Festival-goers engaging in lively discussions and enjoying book signings at the 30th Festival of Books.
The 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books delighted tens of thousands of attendees with a vibrant celebration of literature at the University of Southern California. Over the course of two days, visitors enjoyed engaging author panels, lively discussions, and numerous book signings from a diverse lineup of storytellers. Notable panels explored themes of grief, humor, and Hollywood, while the festival honored literary achievements at the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony. The event showcases the power of connection through stories, making it a memorable experience for all.
Los Angeles came alive with words and stories as tens of thousands of book lovers gathered at the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books held at the University of Southern California. The festival, which spanned two exhilarating days, offered a heartwarming blend of author panels, engaging talks, and vibrant book signings that drew in a crowd eager for inspiration and entertainment.
This year’s festival kicked off with a bit of drama, as a rainy morning gave way to a beautiful sunny day that lifted spirits and turned the event into a joyous celebration. With an organizer estimating that more than 85,000 attendees would pass through the gates, the festival certainly didn’t disappoint!
Visitors were treated to an impressive lineup of over 550 storytellers showcasing their talents across seven outdoor stages and 15 indoor venues. As guests navigated the festival grounds, they encountered sold-out panels, lengthy lines for author signings, and an overall sense of excitement that filled the sunny air.
A particularly poignant moment came during a noon panel where Dunne discussed the posthumous release of Joan Didion’s *Notes to John*, showcasing the rich tapestry of literary life in Los Angeles.
In addition to discussions on Hollywood, a separate panel delved into the complex topic of grief, featuring authors like E.A. Hanks, Laurie Woolever, Sloane Crosley, and Kareem Rosser. Moderated by Elizabeth Crane, the panel blended personal stories about loss with moments of lighthearted humor, creating a heartfelt space for attendees to connect over shared experiences.
The festival also hosted the 45th Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony, which honored outstanding literary achievements across 12 competitive categories in addition to three special prizes. Attendees felt the significance of the moment as authors and fans alike celebrated the power of the written word.
During the ceremony, E.A. Hanks opened up about her memoir, *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*, giving insights into her creative journey. The evening featured special guests including the ever-charismatic Amanda Gorman, who received the Innovator’s Award, and renowned author Pico Iyer, who was honored with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were co-hosts of the popular “Giggly Squad” podcast, Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner, who captivated the crowd with their humor and engaging conversations. The lively exchanges kept fans entertained and were a testament to the communal spirit of the festival.
As friends and families explored the festival grounds, they were reminded that literature has the remarkable ability to connect people from all walks of life. The festival, now in full swing, runs through Sunday, offering a final chance for attendees to immerse themselves in the literary world.
The full schedule of events is conveniently available on the festival’s website, so you won’t miss any of the magic unfolding at this extraordinary event.
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