EVENT INFO
Plan Your Festival Day
Get ready for a fun, family-friendly day of books, special guests, and activities.
DATE
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
TIME
10 AM–3 PM
LOCATION
Orange Coast College
Main Quad
ADMISSION
Free
Authors & Illustrators
Meet a variety of authors and illustrators during the festival.
Book Signings
Buy books and get them signed by festival authors and illustrators.
Family Activities
Enjoy family-friendly activities, including a free trackless train ride.
Live Entertainment
Catch performances and presentations across four stages.
Booksellers & Exhibitors
Browse booksellers and literacy-related exhibitors.
Sci-Fi Characters
Meet popular sci-fi characters and take a fun photo.
2026 Festival Lineup
Meet this year's headliners and special guest performer, then explore the authors, illustrators, exhibitors, and food trucks joining the festival.
Headliners
Rachel Ignotofsky
New York Times Bestselling Author & Illustrator
Dinosaurs: Exploring Prehistoric Life and Geological Time
Melissa Villaseñor
Author, Comedian & Artist
Cat and Lola: School Picture Day
Special Guest Performer
StoryTeller
KidTime StoryTime is YouTube's most-watched reading channel for kids!
StoryTeller and her puppet family celebrate literacy by reading children's books with zany humor, spontaneous singing, high energy, and love.
StoryTeller is a published children's book author, a three-time Emmy Award winner, and now a YouTube sensation whose mission is to inspire kids to read and work hard for their dreams.
Explore the Full Festival Lineup
Browse participating authors, illustrators, and exhibitors in the directory below.
Food Trucks at the Festival
From savory favorites to sweet treats, you'll find food and drinks for purchase.
Menu items and availability may vary.
Schedule
The festival schedule will be posted closer to the event.
Know Before You Go
A few helpful details can make festival day easier to plan.
Getting Here
Festival Location
Orange Coast College, Main Quad
(in front of the College Center)
Best Way to Arrive
Approach campus from Fairview Road, then turn onto Merrimac Way to reach the festival parking lots. The closest parking is in Lot C and Lot D, with the Main Quad a short walk from those lots.
Address
2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Parking & Maps
Primary Parking
Free festival parking is available in Lots C, D, or E.
Campus Map
Festival Map
The festival map will be posted closer to the event.
Helpful Details
Admission
Free
Accessibility
This event is ADA compliant. Reasonable accommodation requests related to a disability should be made no later than five business days before the event.
Restrooms
Restrooms and accessible restrooms are available on campus. Locations will be marked on the festival map.
Food
A small lineup of food trucks will be on site during the festival. Details will be posted closer to the event.
Pets
Pets and other animals are not permitted at the festival. Only trained service animals are allowed.
Weather Policy
The festival takes place outdoors on campus and is held rain or shine.
Don't Miss Festival Updates
Get updates as festival details, featured specials guests, maps, and schedules are announced.
