Start your day at the Judy Children’s Theater with Emily Arrow (she/they), an award-winning children’s songwriter, author, and educator known for crafting meaningful stories and songs. Emily will kick off a day full of stories and songs with her beloved ukulele companion, Bow, with songs that will inspire all to sing along!
In Kara LaReau’s novel Licorice, Kitty the cat is adopted from Mount Charles Animal Shelter and brought to her new home. While Max’s house is certainly better than the shelter, a lingering presence haunts her new home. In this novel, our feline protagonist shares her experience facing the looming character of the old family cat. Like La’Reau, Rosanne Parry writes from a nonhuman perspective. In A Raven of the Rainforest, Parry writes about Westerly the raven and the prophecy that binds her to leadership, bravery, and hopefully glory. Both novels explore the pressure stand up to the reputation thrust upon them and overcoming the fear of fitting in. Moderated by Emily Chenoweth.
Authors and acclaimed chefs Molly Irani and Meherwan Irani sit down with renowned chefs and coauthors Sara Mardanbigi and Edgar Rico to discuss their recent publications and experiences building community through food. Joined by moderator and fellow chef, Farideh Sadeghin, both pairs move beyond their recipes to share the cultures, upbringings, and people that inspired their successful businesses.
Authors Julia Cooke and Lance Richardson sit down to discuss their new biographies. Both works explore the lives of trailblazing journalists and activists. Moderated by journalist Charley Locke.
Poets Victoria Chang and Beth Piatote sit down for a conversation on their recent publications and their evocative use of nature throughout their poems. Moderated by writer and editor Alyssa Ogi, this discussion promises a rumination on our shared home, oppressive efforts of erasure, and the art and language that we use to understand our world and ourselves.
Young adult authors, Maggie Stiefvater and Isabel Cañas come together for a conversation on the hauntingly enchanted worlds in their latest releases. In the newest installment of the graphic novel iteration of The Raven Cycle, Stiefvater and adapter Sas Milledge bring the original text to life with rich illustrations and suspenseful panels. Like Stiefvater, Cañas expertly constructs a gothic world threatened by an unimaginable ancient power. Moderated by Alicia Tate, these authors discuss the mythical worlds they build and the characters that try to understand them.
Andrew Sean Greer showcases his wit, sophistication, and deep knowledge of focaccia in this tale of a young man who takes an unspecified job with a charismatic elderly Baronessa at her crumbling villa in the Tuscan hills. Interviewed by Lucy Feldman. Limited guaranteed seat tickets with book included available; most of the theatre will be first-come first-served with a PBF GA pass.
The first book in the best-selling fantasy series full of magic, wonder, and danger from Colin Meloy, lead singer of the highly celebrated band the Decemberists, and Carson Ellis, the award-winning illustrator. Soon to be a major motion picture from LAIKA. Moderated by Andrew Proctor.
Suspense authors Emiko Jean and T Kira Māhealani Madden join moderator and author Marisa Emily Siegel for a conversation on their most recent novels and the secrets and lies that chase their protagonists. Told through multiple perspectives, both authors create page-turning stories about webs of violence, and the fragile lies that threaten survival.
Sticking together through thick and thin, sisters Lucy and Frida decide it is time to explore what lays beyond the family farm after catching glimpses of a two fanged monster wreaking havoc at night in Daniel Nayeri’s newest graphic novel. In Annie Barrows's latest novel, we meet Genie, Fenella, and Tillotson Maconochie as they begin their journey as ghosts. Without a copy of Ghostology the Maconochie siblings are led astray and find themselves trapped by a notorious swindler. Joined by moderator Shana Targosz both authors come together to discuss their beautifully illustrated new works about family and unexpected journeys.
Tarot is both deeply symbolic and highly narrative, creating a system that can inspire and guide many forms of writing. This multigenre workshop will introduce techniques for using tarot in one’s writing practice. This is a free drop in class offered at the Portland Book Festival. ALL attendees must acquire a wristband before entering the class venue. Space is limited.
Embark on a heartwarming adventure with picture book authors Andy Harkness, Christopher Myers, and Rae Wynn-Grant as they read from their newest releases!
Julia Wertz reads from her new memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Prints & Drawings gallery.
Alicia Jo Rabins reads from her new memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Asian Art gallery.
Julián Delgado Lopera reads from his new novel in the Northwest Art gallery. Presented by the National Book Foundation.
Join us for an Intro to Spec-Fic. Learn what is considered Speculative Fiction. Get ideas down using artwork as inspiration to explore spec-fic lines of thinking: “What if..”, “If only…” and “If this goes on…” Walk away with writing to possibly expand or refine later.
Anthony Hudson reads from his new collection of performance works at Portland Art Museum in the American Art gallery.
Hannah Lillith Assadi reads from her new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery. Presented by the National Book Foundation.
