Los Angeles Times Festival of Books | April 20-21, 2024

About the Festival

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, hosted by the University of Southern California, is one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings. This celebrated event presents various authors representing diverse genres, from established literary figures to emerging talents each year. Whether you’re drawn to fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or children’s literature, the festival promises to captivate every literary palate.

Set against the scenic backdrop of USC’s campus, the festival offers many family-friendly activities and entertainment options. Attendees can engage in panels and discussions, facilitating enriching exchanges among fellow book enthusiasts, authors, scholars, and thought leaders. From storytelling sessions to book signings and interactive exhibits, a wealth of experiences awaits visitors of all ages.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC

Visit the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books event website for the latest updates.

Download the L.A. Times Festival of Books app on Apple or Android.

Volunteer for the Festival of Books.

L.A. Times Festival of Books News

Photos: Books take center stage as USC hosts nation’s largest literary and cultural festival

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which continues through Sunday, will draw an estimated 150,000 people to the University Park Campus.

Nigerian American youth poet Salome Agbaroji reads one of her poems to help kick off the festival. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Directions, Parking and Transit Information

The USC campus is located about 2 miles southwest from Downtown and 1 mile from the intersection of the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) and the Harbor Freeway (I-110). The most convenient freeway exit is from I-110 onto Exposition Boulevard. At the end of the exit you will see the campus on the right-hand side one block down the street. Another convenient access is to exit from Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) on Vermont south to Jefferson Boulevard.

Event Parking

Parking in various USC-area parking lots is available for $20. Here are the areas to park in for the event:

  • Downey Way Parking Structure
  • Royal Street Parking Structure
  • Flower Street Parking Structure
  • Figueroa Street Parking Structure
  • USC Shrine Structure

Transit Information

From Union Station:
Take the Metro Red Line or Purple Line to 7th Street/Metro Center Station, then transfer to the Metro Expo Line and exit Expo Park/USC Station.

From Santa Monica, West L.A., Culver City, Downtown L.A.:
Take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station.

From Hollywood, Universal City, Mid-City:
Take the Metro Red Line to 7th Street/Metro Center Station, then transfer to the Metro Expo Line and exit Expo Park/USC Station.

From Mid-City/Wilshire Corridor area:
Take the Metro Purple Line to 7th Street/Metro Center Station, then transfer to the Metro Expo Line and exit Expo Park/USC Station

From East L.A./Pasadena:
Take the Metro Gold Line to Union Station, then transfer to the Metro Purple Line or Red Line and exit at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station. Transfer to the Metro Expo Line and exit at the Expo Park/USC Station.

From Long Beach:
Take the Metro Blue Line to Pico Station, then transfer to the Metro Expo Line heading towards Culver City and exit Expo/Park USC Station.

Downtown L.A. DASH “F” Line
Downtown residents are encouraged to take advantage of the DASH “F” line to reach the USC campus. The DASH “F” line will operate on both days of the Festival of Books, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.  DASH shuttles will pick up every 20 minutes at all “F” line stops. Fare is 50 cents. For a list of DASH “F” line stops, visit www.ladottransit.com/dash and select “Downtown F.”


Navigating the Festival and Dining Options

Festival of Books Guide Map

Are you looking for your favorite author, exhibitor, or food truck? Here’s the Guide Map to help you explore the event’s different performances and vendors.

There will also be several free water fill stations across campus; you can bring your own water bottle. Please note that not all indoor locations allow water to be brought in.

Dining Options