Cleveland Book Fest 2026 is a month-long showcase of literary excellence in Northeast Ohio.
About Cleveland Book Fest 2026
This year’s festival is slated to draw in thousands of book lovers, writers, and residents through author talks, poetry readings, publishing panels, and more. Official partners include the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, The City Club of Cleveland, Cleveland Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Great Lakes African American Writers Conference (GLAAWC), Lake Erie Ink, Literary Cleveland and Writers in Residence.
Partners
Book Fest Events
At The Table: A Discussion with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.
September 16, 2026 · 6:00 pm
And She Was Loved: A Celebration of Toni Morrison with Andrea Davis Pinkney
September 17, 2026 · 11:00 am
Cuyahoga Community College: An Evening with Ohio Poet Laureate Edward A. Julian, Sr.
September 17, 2026 · 6:00 pm
The City Club of Cleveland: Forum with Sarah Aziza and Nadeen Abusada
September 18, 2026 · 11:30 am
2026 Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards Ceremony
September 18, 2026 · 6:30 pm
Bench Ansfield in Conversation with DeRay Mckesson
September 19, 2026 · 11:00 am
Sarah Aziza in Conversation with Philip Metres and Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi
September 19, 2026 · 12:00 pm
Carrie R. Moore in Conversation with Stevona Elem-Rogers
September 19, 2026 · 2:30 pm
Gbenga Adesina in Conversation with Ajanaé Dawkins at The Foundry
September 19, 2026 · 3:30 pm
Books at the Market
September 20, 2026 · 10:00 am
Cuyahoga County Public Library: Author Chuck Klosterman
September 23, 2026 · 7:00 pm
Cuyahoga County Public Library: Author Keith O’Brien
September 23, 2026 · 7:00 pm