FAQ

We’re so excited you’ve decided to attend BookFest St. Louis! Read on for more information about the book festival, our lineup, and other important information to help you plan your visit.

THE FESTIVAL

What is BookFest St. Louis?

BookFest St. Louis is an exciting book festival taking place in St. Louis’ Central West End, which will bring dozens of local, regional and national authors together for a one-day celebration of the literary arts. The book festival will feature author presentations, panel discussions, book signings and an array of family-friendly activities and programming throughout the day. All BookFest St. Louis activities are free and open to the public.

When is BookFest St. Louis?

BookFest St. Louis will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in St. Louis’ Central West End. 

What authors will be at BookFest St. Louis?

BookFest St. Louis will feature an exciting lineup of locally and internationally renowned authors. Festival-goers will be able to enjoy presentations from 30+ authors highlighting the best of contemporary literary fiction, poetry, memoir, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery and history. Click here for the 2019 author lineup

Will BookFest St. Louis authors be signing books?

Many BookFest St. Louis authors will be available for book signings following their book festival appearance. Book signing priority will be given to books purchased at Left Bank Books.

Where is BookFest St. Louis?

BookFest St. Louis will be held at various venues throughout the Central West End, including Left Bank Books, the St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Branch, The Vino Gallery, TechArtista, the Mahler Ballroom, and 510 N. Euclid. The main author tent will be located on McPherson, right in front of Centro. A map of the BookFest St. Louis festival zone and participating CWE venues is available below.

How do I become an exhibitor at BookFest St. Louis?

Interested in having a booth at BookFest St. Louis? There are opportunities for businesses and nonprofit organizations to promote their business or organization, provide demonstrations, offer an engaging activity or sell wares within the festival zone.

Businesses and organizations interested in participating in BookFest St. Louis must submit an application to the CWE North Business Community Improvement District for review, which will be reviewed to ensure that the vendor/exhibitor is appropriate for BookFest St. Louis. Click here for more information.

PLAN YOUR BOOKFEST ST. LOUIS VISIT

Where do I park?

Public parking is available at parking meters and in parking lots throughout the Central West End.

Parking meters are in operation and enforced by the City of St. Louis. General hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Change and credit cards are accepted at pay stations and individual meters.

Public parking is available in parking lots located throughout the neighborhood. Pricing varies from lot to lot; please contact the lot operator for additional information. Click here for more information about individual lots and garages.

How do I get there?

The Central West End is conveniently located in the heart of St. Louis near numerous area attractions including Forest Park, the Cathedral Basilica, the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Science Center, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Sheldon, the Fox, Powell Hall and more, and is just steps away from major area medical centers including BJC, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children — St. Louis.

The Central West End is best accessed by I-64/40. Click here for more detailed directions.

What time does the BookFest St. Louis festival zone open?

The BookFest St. Louis festival zone will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Click here for more information about exhibitors, activities and food options within the BookFest St. Louis festival zone.

Where should I eat?

The Central West End is one of St. Louis’ dining meccas — and for good reason! With more than 20 restaurants within three blocks of the BookFest St. Louis festival zone, there’s something to suit every taste and plenty of time in between author events to enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks at one of our neighborhood eateries. A full list of Central West End restaurants is available here.

OK, what about bathrooms?

BookFest St. Louis attendees can find restrooms inside author venues, as well as a bay of portable restrooms within the festival zone.

How much does it cost to attend BookFest St. Louis?

All BookFest St. Louis activities are free and open to the public.

Do I need to reserve a seat at BookFest St. Louis author events?

Seats at all BookFest St. Louis author events will be given on a first come, first served basis. No RSVPs are needed.

Where can I find the BookFest St. Louis schedule?

Click here for the full 2019 BookFest St. Louis schedule.

MORE INFORMATION

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