Orange Coast College and Orange County Children's Book Festival logos linked to homepage

2024 Event Info


Orange County
Children's Book Festival

Sunday,

September 22, 2024

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING


Come join the fun at Orange Coast College!

  • Buy books from a variety of authors and illustrators and get them autographed.
  • Meet popular sci-fi characters and take a photo with them.
  • Check out booksellers and literacy-related exhibitors.
  • Be entertained by one of our four stages.
  • Enjoy tasty options from the food trucks.
Receive Festival Updates

Thank you to our 2023 Special Guest Authors

Craig Smith smiling in his Los Angeles Clippers basketball uniform.

Craig Smith

Author, former LA Clipper

Book: Craig and His Magical Basketball

Leslie Stratton smiling and wearing a colorful striped sweater.

Leslie Stratton

Author, Actress

Book: Let's Share, Panda Bear

Jesus Trejo smiling and wearing a beanie and a jean jacket.

Jesús Trejo

Author, Actor, Comedian

Book: Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock

2024 Participants

More participants to come! Keep checking back for the most updated list.

      Stages & Activities

      Entertainment Stage

      Large-scale family-friendly entertainment and celebrity headliner interviews

      Storyteller Stage

      Picture book stories and Creative Parties For Kids perform live shows — Sponsored by PBS SoCal

      Illustrator & Inspiration Stage

      Award-winning illustrators, cartoonists, and artists teach kids how to draw characters step-by-step

      Animal & Nature Stage

      Animal and nature-themed books along with live animal demonstrations — Sponsored by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

      World Stories & Adventure Stage

      Bilingual and multicultural children’s book authors along with international entertainment

      Orange Coast College planetarium illuminated at twilight

      Orange Coast College Planetarium

      The Planetarium is committed to providing an innovative, immersive, and illuminating experience for Orange County and beyond.


      Exhibits open during the Festival:

      • Foucault Pendulum
      • NOAA Science on a Sphere
      • Science on a Sphere Explorer
      • Space Rocks! Meteorites
      Three characters in Ghostbusters costumes interacting with young participants at an activity table.

      S.T.E.A.M. Activity Area

      Featuring Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math focused books and demonstrations.


      Exhibitors with fun, hands-on activities:

      • OCC STEM
      • S.T.E.A.M. Mobile
      • the Coder School
      • Bytes and Bots
      • Orange County Ghostbusters

      Map and Driving Directions

      Orange Coast College

      2701 Fairview Road,

      Costa Mesa, California 92626


      Join the crowds at the Main Quad directly in front of the College Center building to enjoy the Festival.

      Directions from the 405 (San Diego) Freeway

      Take the exit Fairview Road.

      Proceed South on Fairview for about a mile.

      Turn right (West) on Merrimac Way.

      Park in lots C, D, or E.

      Additional parking available at the OC Fairgrounds on Arlington Drive, Gate 4.

      Book festival location on map of Orange Coast College campus

      *click image to enlarge*

      2023 Festival eGuide

      Orange County Children's Book Festival 2023 flipbook.

      2024 Sponsors – COMING SOON!

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