Texas is about to be super lit(erate) with the approach of the 2025 Texas Book Festival (TBF) this November! Since the festival’s beginning in 1996 to today’s over 40,000 attendees, TBF has been a haven for book lovers and writers who visit from all over for nearly 30 years.
From November 8-9, Downtown Austin will be a bookworm’s paradise once again—connecting established and emerging authors with community members of all ages. No matter your favorite genre, you’re bound to discover something special and hear from influential figures in the contemporary literary world.
As a Houston-based company, ZTERS loves to uplift all things Texas! We’re here to tell you some of what to expect at the 2025 Texas Book Festival to help you get excited.
Visit the TBF’s official website for more information.
When is the Texas Book Festival in 2025?
This year, the Texas Book Festival falls on Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, 2025. Panels, talks, and other events will take place throughout both days so be sure to check out the official TBF 2025 schedule to stay up to date on the latest.
Know that even when the festivities wrap up on the 9th, TBF still offers year-round literary events! That means that even after the tents come down, you can celebrate with TBF and take advantage of their programming. There are also tons of ways to get involved including donating, volunteering, and purchasing merchandise.
Do I Have to Buy Tickets?
The Texas Book Festival is free and open to the public. There are some ticketed sessions for author talks that also get you a copy of that author’s latest book. So it’s up to you whether you’d like to purchase those passes or simply enjoy the many free talks and activities. This year, you can hear from renowned public figures like Ibram X. Kendi (free RSVP), Matthew McConaughey, Chelsea Handler, and others.
What to Expect at TBF 2025
TBF’s mission is to “…[connect] authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. They work to achieve their mission and to bring their vision to life by offering a colorful array of learning opportunities and activities.
A Robust Lineup of Authors
Hear from brilliant minds and inspiring storytellers all day both days! The 2025 festival authors include over 300 individuals. You can filter the list by audience, type, and genre to find the authors you love or discover new writers. Whether you love poetry, non-fiction, romance, fantasy, or even cookbooks, there is truly something for everyone.
Delicious Eats
If you find yourself working up an appetite while browsing everything the 2025 Texas Book Festival has to offer, you’re in luck. There are several food trucks to satisfy any craving, including:
- Amy’s Ice Creams
- Hero Gyros
- Roppolo’s Pizzeria
- Tacobaby
- Wholly Cow Burgers
- And more!
A Variety of Exhibitors
From independent authors to publishing houses to media companies, the list of 2025 Texas Book Festival exhibitors is a long and diverse one. Here’s just a sample of some of the individuals, organizations, and businesses you can see in the exhibition marketplace:
- Austin PBS
- Hablemos Escritoras
- Lioness Books
- Texas A&M University Press
- Texas Folklore Society
- Libro.fm
- Austin Books Arts Center
- Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar
- Texas Freedom to Read Project
- Beth Ann Hooper (author)
- Jay Spillmann (author)
- Douglas Bell (author)
- Jenni Stand (author)
- Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Austin Chapter
- And so many more
Planning an Event?
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Check out the full list of exhibitors here.
Let ZTERS Support Your Next Texas Event!
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This post is part of our ZTERS Around Town series, where we highlight popular local events nationwide. ZTERS is not affiliated with the events listed.