Now in its 12th year, the San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) returns Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Library + the Southwest School of Art. Expect a fun-filled day that celebrates national + local authors with literary entertainment for all. The best part? It’s entirely free — aside from that tote bag full of books you’re going to buy.
A little history
SABF’s inaugural event took place in April 2013 as a way to unite readers + writers as they share ideas, books, and literary culture. The event has featured anywhere from 75 to 100 authors from around the country. SABF has also welcomed 20,000+ visitors and generates more than $1 million for the city’s economy. Attendees can expect:
- Author presentations
- Panel discussions
- Books sales + signings
- Art stations
- Festival marketplace
- Local food trucks + more
Featured authors
This year, SABF will feature nearly 100 local, regional, and national authors. Here’s a few that we want to meet:
- Becky Albertalli | If you haven’t picked up a copy of her co-written LGBTQ+ rom com with Adam Silvera “What If It’s Us,” then this is your sign to do so.
- Silvia Moreno-Garcia | If you’re in the mood for something more chilling, then check out this author’s gothic horror novel “Mexican Gothic.”
- Al Rendón | This San Antonio legend needs no introduction, but if you want to see his legendary photographs then be sure to pick up a copy of “Mi Cultura: Bringing Shadow into Light.”
- Saúl Hernández | This queer writer from the 210 has earned accolades for his poetry like the Pleiades Prufer Poetry Prize, his first poetry collection is “How to Kill a Goat & Other Monsters.”
Pro tip: Authors are holding autographing sessions at the Book Sales & Signing tent, but your book must be purchased at the event for it to be signed.
Happy reading, SATX.