Las Vegas Book Festival Announces Children’s Authors & Activities

Bring The Family To Attend Free Festival Oct. 17 At Historic Fifth Street School

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 30, 2026) - The 2026 Las Vegas Book Festival will feature a variety of children's programming and activities. Now in its 25th year, the free, all-ages festival returns Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., in downtown Las Vegas.

Award-winning writer and creator Tony Weaver, Jr. will speak in the auditorium at 11 a.m. with an inspiring and joyful conversation about storytelling, self-love, confidence and the power of seeing yourself reflected in the worlds you love. Author of the acclaimed middle-grade graphic novel "Weirdo," Tony brings his signature nerdy joy and positive energy to a discussion about embracing what makes you different, challenging harmful narratives, and helping young people find their place. Come for the stories, stay for the laughter and the book signing to follow.

The Discovery Tent will offer singer-songwriter and author Sonia Barcelona at 10 a.m., performing songs from her catalog that inspired her to write the children's book, "Mason The Misfit Mug," and then reading the book aloud. At 10:45 a.m., children's book authors Jen Nails, Lindsey Leavitt, Terri Farley, J.L. Esplin and Simon Boughton will discuss the people, places, history, mysteries and adventures that make Nevada a great setting for children's books. At noon, join 2026 Nevada Young Readers Award winner Gennifer Choldenko to discuss her award-winning book with moderator Tracy Barkhuff. At 1:15 p.m., children's book authors/illustrators Veeda Bybee, Michael Slack, Micah Player and Yesenia Moises will participate in a draw-off and discuss the power of illustrated children's books.

At 2:30 p.m. in the Discovery Tent, Ellen Neuborne will moderate a panel of authors who write for young readers, including Nazanin Agange Ford, Jarrett Pumphrey, Celesta Rimington, Patricia Tanumihardja and Michael Slack. With imaginative storytelling, these writers make books so inviting for young readers. The final panel in the Discovery Tent will be authors K.E. Radke, Jeff Zentner, Tesia Tsai, Brittany Cavallaro and Lily Chu discussing writing for young adults.

The Library Corner in the northeast corner of Centennial Plaza will offer story time all day long, starting at 10:15 a.m. Rooms 160 and 180 of the Historic Fifth Street School will offer children's activities from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Step into a world of imagination and fun! Hosted by the city's Pop-up Recreation team in room 160 and the Library District in room 180, these welcoming spaces invite children and families of all ages and backgrounds to explore, create and celebrate the joy of books and culture. Young readers can make their own tiny books, design creative crafts and create fun take-home treasures inspired by stories, imagination and the many cultures represented in our community. The Activity Room will feature inclusive activities and cultural experiences that celebrate traditions, languages, stories and creativity.

Visit the Nevada Humanities Tent 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to create your own handmade postcard or flip-book story. The activities are free and for all ages, while supplies last. Nevada artists and poets will be on hand throughout the day with their creative energy in helping you create a little art and write a poetic message about what you love about Nevada.The "Nevada P.S. I Love You Postcard Project" is part of an ongoing effort to connect Nevadans across the state by sharing the things we all love about Nevada.

The book festival wouldn't be complete without a book giveaway. This year, we have Spread the Word Nevada giving away free books all day and also accepting book donations in their donation drop. Bring your little readers to enjoy the massive selection of books and comics, as well as a chance to win free prizes.

The city's recreation team brings all-day fun with outdoor lawn games 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Centennial Plaza on the northwest side of the school building. Play beanbag tic-tac-toe or giant checkers! Take on a friend in a match of lawn bowling, get out that rambunctious energy with a bundle of hula-hoops, and more!

The Poetry Pavilion will offer the Spark! Youth Poetry Competition for Nevada high-school students from 1 to 3 p.m. Advance registration is required here by Oct. 12 to participate.

A Book Festival scavenger hunt will continue 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with prizes awarded at the end. Challenge your family to find all the clues and solve the puzzle before 5 p.m. Get instructions at the Information Tent on Fourth Street.

See the full schedule to plan your day at the book festival. Expect 50 exhibitors (see list and map). Download the parking map.

Presented by the city of Las Vegas with support from Nevada Humanities, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and Clark County Parks & Recreation, the event also is sponsored by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Audacy Radio, KTNV CHANNEL 13 and other donors. For updates and information, visit lasvegasbookfestival.com.

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About the Las Vegas Book Festival

The Las Vegas Book Festival is the largest literary event in Nevada, presented by the city of Las Vegas with support from Nevada Humanities, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and Clark County Parks & Recreation, along with many sponsors and donors. This 25th annual celebration of the written, spoken and illustrated word is free and open to all ages. Through the years, the festival has presented countless well-known authors, panel discussions, readings, workshops and book signings. Topics of interest include politics, social issues, history, popular fiction, cooking and science fiction. There is something for everyone. For information, please visit lasvegasbookfestival.com . Keep up with festival news on Facebook and X (#VegasBookFest). RSVP here to receive event updates.

Editor's Note: Photos and short bios of speakers and their book jackets are available at lasvegasbookfestival.com. Headliner photos may be downloaded here. Video b-roll may be downloaded here. Photos of previous book festivals are available for download at https://cityoflasvegas.smugmug.com/Event/LVBF.