Your Guide to the NH Book Festival – Schedule, Highlights, and Must-See Events
If you love books, meetups with authors, or just being in community then you don’t want to miss the New Hampshire Book Festival! The full schedule is live now!
The second annual New Hampshire Book Festival opens Friday, October 3, at 7:00 PM with a keynote address by Walter Mosley. Mosley, featured on The Today Show on September 18 discussing his latest release in the long-running Easy Rawlins mystery series, has published 60 works of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and playwriting. He will be in conversation with Hank Phillippi Ryan. Tickets are available at the Capitol Center for the Arts.
Why the full schedule matters
See the full variety — With 50+ nationally recognized authors and poets presenting over two days, there’s something for everyone.
Plan ahead — Pick which panels, readings, or book signings you absolutely want to attend. Some rooms may fill up.
Map your route — The festival spans multiple venues (Capitol Center for the Arts & Festival Village in Concord, NH) and includes simultaneous tracks — the schedule helps you avoid timing conflicts.
Make the most of your visit — You might discover events you didn’t expect — a poetry salon, a youth literature stage, or special conversations that surprise you.
Stay flexible — The Festival is “Rain or Shine,” so having your schedule in hand means you can pivot between indoor and outdoor options.
Saturday, October 4 – Festival Village & Highlights
The action-packed day begins at 9:00 AM with the Festival’s first-ever “Dress As Your Favorite Book Character” Costume Parade! Kids of all ages (and the young-at-heart) should gather in front of Constantly Pizza (39 S Main St, Concord, NH) to kick off the weekend — rain or shine.
From 9:30 AM to 4:35 PM, author panels for both adults and children take the stage. Each panel is followed by a book signing, with all festival books available for purchase at the Gibson’s Bookstore Tent.
Festival Village (Free!) — Stroll South Main Street in Concord and enjoy a vibrant mix of author events, book browsing, and community fun.
Children’s Book Character Parade — Don’t miss the NH Book Festival’s first-ever Costume Parade! Kids of all ages are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite literary characters. Meet in front of Constantly Pizza (39 S Main St, Concord) at 9 AM to join the fun. Rain or shine!
Adult Author Programs — Head inside the Capitol Center for the Arts to hear from nationally recognized writers.
KidLit Tent — Outside, discover exciting youth authors and activities perfect for young readers and families.
Poetry Salon — Stop by the Kimball House (inside the Capitol Center) for intimate readings and conversations with poets.
Accessibility Matters — All programs are fully accessible, and this year many Adult and Children’s Author Panels will feature ASL–English interpretation.
Meet the Authors — After every panel, authors will sign books purchased at the Festival book tent — the perfect keepsake!
Quick tips for enjoying the festival
Bookmark your favorites from the schedule and note times/locations.
Arrive early — for the best seats, especially in smaller venues.
Bring a notebook or device — to jot down quotes or new reading ideas.
Be spontaneous — if you see a talk you didn’t plan on, go for it!
Check for updates — sometimes schedules shift or extras get added.
Don’t Miss These Special Ticketed Events!
The New Hampshire Book Festival on October 4 is free and open to all, but a few headlining programs require tickets — and they’re going fast.
Get your tickets today for:
An Evening with Walter Mosley — Hear from one of America’s most celebrated storytellers. Walter Mosley is author of the beloved long-running Easy Rawlins mystery series and more than60 works of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and playwriting. For a limited time only, get $15 off per ticket when you use promo code MOSLEY15 at checkout.
Wings of Fire Fan Nite — A must for young readers and dragon fans alike! Connect with fellow fans and celebrate the incredible world of Wings of Fire! This is going to be a night of fiery fun you won't want to miss!
The New Hampshire Book Festival is a festival for book lovers of all ages.
Check out the FULL SCHEDULE and plan your day with us.
