New Hampshire Book Festival Returns October 2–3 with Two Days of Authors, Conversations and Community

CONCORD, N.H. —The New Hampshire Book Festival returns to downtown Concord October 2–3, bringing readers and writers together for two days of author conversations, panel discussions, poetry readings, book signings, and family activities. The 2026 edition of New Hampshire’s premier literary event will feature more than 60 authors, with programming for readers of all ages and interests.

The festival kicks off Friday morning, October 2, with a sold-out 10:30 a.m. Children’s Keynote featuring Jeff Kinney, the bestselling author and illustrator behind the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Then, that evening at 7 p.m., the NY Times-bestselling author Jodi Picoult will take the stage for the festival’s Opening Keynote, with her brand-new novel, Hollow Bones. Select tickets are still available, though this event is expected to sell out.

Free, all-day programming on Saturday, October 3, begins at 9:15 a.m. with a Costume Parade, inviting young readers and families to come dressed as their favorite book characters. At 9:30 a.m., a full day of author panels, poetry readings, and conversations gets underway, with opportunities to meet authors and have books signed. After the festival programming concludes at 5 p.m., a 6:30 p.m. Family Keynote featuring Jeff Kinney offers readers another opportunity to hear from the beloved author and illustrator.

“Ledyard Bank is proud to support the New Hampshire Book Festival and its work to bring authors, readers and the broader community together,” said Josephine Moran, President and CEO at Ledyard Bank. “The festival reminds us that stories have a unique power. They connect us to one another, challenge us to see the world differently, and inspire conversations that continue long after the final page is turned.”

Discover a Day of Books, Ideas and Inspiration

The festival's authors, who hail from all over the country, many of them award-winning and bestselling, will talk about the books they’ve written and the experiences and stories behind those books. For adults, author conversations will delve into love and obsession; the complications of family; suspense, horror, and mystery; identity and belonging; the backstories of basketball great Larry Bird and activist Jessica Mitford; and more. On the children’s literature side, authors will talk about magic and adventure; kids being brave and making a difference; the power of picture books and young adult literature; and more. Poetry readings will round out the day.

“At the New Hampshire Book Festival, stories and conversations will open your world. Meet the authors who will show you how stories are born,” said Rebecca Briccetti, New Hampshire Book Festival Board Member. “We’re excited to welcome the community for another weekend of celebrating books and the people who create them.”

A full festival schedule and map are available to help attendees plan their weekend: https://www.nhbookfestival.org/schedule

About the New Hampshire Book Festival

Founded to celebrate literacy, conversation, and community, the New Hampshire Book Festival offers a full day of free programming in downtown Concord, with select ticketed keynote events. The festival brings together nationally recognized authors, emerging writers, and book lovers of all ages for a day of panels, conversations, readings, book signings, and more. For more information, visit nhbookfestival.org.