Library of Congress National Book Festival 2026
About
The Library of Congress's free National Book Festival fills the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with authors, talks and family activities. The 2026 edition expands programming for the nation's 250th anniversary.
Highlights
- Hundreds of authors across genres in one free day
- Talks, signings and children's programming
- Expanded 2026 program for America's 250th
Practical tips
- Free but plan a schedule — popular author talks fill up
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center is on the Green/Yellow line
- Great rainy-day or hot-day indoor option in August
Where it is
Map pins
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Other upcoming events
Jazz in the Garden 2026
On summer Friday evenings the National Gallery of Art turns its Sculpture Garden into a free open-air jazz venue. The 2026 'American Sounds' season nods to the nation's 250th, with passes given out by weekly lottery.
Wawa Welcome America 2026 (Philadelphia Semiquincentennial)
Philadelphia's free Wawa Welcome America festival expands for the US 250th, running from Juneteenth through July 4 with concerts, museum days and a grand finale concert and fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Art Museum.
Great American State Fair on the National Mall 2026
A centerpiece of the US 250th, the Great American State Fair lines the National Mall for over two weeks with pavilions representing all 50 states, territories and federal entities — food, culture and exhibits ahead of the July 4 capstone.