Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Kicks Off at USC with an Exciting Lineup
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Returns to USC This Weekend
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is set to take over the USC campus this weekend, marking the return of the nation’s largest literary gathering. The two-day event, starting Saturday, will feature over 550 storytellers and nearly 100 panels, bringing together a diverse collection of authors, celebrities, and exhibitors.
The festival officially kicks off Friday evening with the 46th annual Book Prizes, where Amy Tan will be honored for lifetime achievement along with recognition for 61 literary works.
Among the high-profile guests, Lionel Richie will participate in the Ideas Exchange series, discussing his memoir, "Truly," on Sunday. Other notable appearances include Sarah Jessica Parker, who will speak about her new novel, "The Radiant Dark," on Saturday, and Larry David, who will share insights on the creation of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" on Sunday.
The festival features more than 350 exhibitors across eight outdoor stages. Admission to the grounds is free; however, "Friend of the Festival" packages are available for those seeking reserved seating and parking.
Organizers have emphasized the festival’s growth with the introduction of a new Audiobook and Podcast Stage sponsored by Spotify. This addition will feature industry voices, including Times writer Christopher Goffard and novelist Shelby Van Pelt. Additionally, the Times Food Stage will showcase culinary experiences, including a cooking demonstration by Cassandra Peterson, known as Elvira, from her "Cookbook From Hell."
Following the Friday night awards ceremony, which recognizes literary excellence across 13 categories, the festival will continue until Sunday evening. Attendees can also look forward to film and television previews, including an exclusive look at Hulu’s "Rivals," accompanied by discussions with the show’s producer and cast.
With an array of literary and entertainment offerings, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books promises to be a weekend filled with celebration and discovery for literature enthusiasts.
