Applications are open
Exhibit at the Orange County Children's Festival
Booths for authors, illustrators, bookstores, and literacy-related nonprofits + food truck vendor spaces
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 • 10am–3pm
Orange Coast College • Costa Mesa, CA
Free admission • Free parking
"Our booth is always busy with visitors."
"The 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
What it is
Booth to meet young readers and promote/sell books
Who it's for
Authors, illustrators, bookstores, and literacy-related nonprofits
Schools interested in exhibitor booths can participate through sponsorship (details coming soon). 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)
Booth options & pricing
Limited number: Author's Corner tables
| Booth options | Price |
|---|---|
| Author's Corner table (shared tent; 5 authors) | $225 |
| 10x10 booth (standard booth) | $650 |
| 10x20 booth | $950 |
| 20x20 booth | $1,295 |
| Bookstore 20x20 booth (includes electricity) | $1,500 |
| Literacy-related nonprofit 10x10 booth | $750 |
Booth details
What's included in a standard booth
- (1) 8' table
- (2) Chairs
- (1) Festival booth banner
- Side walls
The Author's Corner table includes (1) 8' table and (2) chairs per author
What's not included
- Table drapes are not provided
- Electricity is not available (except Bookstore booth)
Application timeline
February 1 – April 1, 2026
If space fills, a waitlist may be available after April 1, 2026.
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
Exhibitor booth registration steps
Booths are reserved only after payment is received.
- Submit the exhibitor application form
- Receive an approval/decision email
- If approved, pay registration fees using the link in your approval email
Booths are not reserved if payment isn't received within two weeks of approval.
Food truck space
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
Food Truck space fee
$250 per truck
Food truck vendors must provide their own power, health permit, and insurance. No loud generators.
Application timeline
February 1 – April 1, 2026
If space fills, a waitlist may be available after April 1, 2026.
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 registration steps
Food truck space is reserved only after payment is received.
- Submit the Food Truck application form
- Receive an approval/decision email
- If approved, pay registration fees using the link in your approval email
Food truck space is not reserved if payment isn't received within two weeks of approval.
Food truck questions?
Contact Phi Nguyen at pnguyen1148@cccd.edu
Sponsorship
Details coming soon
FAQs
About the festival
What makes this event so popular?
This one-day event, running from 10am to 3pm, is FREE to the public, including parking, and features popular and diverse children's authors, illustrators, and storytellers.
Since our first festival in 2004, we have earned the reputation of bringing in professional family-friendly entertainment and fun activities for all to enjoy.
Where is the festival located?
The Orange County Children’s Book Festival is held on the campus of Orange Coast College at 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, California 92626.
Will the event be canceled if it rains?
The event will continue even if it rains.
Applying and fees
I want to participate as an exhibitor/food truck vendor. What do I do?
Review the information on our Exhibitor page and complete the online application.
The application window is February 1 – April 1, 2026. If space fills, a waitlist may be available after April 1, 2026.
After we receive your application, we will send you an approval/decision email.
If approved, pay the registration fee using the link in your approval email.
How much does it cost to participate as an exhibitor/food truck vendor?
You can find this year's current pricing on the Exhibitor FAQs page.
To receive festival updates, join our mailing list if you haven't already.
When is my booth/food truck space reserved?
Booth/Food truck space is reserved only after payment is received. Payment must be received within two weeks of approval.
Can I share a booth?
We will not assign any shared booths, but we do allow for booth sharing.
Please note: we do not allow sharing of Author's Corner tables.
If you would like to find others to share the cost of a booth space, you may do so as long as you follow these guidelines:
1) Everyone who is participating needs to fill out their own application with a note saying who they're sharing a booth with so everyone can be properly listed on our website.
2) We will accept either a single payment for the full cost or separate payments from each participant so long as they note who they're sharing a booth with. YOUR BOOTH WILL NOT BE CONFIRMED UNTIL RECEIPT OF FULL PAYMENT.
