EXHIBITOR INFO

Exhibit at the Orange County Children's Book Festival

Learn about opportunities for authors, illustrators, bookstores, literacy organizations, and food truck vendors to participate in the festival.

Information about future participation opportunities will be shared as plans are confirmed.

Get festival updates

Verify Exhibitor Communications

Be aware of fraudulent emails impersonating the Orange County Children's Book Festival. Our official contact email address is listed below.

If you receive an email claiming to represent the festival, verify it by contacting us directly at this address. Until verified, avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or sharing personal or payment information.

The Festival at a Glance

2026 Stats

106 exhibitor booths • 6 food trucks • 3 stages + planetarium • 5,000+ attendees

"Our booth is always busy with visitors."

"The festival setup is well organized and full of activities that engage the community and its families. I look forward to our next event."

Kevin Ballinger

President, OCC Friends of the Library (sponsor & exhibitor)

Exhibitor booth icon.

2026 Exhibitor Booths 

Explore the exhibitor booth options offered at the 2026 festival. Information about future participation opportunities will be shared as plans are confirmed.

What It Is

A booth for promoting or selling books and connecting with young readers and families at the festival

Who It's For

Authors, illustrators, bookstores, and literacy-related nonprofits

Schools interested in exhibitor booths can participate through sponsorship. The festival does not accept vendors selling crafts or other items.

How Applications Are Reviewed

  • Release date and public interest
  • Subject or topic
  • Appropriate age range (0–12 years)

2026 Booth Options

Author's Corner Table

1 table • 2 chairs

Each author receives an individual table space and back wall area within a shared covered booth.

10' x 10' Standard Booth

1 table • 2 chairs • 1 booth banner

10' x 10' Nonprofit Booth

1 table • 2 chairs • 1 booth banner

10' x 20' Booth

2 tables • 4 chairs • 1 booth banner

20' x 20' Booth

8 tables • 8 chairs • 1 booth banner

20' x 20' Bookstore Booth

8 tables • 8 chairs • 1 booth banner • includes electricity

2026 Application Process

Application Status: Closed

The festival is not currently accepting exhibitor applications or payments. Be cautious of anyone claiming to accept applications or collect fees on the festival's behalf.

Application Window

Feb. 1–Apr. 1, 2026

Applications for the 2026 festival are closed. Information about future application dates will be shared on this website as plans are confirmed.

What You'll Need to Complete the Application

  • Authors/Illustrators: Book title + age range
  • Short bio or organization description
  • Book cover or logo image (max 10 MB) for the festival directory
  • Contact info + website/social media links

2026 Exhibitor Application Steps

  1. Submit the exhibitor application form through this website.
  2. Receive an application decision by email.
  3. If approved, receive payment instructions by email from the festival.

Questions about exhibiting?

View the Exhibitor FAQs or email occbf@cccd.edu.

Food truck icon.

2026 Food Truck Spaces

Explore the food truck space options offered at the 2026 festival. Information about future participation opportunities will be shared as plans are confirmed.

Food truck vendors are invited to apply for a rental space at the festival.

How Applications Are Reviewed

Because space is limited and we aim for variety, applications are reviewed based on:

  • Kid-friendly menu offerings
  • Family-friendly pricing
  • Diverse and appealing food choices

2026 Application Process

Application Status: Closed

The festival is not currently accepting food truck applications or payments. Be cautious of anyone claiming to accept applications or collect fees on the festival's behalf.

Application Window

Feb. 1–Apr. 1, 2026

Applications for the 2026 festival are closed. Information about future application dates will be shared on this website as plans are confirmed.

What You'll Need to Complete the Application

  • Short description of the types of food you offer
  • Logo image (if available; max 10 MB) for the festival directory
  • Copy of your Orange County Health Permit
  • Copy of your food truck license plate
  • Contact info + website/social media links

Food Truck Application Steps

  1. Submit the food truck application form through this website.
  2. Receive an application decision by email.
  3. If approved, receive payment instructions by email from the festival.

Food truck questions?

View the Exhibitor FAQs or email occbf@cccd.edu.

FAQs

The following FAQs reflect participation guidelines and policies from the 2026 festival. Details for future festivals will be updated as plans are confirmed.

About the Festival

  • What makes this event so popular?

    This one-day festival is free to the public, including parking, and features a wide range of children's authors, illustrators, storytellers, family-friendly entertainment, and fun activities.
        

    Since 2004, the Orange County Children's Book Festival has built a reputation for bringing families together for a lively day of books, entertainment, and activities.

  • How many people come to the event?

    The Orange County Children's Book Festival is a free event open to the entire community. The 2024 and 2026 festivals each welcomed an estimated 5,000 or more attendees.

  • Where is the festival located?

    The Orange County Children’s Book Festival takes place outdoors on the Orange Coast College campus in the Main Quad.


    Address: 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, California 92626

  • Will the event be canceled if it rains?

    No. The festival takes place rain or shine.

Applying and Fees

  • How do I apply to participate as an exhibitor or food truck vendor?

    Applications for the 2026 festival are closed. The Exhibitor Booths and Food Truck Spaces sections outline the application requirements and process used in 2026. 


    Details for future festivals will be shared as plans are confirmed.

