The 31st annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books takes place April 18–19, 2026, at the University of Southern California. As the nation’s largest free literary event, this year’s indoor and outdoor programming features more than 200 authors, celebrity panels, book signings, all-ages activities, cooking demos, bilingual sessions, and more.
Attendees can access exclusive discounts and early panel reservations with a Friend of the Festival package, while all outdoor events and activities remain free. Visit www.latimes.com/events/festival for more information on this year’s lineup.
On Saturday, April 18, Tina Knowles, author of Matriarch, will appear in conversation with Angel Jennings on the Los Angeles Times Stage from 12:50 PM to 1:30 PM. A mother, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Knowles has been a New York Times bestselling author since April 2025. Her memoir traces her journey from Galveston, Texas, to raising global icons Beyoncé and Solange, along with Kelly Rowland. Her philanthropic work includes the WACO Theater Center and BeyGOOD.
Also on Saturday, Stacey Abrams will discuss Coded Justice with Leigh Haber at Bovard Auditorium from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. The novel continues the story of Avery Keene, weaving legal drama with timely questions around artificial intelligence and ethics.
Saturday’s headline feature from L-R Tina Knowles, Stacey Abrams, and Garcelle Beauvais; Courtesy of The Sibley Firm
Later that evening, Garcelle Beauvais joins Margaret Hargrove on the Los Angeles Times Stage from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Beauvais, known for her work in film, television, and reality TV, is also the author of the memoir Love Me As I Am and an advocate for humanitarian causes.
On Sunday, April 19, Blair Underwood will appear with Greg Braxton from 10:20 AM to 11:00 AM. Underwood, an award-winning actor across film, television, and stage, will discuss his novel A Soldier’s Wife and his expansive career.
That afternoon, Jurnee Smollett takes the stage at Annenberg Auditorium from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM for a ticketed conversation exploring her role in the Audible series Between Me and You, produced in collaboration with Kerry Washington. The discussion will focus on storytelling, voice acting, and the complexities of modern relationships.
Sunday’s headline feature from L-R Blair Underwood, Jurnee Smollett, and Lionel Richie; Courtesy of The Sibley Firm
The festival also welcomes music legend Lionel Richie, who will appear in conversation with Mikael Wood at Bovard Auditorium at 2:30 PM for a special Ideas Exchange event centered on his memoir Truly.
Since its launch in 1996, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has grown into a major cultural gathering, bringing together storytellers and audiences through literature, music, film, and live artistic expression.
