The 18th annual Festival of Books, the largest and most prestigious public literary event in North America starts today. The free-to-the-public weekend of activities has become an L.A. institution, evolving to encompass more than 400 award-winning and celebrity authors and chefs, local musicians, political experts and entertainers engaging in stimulating debates, the exploration of entrepreneurial ideas and revelry under the California sun.
To be held April 20-21, upwards of 150,000 attendees are expected to explore the beautiful USC campus and enjoy appearances by Paul Anka, Margaret Atwood, Brian Boitano, Carol Burnett, Cassandra Clare, Susan Feniger, “Iron Chef” Alex Guarnaschelli, beloved children’s author Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Jon Klassen, Ludo Lefebvre, Demetri Martin, Heather McDonald, Danica McKellar, Aida Mollenkamp, Debbie Reynolds, Molly Ringwald, John Scalzi, Tom Sizemore and Nia Vardalos, among others.
Here is the program schedule.
