Wisconsin Book Festival
October 23 @ 9:00 am - October 26 @ 7:00 pm
The Wisconsin Book Festival is a premier literary event held annually in Madison, Wisconsin, offering free, public author events that celebrate books and spark conversations. Presented by the Madison Public Library in partnership with the Madison Public Library Foundation, the festival features a robust schedule of both accomplished and emerging writers across various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more.
Year-Round Events and 24th Annual Fall Celebration
While the festival hosts events throughout the year, the highlight is the 24th Annual Fall Celebration, scheduled for October 23–26, 2025. This four-day event will take place primarily at the Central Library in downtown Madison, with select events at other downtown venues. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions, book signings, and opportunities to connect with authors and fellow book enthusiasts.
Spring 2025 Season Highlights
The festival’s Spring 2025 season features an exciting lineup of author events. Notable upcoming events include:
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April 3: Love in a Fcked-Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together* by Dean Spade and Fawzy Taylor.
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April 9: 2025 Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries Spring Book Sale.
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April 10: Drawing on the Past: Jewish Graphic Narratives with Sol Brager.
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April 15: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo and Eunsil Oh.
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April 16: Long Island by Colm Tóibín.
These events provide a platform for diverse and urgent voices, fostering a community of readers and writers.
Community Engagement and Support
The success of the Wisconsin Book Festival relies on community support. All events are free and accessible to the public, made possible through private fundraising efforts by the Madison Public Library Foundation. Donations and memberships help ensure the festival remains a vital part of Madison’s cultural landscape. Interested individuals can contribute or become members to receive benefits such as reserved seating at events.
Stay Updated
To stay informed about upcoming events and festival news, sign up for updates through the Madison Public Library’s newsletter. This ensures you won’t miss any of the exciting author events planned throughout the year.
The Wisconsin Book Festival continues to enrich Madison’s literary scene, offering opportunities for readers and writers to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate the written word.
