The Bay Area Book Festival (BABF), now in its 11th year, will take place in Downtown Berkeley on Saturday, May 31–June 1. Over two extraordinary days, 250+ authors from around the world will gather to ignite conversations and showcase the transformative power of literature. This year’s festival, centered around the theme of “Changing the Narrative,” invites attendees to explore how storytelling can bridge divides, foster collective healing, and rethink how people interact with each other, and the world.
The festival is proud to introduce J. K. Fowler, its new executive director, under whose leadership the festival continues to champion the power of books as a tool for collective joy, healing and activism, reminding all that the act of reading and sharing stories can change the world. “We all have gifts,” says Fowler. “Remember what yours are. If you don’t know them yet, discover them. Find ways to share them. Even the smallest acts mean something in this time.”
New to the festival, the Bookworm Block Party on Sunday will offer an expanded outdoor experience with three outdoor stages and six indoor stages. As in previous years, all programming will be free, except the headliner events, featuring Judith Butler, Roxane Gay, Alicia Garza, Prentis Hemphill, micha cárdenas, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Tara Dorabji, and Greg Sarris.
For tickets to headliner events, full program details, and more information, visit baybookfest.org.
Bay Area Book Festival
Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1
Downtown Berkeley
Near Shattuck Ave., Allston Way, Kittredge St.