Have you ever seen a group of acclaimed illustrators face off to showcase their art? Now is your chance! Join Steph Littlebird, Scott Campbell, Vashti Harrison, Julia Kuo, Pedro Martín, Huda Fahmy, moderated by Breena Bard, Jonathan Hill for an exciting draw-off experience.
Tina Chang reads from her new poetry collection at Portland Art Museum in the Native American Art gallery.
Lisa Hanawalt reads from her new memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Prints & Drawings gallery.
Editor Julie Buntin and contributors Cecily Wong and Chelsea Bieker read from their new anthology at Portland Art Museum in the Asian Art gallery.
Local author Triona Murphy’s debut novel tells the tale of Peri, a hopeful magician and Apprentice Shopkeeper that supplies equipment to local adventurers. While she waits for her magic to manifest, the Master Shopkeeper is kidnapped, and she must rely on the nearest adventuring party to rescue the Master Shopkeeper. In The Magic Library of Waterfall Way by Julie Abe, Lyra is looking for a Guild to join and discover the village of Waterfall Way and the secretive Guild of Scholars. To join, she embarks on a quest to recover their lost scholar’s crystal and meets many along the way. Both authors will join moderator Kate Ristau to discuss the quests their young protagonists go on to claim their destinies.
Authors Priyanka Mattoo and Emily Nemens sit down to discuss their latest novels that explore the pleasures and challenges of midlife. Whether in the fictional world of Clutch, or the personal stories in How to Be Less Useful, both authors question our professional priorities and the joy that really matters most. Moderated by author Maris Kreizman.
Dr. Mary Fariba Asfari and fiction writer Danny Ramadan pivot from their usual work to author their own stories in their recently published memoirs. Both authors share powerfully nuanced accounts of resilience and autonomy, whether working to expand women’s access to healthcare in Afsari’s memoir, or navigating the brutal reality of being queer under oppressive regimes in Ramadan’s work. Moderated by journalist Claudia Meza.
Patrick deWitt reads from his new novel at Portland Art Musem in the Northwest Art gallery.
Victoria Chang reads from her new poetry collection at Portland Art Museum in the The Stars We Do Not See exhibition. Presented by the National Book Foundation.
Deesha Philyaw joins Rainbow Rowell for a discussion on the perils of perception and the allure of a second chance. Both authors deliver humorous and rich stories of women faced with crumbling reputations and the opportunity to find freedom in the truth. Moderated by author Kristen Arnett, this conversation promises a rumination on identity, truth, and the desire to be known.
Nelio Biedermann and Tom Linn come together to discuss their recent publications and the surreal settings their casts of characters inhabit. Featuring grand intergenerational families, encroaching wars, and inexplicable powers, each novel delivers an epic story of survival and wonder. Moderated by author Genevieve Hudson.
The haunting new novel from New York Times bestselling author Melissa Albert, in which the estranged adult children of a legendary author, written into their dead mother’s beloved fantasy series, must contend with the vine-like creep of legacy, memory, and magic. Interviewed by OPB's Jess Hazel. Limited guaranteed seat tickets with book included available; most of the theatre will be first-come first-served with a PBF GA pass.
Ready to laugh? Join authors Tracy Subisak, Shawn Harris, and Zoey Abbot for a live reading of their latest amusing picture books!
Erin Connor reads from her new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Portia Elan reads from her new novel at Portland Art Museum in the American Art gallery.
Anthea Kreston reads from her new memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Prints & Drawings gallery.
In this stunning and compulsively readable memoir, the Oscar-winning star Ke Huy Quan, tells the story of his journey from Vietnamese refugee to 80s child star to the most inspiring comeback in Hollywood history. Interviewed by OPB's Dave Miller.
Margot Fisher joins fellow young adult author Renée Watson for a conversation about the powerful impact of first love. Whether grappling with identity, loss, or the confines of reputation, each protagonist discovers love and themselves in these heartwarming new novels. Moderated by OPB host Jenn Chávez.
Try different approaches to story beginnings and tools for starting new work. This is a free drop in class offered at the Portland Book Festival. All attendees must acquire a wristband before entering the class venue. Space is limited.
Kyle Carrero Lopez reads from his new poetry collection at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Kathleen Boland reads from her debut novel at Portland Art Museum in the American Art gallery.
Kevin Sampsell reads from his new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Genevieve DeGuzman reads from her new poetry collection at Portland Art Museum in the Nine Women Artist exhibition.
Ed Park reads from his new memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
In Pedro Martín’s incredible graphic memoir Mexikid, we are thrown into the world of seven year-old Pedro and his experience picking strawberries with his families during the weekends and summers. Pedro just wants to live the life of the other kids; spending time at the beach and watching cartoons, not spending hours in the sun picking strawberries worried about the threat of immigration control. When his older brother finds a job outside of the farm, Pedro is inspired to do the same, but first learns about the sacrifices his parents made to provide for the family. In Huda Fahmy’s graphic novel, Huda is about to graduate high school and cannot wait to the live the life she has always dreamed of. She soon realizes that the plan she and her friends have developed over the years may need to change in order to find a true happily ever after. Aron Nels Steinke will moderate this discussion between these two incredible graphic novelists.
