “bored”. By planning ahead for your kids, they too can have an enriching and wonderful experience.  

You can give yourself freedom to sit back and enjoy yours as well. There are usually several events catered just for children.  They will also have areas for reading and drawing that you can find on the festival’s app.

Additional bonus: when your child attends a book reading, they get a free book or toy. They will also have tables set up for drawing. Here children can spend time creating a souvenir picture. This will keep them well occupied while you are meeting new book friends.

I urge parents to attend the family friendly events first. This way children have a bag full of new and shiny books to read. This will enable you to attend seminars and Q&As with your favorite authors.

I love following up a new book with a cooking a meal based on the book or the setting. A great way to incorporate life skills with literacy at home.  Click HERE for a few creative ways to connect reading with cooking. 

5. Dress for Success

Your key to lasting all day in a maze of books is being comfortable. Wear good shoes for all the walking you will surely be doing. Your feet will thank you at about 4pm.  Also, bring a refillable water bottle so you stay hydrated and able to focus. You may be sitting or waiting in line often, and water is crucial.

Also, be sure to pack healthy snacks for the family. You do not want to let the sticker price at the food venues discourage you from staying longer. You also may not be able to find food your band of picky eaters actually like.  

6. Set Your Goals

Your most important tip is to set clear goals before you go. If it is a day for relaxation and pure enjoyment of books, getting new books for your children’s library, or a networking opportunity for your own business endeavors, make a clear list of your goals beforehand.

You will feel inspired, encouraged, and refreshed knowing that your day has been successful. You will also realize the experience met or exceeded expectations.

To find the next book festival near you, click HERE. 

If you are in Washington D.C. for the book festival, I suggest visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture as a MUST see. The newest addition to the Smithsonian museums is absolutely incredible and you do not want to miss it!