San Antonio Book Festival Returns April 11 with 110+ Authors

Free literary event at Central Library and UTSA Downtown features nationally recognized authors, family activities, and more.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:36pm

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of people browsing bookshelves in a warm, inviting library setting, with soft pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric mood that captures the spirit of the San Antonio Book Festival.The San Antonio Book Festival's free, family-friendly programming aims to reconnect the community with the joy of reading.San Antonio Today

The San Antonio Book Festival will return on Saturday, April 11, 2026, bringing more than 110 authors to downtown San Antonio for a free, full-day literary event. Held at the San Antonio Central Library and the University of Texas at San Antonio Downtown Campus, the festival will feature author talks, panel discussions, book signings, food trucks, and activities for children and teens.

Why it matters

The San Antonio Book Festival is a major annual event that celebrates reading, writing, and literary culture in the city. It provides free access to nationally recognized authors and a wide range of literary genres, while also highlighting local voices and community engagement.

The details

The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees. This year's lineup includes authors such as Julia Alvarez, George Saunders, Megha Majumdar, Jeff Hiller, and Arnie Segovia. The festival will also feature a new ticketed kickoff event on Thursday, April 9, featuring Jenna Bush Hager. The festival blends national names with strong Texas and San Antonio representation, including local authors and community voices.

  • The San Antonio Book Festival will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • A new ticketed kickoff event will open the festival weekend on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Lisa Ayres

The executive director of the San Antonio Book Festival.

Jenna Bush Hager

A nationally recognized author who will be featured at the festival's new ticketed kickoff event.

Juliet Faithfull

The author of the debut novel "Liar's Dice", which will be celebrated at the festival's kickoff event.

Henry Cisneros

A former mayor of San Antonio who will be participating in the festival.

Ron Nirenberg

A former mayor of San Antonio who will be participating in the festival.

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What they’re saying

“There truly is something for everyone.”

— Lisa Ayres, Executive Director, San Antonio Book Festival

“Reading reduces stress, strengthens empathy, and sharpens thinking. We want to welcome both lifelong readers and those looking to rediscover it.”

— Lisa Ayres, Executive Director, San Antonio Book Festival

What’s next

Tickets for the festival's new kickoff event featuring Jenna Bush Hager may be purchased online.

The takeaway

The San Antonio Book Festival continues to be a major annual celebration of reading, writing, and literary culture in the city, providing free access to nationally recognized authors and a wide range of literary genres, while also highlighting local voices and community engagement.