LA Times Festival of Books 2026 Lineup Announced

Lionel Richie, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Larry David to headline literary celebration

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:51pm

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The 31st annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books will take place April 18-19 at the University of Southern California, featuring over 550 writers and 350 exhibitors. Major appearances include Lionel Richie discussing his memoir, Sarah Jessica Parker on "The Radiant Dark," and Larry David discussing the making of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The festival will also debut an Audiobook and Podcast Stage presented by Spotify and expanded programming for the romance and fantasy genres.

Why it matters

The LA Times Festival of Books is one of the largest and most prestigious literary events in the country, drawing thousands of book lovers, authors, and industry professionals to Los Angeles each year. The 2026 lineup features a diverse array of high-profile talent, reflecting the festival's status as a premier destination for literary and pop culture enthusiasts.

The details

The 31st annual Festival of Books will take place over two days at the University of Southern California campus. In addition to the main author appearances, the event will feature 8 outdoor stages, a Food Stage with demos from Elvira actress Cassandra Peterson, and a new Audiobook and Podcast Stage presented by Spotify. The festival will also offer "page to screen" events with sneak peeks at upcoming TV and streaming adaptations.

  • The 2026 festival will take place on April 18-19.
  • The 46th annual Book Prizes will be held on Friday, April 17, to kick off the weekend.

The players

Lionel Richie

A legendary singer-songwriter who will discuss his memoir at the festival.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The acclaimed actress will appear to discuss her novel "The Radiant Dark."

Larry David

The creator and star of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" will participate in a session about the making of the iconic comedy series.

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What’s next

Tickets for "Friend of the Festival" packages and select Bovard Auditorium events are currently on sale, while general admission to the festival remains free.

The takeaway

The 2026 LA Times Festival of Books promises to be a star-studded celebration of literature, reflecting the event's status as a premier destination for book lovers, authors, and pop culture enthusiasts alike.