Tucson Festival Of Books

Literacy lovers of all ages celebrate reading, discovery, and creativity at the University of Arizona

Returning March 2024

Tucson Festival of Books: A Springtime Bestseller 

The Tucson Festival of Books arrives in March when the sun is beaming, desert wildflowers are blooming and University of Arizona students are gone bye-bye on spring break. It's Tucson's annual gift to bookworms -- a two-day bestseller for all ages. 

Much of the activity -- book panels and special events where literacy lovers can come together, meet their favorite authors, and discover new bookish companies and resources -- takes place on the pedestrian-friendly, open-air University of Arizona Mall. Festival admission is free, but many of the popular author events require advance tickets (see tucsonfestivalofbooks.org).  

Parking & Public Transportation

Campus parking for the festival is complimentary on surface lots and in Park Avenue and the Highland garage. The Cherry Avenue, 6th Street, Tyndall, and Main Gate garages are available for $5 per vehicle; free entry is granted after 4 p.m. Check out public transportation and other options for getting around.

Campus-Area Attractions

You can enhance your festival visit by exploring the university's museums and galleries, adjacent historic neighborhoods, and the nearby Main Gate Square shopping and dining corridor. For fun and convenience, yellow Tugo bikes can be rented for 30-minute trips while the four-mile Sun Link Streetcar connects campus with the surrounding Historic Fourth Avenue, Congress Street, and Mercado districts.

Founders Award-Winning Authors

Every word counts! Hundreds of authors representing many genres have graced this festival. You can get an idea of the variety and caliber of the participants by checking this list of Festival Founders Award recipients. This award recognizes the exceptional literary achievement of one festival participant who is chosen every year. Past recipients of this coveted award are:

2023 Thomas Perry

2022   Annette Gordon-Reed

2021   Lisa See 

2019   Luis Alberto Urrea 2019

2018   Billy Collins

2017   T.C. Boyle 

2016   J.A. Jance 

2015   Rock Bottom Remainders 

2014   Richard Russo 

2013   R.L. Stine 

Local Information

The local experts at the University of Arizona Visitor Center and the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center stand ready with information for visitors.