  • How much does it cost to participate as an exhibitor or food truck vendor?

    Information about participation fees for exhibitors and food truck vendors will be shared as plans are confirmed. 


    To stay informed about festival updates, join our email list.


    Get festival updates

  • When is my booth or food truck space reserved?

    Booths and food truck spaces are reserved once payment is received. Payment must be submitted within two weeks of approval.

  • Can I share a booth?

    Yes, booth sharing is allowed, but we do not assign shared booths. Author's Corner Tables may not be shared.


    If you choose to share a booth, please follow these guidelines:


    1. Each participant must submit their own application.
        

    Please include a note listing the people you plan to share the booth with so everyone can be properly listed on the festival website.


    2. One full payment is required for the booth.
        

    We will accept a single payment for the full booth fee from one participant. It is your responsibility to arrange any cost-sharing among your group. Your booth will not be confirmed until full payment is received.


    3. Standard booth furnishings are still limited to the assigned booth package.
        

    Each 10' x 10' booth includes one identifying banner, one 6-foot table, and two chairs. You may request additional tables and chairs for an extra cost. Only one banner will be printed, so your group will need to decide how it should read. You may also bring additional banners to display within your booth.


    4. Booth sharing is at your own discretion.
       

    If you choose to share a booth with others, the Orange County Children's Book Festival is not responsible for any issues that may arise from that arrangement.

Booth Details and Rules

  • What's included with a standard booth?

    A standard booth includes: 

    • A covered booth with a full back wall and two half side walls 
    • A banner with your name  
    • One 6-foot table for a 10' x 10' booth or two 6-foot tables for a 10' x 20' booth 
    • Two folding chairs per table 
    • The option to request additional tables and chairs for an extra cost ($10 per 6-foot table and $2 per folding chair) 
    • Flexibility to set up and decorate your booth to better engage attendees 
    • A listing on the festival website 
    • Opportunities to connect with other authors, illustrators, and exhibitors 
    • Opportunities to connect with festival attendees, including families interested in books, reading, and education
  • What's included in an Author's Corner Table?

    Each author receives an individual table space and back wall area within a shared covered booth.


    Please note: Author's Corner Tables are limited and tend to sell out quickly.
        


    Each author receives:

    • One 6-foot table  
    • Two folding chairs 
    • Flexibility to set up and decorate their 6-foot space to better engage attendees 
    • A listing on the festival website 
    • Opportunities to connect with other authors, illustrators, and exhibitors 
    • Opportunities to connect with festival attendees, including families interested in books, reading, and education 
  • Are tablecloths provided?

    No. Each booth is responsible for bringing its own table coverings.

  • Can I request additional chairs or tables?

    Yes. Additional tables and chairs may be requested for an extra cost ($10 per 6-foot table and $2 per folding chair). Please note that Author's Corner spaces are limited to one table and two chairs.

  • Can I bring my own table?

    Every booth includes at least one table, but you may bring your own if you need an additional table. 


    Please note: Author's Corner spaces cannot accommodate extra tables or chairs due to limited space.


    If you would like the festival to provide additional tables or chairs, the fee is $10 per 6-foot table and $2 per folding chair. 


    Tablecloths are not provided.

  • Do I need to bring an EZ-Up or shade?

    All festival exhibitors and Author's Corner participants are set up in covered tented spaces. 


    As the sun shifts throughout the day, there may be times when sunlight reaches your booth directly, so we recommend bringing a visor or hat and sunscreen. 

  • Is Wi-Fi available?

    Yes. Orange Coast College offers an unsecured guest Wi-Fi network.


    Because connectivity cannot be guaranteed, we recommend using your own secure mobile network whenever possible.

  • Is electricity available?

    No. Electricity is not available for most booths. Only Bookstore Booths have access to electricity.


    Food truck vendors must provide their own power. Loud generators are not permitted.

  • Can I host an author in my booth?

    At the 2026 festival, exhibitors could host additional authors in their booths. These authors could also be included in the festival directory when their information was submitted in advance.

  • Can I display posters or other marketing materials in the Author's Corner?

    Yes. You may place banners, posters, and other materials behind your table against the back wall of the Author's Corner booth.


    Please be mindful of neighboring authors and keep your display within your assigned space.

  • Are pets or other animals allowed in exhibitor booths?

    No. Pets and other animals are not permitted in your booth. Only trained service animals are permitted.

Authors, Illustrators, and Programming

  • Can authors and illustrators sell books during the festival?

    Yes. We encourage authors and illustrators to sell their books at the festival.

  • How many books should I bring?

    That is up to you, but authors who tend to sell well at the festival usually create some kind of engaging experience for attendees.


    Because families have many opportunities to buy books during the event, we recommend making your booth presence fun, inviting, and easy to notice.


    Book pricing can also make a difference. Lower price points or special offers, such as buy-one-get-one promotions, often lead to stronger sales.

  • Can I do an author reading?

    Approved authors and illustrators are automatically considered for stage programming without submitting a separate request. Stage time is limited, so readings and presentations are not guaranteed.


    The selection committee considers each book's theme and the presenter's ability to offer meaningful content and engaging entertainment for attendees.


    Selected presenters are contacted individually by email.

Exhibitor questions: Email occbf@cccd.edu.