Las Vegas Book Festival Highlights Multicultural Programming

Free panels, poetry and family activities celebrate identity, heritage and community Oct. 17

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 24, 2026) - The 2026 Las Vegas Book Festival will feature a variety of cultural programming celebrating the stories, traditions and diverse perspectives that help shape the Southern Nevada community. 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.

Among this year's cultural offerings are a panel exploring literary identity and the Hispanic community, a discussion about parenthood, indigeneity and belonging, and a family-friendly recreation space where children can explore books, culture and creativity.

See the full schedule to plan your day at the book festival. Additional scheduled children's activities and children's/young adult author panels will be detailed as we get closer to the festival. Expect 50 exhibitors (see list).

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.

Multicultural Programming Schedule

• 1:15-2:15 p.m.- Empowered Tent
  Literary Identity and the Hispanic Community
  Four authors, four voices and one conversation about the power of literature to preserve identity, share stories and build community. From memory and migration to creativity and resilience, this panel will celebrate the richness of Latino literature and its role in building a future rooted in heritage and hope. Panelists include Mapy Durán, Ere Gonzalez, Rosa Iñigo and Augusto Lemus Martinez. This panel will held in Spanish.
  
• 3:45-4:45 p.m. - Poetry Pavilion
  Homelands: Discourses on Parenthood, Indigeneity and Belonging
  This panel will explore what it means to write about home and the people in our lives who create a sense of belonging. Authors from diverse backgrounds and perspectives will discuss the intersections of parenthood, indigeneity and the importance of place in how we experience these identities. Free Spanish-language interpretation services will be available. The panel will be moderated by Fatima Suarez, Ph.D., and will feature Willy Palomo, Praise Osawaru and Gwendolyn Paradice.

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Pop-up Recreation Activity Room 160
  Families are invited to create, discover and celebrate the stories that bring the community together. Hosted by the city's Pop-up Recreation team, the welcoming space will 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 take-home treasures inspired by stories, imagination and the many cultures represented in the community. The Activity Room also will feature inclusive activities and cultural experiences celebrating traditions, languages, stories and creativity.

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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. The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino downtown is offering a special room rate for Oct. 15-17 through Sept. 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Click here to book a hotel room. Download the parking map . Download the exhibitor map.

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