Courtney Gould reads from her new YA novel at Portland Art Museum in the Modern & Contemporary Art gallery.
T Kira Māhealani Madden reads from her new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
The Poetic Justice Workshop explores poetry that addresses cultural, communal, or global trauma and challenges.
Jae Nichelle reads from her new poetry collection at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Emeline Atwood reads from her debut novel at Portland Art Museum in the Nine Women Artists exhibition.
Join 2026 National Book Award Fiction Longlisters Hannah Lillith Assadi and Julián Delgado Lopera for readings and conversation about the power of multigenerational gifts, and curses, found in their fiction. Moderated by Ruth Dickey, executive director of the National Book Foundation.
Emiko Jean and Angela Velez sit down for a conversation about their newest Young Adult novels and the mysteries that lead their characters on unexpected adventures toward love. Humorously written and wholesomely sweet, both stories feature the challenges of coming of age but the heartwarming beauty of young love. Moderated by writer Katherine Cusumano.
Young adult authors Daniel Nayeri and Aida Salazar sit down for a conversation about their latest novels and the lessons their characters learn in unfamiliar settings. Whether facing mystical creatures and strange lands or navigating a sudden departure from the internet, both protagonists journey through uncertainty and learn their true purposes. Moderated by author Armin Tolentino.
Ever wonder what’s going on in (or on) someone’s head? Visit authors Mac Barnett, Scott Campbell, and Lena Podesta for a live reading of their laugh-out-loud funny picture books.
Tom Lin reads from his new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Alex Behr reads from her new short story collection at Portland Art Museum in the Prints & Drawings gallery.
Anne Broyles reads from her new young adult novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Hieu Minh Nguyen reads from his poetry collection Staying Still at Portland Art Museum in the Native American Art gallery.
Becky Chambers reads from her new sci-fi novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery
It's party time at PBF and food and drink is covered with cookbook authors Farideh Sadeghin and Irene Yoo. Joined by moderator Cecily Wong, this panel delivers an ode to the accessibility, creativity, and history of two icons: hot dogs and soju.
Writer and cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt joins fellow graphic memoirist Julia Wertz for a conversation on graphic memoirs and the comedy found in crises, obsessions, and growing up. Both works feature the vulnerability of the memoir form displayed in bold graphic panels but, at their core, center relatable stories of resilience and humor. Moderated by comics journalist Shay Mirk.
A call to courage and connection from prize-winning poet and champion of the arts and humanities Elizabeth Alexander. Interviewed by Mitchell S. Jackson. Limited guaranteed seat tickets with book included available; most of the theatre will be first-come first-served with a PBF GA pass.
Have you ever wondered how a picture book comes together? Join authors Traci N. Todd, Vashti Harrison, and Rae Wynn-Grant for a lively discussion as they explore how their beautiful picture books came to life. Moderated by Kali Thorne Ladd.
Explore ways plot functions in the short story, with tips and examples to guide you. This is a free drop in class offered at the Portland Book Festival. All attendees must acquire a wristband before entering the class venue. Space is limited.
Lance Richardson reads from his new biography at Portland Art Museum in the American Art gallery.
Maris Kreizman reads from her debut essay collection at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Patrick deWitt joins Kathleen Boland for a discussion on their recent novels and the road trips that deliver their protagonists to uncertain futures. Both authors craft refreshing stories of family and country through witty descriptions, remarkable characters, and vast American landscapes. Moderated by author, Julie Buntin, this panel promises a journey through complex family dynamics and the geography that divides them.
Danny Ramadan reads from his memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Jamie Fisher reads from her new biography at Portland Art Museum in the Nine Women Artists gallery.
Emily Nemens reads from her new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art gallery.
Deesha Philyaw reads from her new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Black Art and Experiences Gallery.
Nelio Biedermann reads from his new novel Lázár at the Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art Gallery.
Join authors Steph Littlebird, Julia Kuo, Vashti Harrison, and Traci N. Todd, for a story time presentation of their beautifully illustrated and heartwarming picture books.
Julia Cooke reads from her new biography at the Portland Art Museum in the Nine Women Artists exhibition.
Liz Prato reads from her new novel at the Portland Art Museum in the American Art Gallery.
Paisley Rekdal reads from her new poetry collection at the Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art Gallery.
Both coming of age in the 90s, Ed Park and Alicia Jo Rabins come together to discuss their new memoirs exploring a shared through line of coming into your voice and identity as an artist while surrounded by many different influences. Moderated by OPB reporter, Lillian Karabaic.
