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. Nearly 15,000 people attend festival talks each year. The 2024 festival celebration is scheduled for October 17–20. 

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

Leila Aboulela speaking at 2023 Wisconsin Book Festival

successful Madison tradition is that all events are FREE and available to the public. To achieve this, the foundation privately raises all needed funds.

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.