Wisconsin Book Festival
FREE, PUBLIC AUTHOR EVENTS FOR THE COMMUNITY
About the Festival
Since 2002, the Wisconsin Book Festival has brought thousands of local and internationally acclaimed authors to downtown Madison in celebration of literacy, conversation and ideas. Presented by Madison Public Library in partnership with the foundation, the festival offers year-round events led by authors representing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, spoken word and other genres. More than 12,000 people attend festival talks each year. The 2025 Fall Celebration dates are October 23–26, 205.
Events are held at Central Library, with select events at other downtown venues. Click below to view the most current schedule of events.
What makes the festival an incredibly
successful Madison tradition is that all events are FREE and available to the public. To achieve this, the foundation privately raises all needed funds. Select events even include a free copy of the featured book for attendees!
Join a community of readers, book lovers, and enthusiastic supporters, and ensure the festival’s future as a vital part of Madison culture by contributing today.
Interested in sponsorship? Visit our Sponsorship Levels document for details.
Become a Member
Are you a frequent festival-goer? Join our membership program for reserved seating and other perks!
View the Schedule
Browse the schedule to find out which authors will visit Madison for upcoming festival events.
Donate
One-time gifts and corporate sponsorships help us bring authors to Madison for free, year-round talks.
Madison Public Library Foundation
201 W. Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
608.266.6318
Tax ID: 39-1777242