In Duel by Caldecott Honoree Shawn Harris, a competition to “rule the hill” is held. With stunning mirrored illustrations, Duel shows readers the neighbor rivalries have always been present. In Tom Nancy The Sheep Who Swapped Brains with a Boy by Marc Barnett we meet Farmer’s son Felix who soon discovers the capabilities of the sheep on the farm. Join both authors as they discuss their incredible new works.
Have you ever seen a group of acclaimed illustrators face off to showcase their art? Now is your chance! Join Zoey Abbott, Andy Harkness, Tracy Subisak, Aron Nels Steinke, Christopher Myers, Lena Podesta, moderated by Jonathan Hill and Breena Bard for an exciting draw-off experience.
Student writers featured in the 2025–26 Literary Arts Student Anthology read from their published work.
Ally Ang reads from their new poetry collection at the Portland Art Museum in the Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery.
Rainbow Rowell reads from her new novel at the Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art Gallery.
Rachel Hochhauser reads from her new novel at the Portland Art Museum in the Nine Woman Artists Exhibition.
Beth Piatote reads from her new poetry collection distant water at the Portland Art Museum in the Native American Art Gallery.
Priyanka Mattoo reads from her new memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Prints and Drawings Gallery (Level 0, Room 007).
In this short workshop, we’ll look at a way to interweave mythos into our poetry writing, revealing personal mythologies, unexpected eruptions of wisdom, and a way of working that’s full of creative power. This is a free drop in class offered at the Portland Book Festival. All attendees must acquire a wristband before entering the class venue. Space is limited.
End your day at the Judy Children’s Theater with Emily Arrow (she/they), an award-winning children’s songwriter, author, and educator known for crafting meaningful stories and songs. Emily will end the day full of stories and songs with her beloved ukulele companion, Bow, with songs that will inspire all to sing along!
Oregon Book Award winner, Willy Vlautin reads from his new novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art Gallery.
Samuel Ligon reads from his novel at Portland Art Museum in the American Art Gallery (Floor 2, Room 209).
Sarah Wang reads from her novel at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art Gallery (Floor 3, Room 301).
Science fiction authors Becky Chambers and Portia Elan sit down to discuss their recent novels and the question at the center of both stories; what is one willing to sacrifice for the sake of human connection? Spanning across time and space, Chambers and Elan present independently adventurous novels about invention and survival and the driving force of it all; humanity. Moderated by producer and writer, Aaron Scott.
Alexis Nikole Nelson, the beloved social media sensation known as the Black Forager, discusses her long-awaited guide to foraging, sometimes even in your own backyard, and vegan cooking. Interviewed by OPB's Crystal Ligori. Limited guaranteed seat tickets SOLD OUT; most of the theatre is available first-come, first-served with a PBF GA pass.
Novelists Julie Buntin and Emeline Atwood discuss themes of gender, power, and a relentless search for identity that permeate both of their most recent novels. With exquisite interiority, each main character grapples with loneliness, ambition, and the complex anxieties of coming of age. Moderated by author Kimberly King Parsons.
Renée Watson reads from her new young adult novel at Portland Art Museum in the Black Art and Experiences Gallery.
Dr. Mary Fariba Afsari reads from her new memoir at Portland Art Museum in the Northwest Art Gallery.
Young adult writers Jen St. Jude and Aiden Thomas come together for a conversation on their latest novels and the paranormal worlds their characters find themselves in. Moderated by fellow YA author Courtney Gould, this panel promises a conversation on queer identities and self-discovery amid mysteriously supernatural settings.
In this workshop, we’ll practice creating lively, compelling characters who are drawn from real life, on the page. First, we’ll focus on writing about other people — and then, we’ll turn to ourselves, learning how to use our feelings and point of view to craft a great narrator for memoirs and personal essays.
Nancy Foley reads from her new novel at Portland Art Museum in the American Art Gallery.
Samantha Saldivar reads from her new romance novel at Portland Art Museum in the Prints and Drawings Gallery.
Poets Hieu Minh Nguyen and Paisley Rekdal come together with author Jae Nichelle to discuss their new poetry collections. Both works delicately reflect on violence, race, grief, and what is passed down between generations.
Authors Willy Vlautin and Valeria Luiselli sit down to discuss their new novels and the intergenerational relationships at the center of their stories. Each story presents adult characters struggling through uncertain circumstances, but who find purpose, levity, and perspective in the children that rely on them. Moderated by Matthew Trueherz.
This literary thriller follows the grandson of a famous Black actress from the 1920s to the 1940s, now a filmmaker himself, who returns to his grandmother's cabin retreat in the California mountains only to encounter the legacy of her rage born in Old Hollywood. Interviewed by Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya. Limited guaranteed seat tickets with book included available; most of the theatre will be first-come first-served with a PBF GA pass.
