Portland Book Festival Sells Out All Tickets in Advance for First Time

The Portland Book Festival is set to take place on November 8, 2024, marking its 21st iteration. This annual event, recognized as the largest literary celebration in the Pacific Northwest, has sold out of tickets for the first time in its history. No tickets will be available on the day of the festival.

About the Festival

Originally established in 2005 as Wordstock, the festival was rebranded as the Portland Book Festival in 2015 after being acquired by Literary Arts. The event will feature over 100 authors and moderators engaging in a variety of literary activities, including discussions on fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as writing workshops. The day will be packed with literary discussions, pop-up readings, a book fair, and local food offerings.

Featured Authors and Events

Among the notable authors participating this year are:

• Rebecca Yarros discussing her bestselling book “Onyx Storm.”
• Stacey Abrams presenting her new novel “Coded Justice.”
• Omar El Akkad with his book “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.”
• Marissa Meyer sharing insights on her latest work “The House of Saphir.”
• Renée Watson exploring themes in her book “All the Blues in the Sky.”

Other notable authors include Lidia Yuknavitch, Jess Walter, and Courtney Gould, each bringing unique themes and perspectives to the festival.

Event Logistics

The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across six venues in the downtown South Park Blocks area. Locations include:

• Portland Art Museum
• Portland’5 venues
• The Judy Kafoury Center
• The Old Church
• Shemanski Park

On the eve of the main event, a special Readers Night will take place at the Portland Art Museum, which has also sold out. This night will feature giveaways and craft beverage sampling.

Access and Additional Activities

While the festival tickets are sold out, the community can still partake in the “Cover to Cover” program, featuring a series of literary events across the Portland metro area, many of which are free. Attendees will need to obtain wristbands before entry, available during designated advance box office hours.

The Portland Book Festival promises to be an enriching experience celebrating literature and authors, showcasing the vibrant literary culture of the region.