Greater Central Valley Book Festival

Immerse yourself in a day packed with incredible reads, engaging author discussions, and book-themed excitement at this literary celebration GREATER CENTRAL VALLEY BOOK FEST Where Stories Bring Our Communities Together Join us for a day celebrating stories, community, and connection! The Greater Central Valley Book Fest - Sunday, November 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, CA. This family-friendly festival features acclaimed authors, live readings, a Kids Zone, open mic sessions, and the Voices of the Valley Short Story Competition for students. Meet featured guests, shop local authors, and be part of a growing literary community in the Central Valley. What Is a Book Festival? Think of it as a one-day celebration of reading and storytelling — like a fair, but for books and the people who create them. Authors, illustrators, poets, filmmakers, and readers of all ages come together for a full day of talks, activities, and community. General festival access is free and open to the public. The one exception is the keynote — more on that below. What’s Happening All Day (Free!) • 🎤 Main Stage — Featured author talks, panels, and conversations • 🎙️ Minor Stage — Smaller, more intimate sessions with authors and speakers • 🎨 Kids Zone (Upstairs Gallery) — Activities, readings, and books for younger festival-goers • ✍️ Classroom Breakout Sessions — Workshops on writing, publishing, and craft • 🔥 Poetry Slam — A live, judged spoken word showcase (not an open mic!) • 📖 Voices of the Valley Short Story Competition — Celebrating young writers, grades 3–8 • 🏆 Literary Hero Award — Honoring someone who’s made a lasting impact through literacy or storytelling • 📚 Author & Vendor Tables — Meet authors, browse books, support local shops