3) Each 10'x10' booth comes with one (1) identifying banner, one (1) 8-foot table, and two (2) chairs, but you may request additional tables and chairs. Only one banner will be printed, so YOU will need to decide how it reads. Additional banners may be brought and hung within your booth.
4) Booth sharing is permitted; however, if you choose to share your booth with others, you agree to not hold the Orange County Children's Book Festival liable for any problems that arise from sharing the space.
Exhibitor booth setup and rules
Can I bring my own table?
Every booth comes with at least one table but you may bring your own if you need an extra one.
Please note: Author's Corner spaces are not able to accommodate extra tables or chairs due to limited space.
If you would like the festival to provide you with extra tables or chairs, the fee is $10 per 8-foot table and $2 per folding chair.
We recommend bringing your own tablecloth.
Do I need to bring an EZ-Up/shade?
All festival Exhibitors and Author's Corner participants are seated in tents with a cover.
As the sun moves throughout the day, there may be times when the sun is directly facing the booth, so we recommend having a visor or hat and sunscreen.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, Orange Coast College has an unsecured guest network available.
We cannot guarantee connectivity and therefore recommend using your own secure mobile network.
Is electricity available?
No, electicity is not available. Only Bookstore 20x20 booths have access to electricity.
Food truck vendors must provide their own power. No loud generators.
What's included with a standard booth?
- The booth has a cover, full back wall plus two half side walls
- Banner with your name
- One 8-foot table for a 10'x10' booth or two 8-foot tables for the larger booth
- Two folding chairs per table
- Ability to request extra tables and chairs
- Freedom to set up and decorate your booth for greater engagement with the attendees
- Listing on our website
- The opportunity to network with other authors, illustrators, and exhibitors
- Exposure to 5,000+ families that care about books, reading, and education
Can I host authors in my booth?
Yes, you may host as many authors as you would like in your booth.
If you would like us to promote them on our website we ask that you send an email to occbf@cccd.edu with their names.
What's included in an Author's Corner table?
Author's Corner tables are housed in a 10'x40' booth. The booth has a cover, full back wall and holds 5 authors.
Please note: Author's Corner tables are limited and sell out quickly.
Each author receives the following setup and opportunities:
- One 8-foot table
- Two folding chairs
- Freedom to set up and decorate your 8-foot space for greater engagement with the crowds
- Listing on our website
- The opportunity to network with other authors, illustrators, and exhibitors
- Exposure to over 5,000+ families that care about books, reading, and education
In the Author's Corner, is there a place to display posters and other marketing materials?
Yes, you have space behind your table to set up banners, posters, and other material against the back wall. We ask that you are mindful of your neighbor and don't encroach upon their limited space.
Authors/Illustrators and programming
Can authors/illustrators sell books during the festival?
Yes! We highly encourage you to sell your books at the festival.
How many books should I bring?
That is up to you. The authors that have had great success selling their books have some kind of engagement with the attendees.
At the festival, there are many opportunities for families to purchase books, so we recommend making your presence fun, engaging, and attention-getting.
Another factor is the price of your books. The lower the price or any Buy One Get One Free specials generally mean greater sales.
Can I do an author reading?
Due to limited stage time, authors are not guaranteed a time slot.
Once approved for an exhibitor booth, authors/illustrators will have the opportunity to apply for stage time.
There is no need to submit a request, as every participating author/illustrator at the festival will be considered for stage presentations.
Presentations are selected by July 1 based on theme relevance to one of our three stages. Our committee reviews everyone’s book(s) and ability to deliver meaningful content and entertainment value for our attendees.
If you would like to submit a video showcasing yourself doing a presentation or author reading, feel free to email it to occbf@cccd.edu.
Stage presenters are contacted individually by email. In order to meet publication deadlines, announcements are made before August 1.
Exhibitor questions: Email occbf@cccd.edu
Food truck questions: Contact Phi Nguyen at pnguyen1148@cccd.edu
