Bookmarks offers many types of events, giving attendees a variety of ways to engage with authors and books. Every event we host is programmed with the aim of fulfilling our mission, which is to build an inclusive, curious, and connected community through books. Check out our event calendar to see what programs we have coming up, and use the tags to filter by type of event!
After School Events
After School Events at Bookmarks are typically held from 4:00-5:30 pm and feature a children's or young adult author in a free, public event at the bookstore. These events usually have fun activities that connect to the author's book(s), and an opportunity for young readers to meet the author and get their books signed. In 2025, we have hosted After School Events with Renée Watson, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Kwame Mbalia, Leah Johnson, Jill Tew, Peter Brown, and Clifford
All the Love
We celebrate love in all its forms by featuring romance authors diverse in race, ethnicity, and sexuality. These events take place at the bookstore and off-site and include a copy of the book with ticket purchase. Some of our past All the Love featured authors include Casey McQuiston, Tessa Bailey, Adriana Herrera, Elena Armas, and Jasmine Guillory.
Authorless Events
Not every event at Bookmarks features an author; we can also cultivate community by bringing together readers for a bookish celebration. Sometimes we build events around an anticipated book release or popular genre. These events usually involve activities and giveaways, and may be scheduled at a time alternative to our typical programming (like a midnight release party or happy hour event).
Book Club Social
This ticketed event happens 3 times a year (in the Spring, Summer, and Fall), and features both authors and publishing representatives. A publisher rep will share their recommended reads for book clubs, which are discounted the night of the event. Then, the author or authors share about their newest release(s). It's a great way for book clubs, or readers, to have a night out together and plan their future book club picks. Attendees enjoy light refreshments and receive a tote bag full of galleys supplied by the publisher.
Book Launch
A Book Launch celebrates the release of a book into the world. It most often occurs on the release day or the day after. It is very similar to a Book Talk, except these events have the privilege of being an author's first event on their book tour. Sometimes we have Book Launches for authors whose preorder campaigns we are hosting. In 2025, we held Book Launches for Xhenet Aliu, Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Joe Mills, Virginia Evans, Brendan Slocumb, and Hafsah Faizal.
Book Talks
Book Talks feature authors who are promoting their latest release, and they typically occur soon after the publication date. These events are usually free and happen in the Bookmarks bookstore; there is a conversation between the author and another individual that tells you more about the book without giving away too much information. It's a great way to become familiar with new-to-you authors as well as hear from some of your favorites. Recently, we've hosted Book Talks with authors like Frances Mayes, Ava Reid, Percival Everett, and Ross Gay.
Book With Purpose Events
Every year, Bookmarks selects a Book With Purpose and provides that title to the community at no cost to the recipients. We program opportunities to discuss topics related to the Book With Purpose, which culminates in the author of the chosen book speaking at the closing Saturday keynote during our Festival of Books & Authors. In 2025, our Book With Purpose was The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. You can read more about our Book With Purpose initiative here.
Bookmarks Presents
Bookmarks has the pleasure of hosting bestselling authors throughout the year at events that bring an audience of 500+ readers. These off-site events are held in larger venues, and the ticket price includes a copy of the author's book. If you ever see one of your favorite authors featured for a Bookmarks Presents event, get your tickets early, because they go quickly! Some recent Bookmarks Presents featured authors include Fredrik Backman, Erik Larson, Anne Lamott, Stacey Abrams, and Chris Paul.
Festival of Books & Authors
The Festival of Books & Authors is how Bookmarks got its start! This annual event happens every September and is the largest program of Bookmarks. Our 20th annual Festival was held in September 2025 and was an incredible weekend! You can learn more about the festival by clicking here.
Movable Feast
Movable Feast is an annual event that features 20-25 authors, some of whom are well-known in the Bookmarks community, and some who might be new to you. Attendees are seated at tables, and the authors spend 10 minutes at 10 different tables, giving people a chance to have a more intimate experience than at a typical author event. Think of it as author speed dating! Tickets for our 14th Annual Movable Feast Weekend on January 24-25, 2026 go on sale December 2025. Learn more about the 2026 Movable Feast here.
Murder & Margaritas
What could be a better pairing? Murder & Margaritas is a reader favorite that occurs a few times a year. It is held at a mid-size venue (usually on the Arts Council campus), and the ticket price includes a copy of the featured book along with a special drink. In recent years, we've hosted Murder & Margaritas with Harlan Coben, Alex Michaelides, Nic Stone, and Lisa Jewell.
Stories from the Kitchen
Stories from the Kitchen is an ongoing event series at Bookmarks that elevates cookbooks and food writing, delving into the stories behind the recipes. These events feature an author conversation, a signing opportunity, and food samples from the featured book.
Storytime at Bookmarks
Saturday morning Storytimes are a Bookmarks staple. There's always a reading, whether it is performed by the author of the book or by another storyteller. Some activities have included slime making, face painting, bracelet making, and a petting zoo. Storytimes are free events that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
