Greater Central Valley Book Festival
About this Event
GREATER CENTRAL VALLEY BOOK FEST
Where Stories Bring Our Communities Together
Join us for a day celebrating stories, community, and connection! The Greater Central Valley Book Fest - Sunday, November 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, CA.
This family-friendly festival features acclaimed authors, live readings, a Kids Zone, open mic sessions, and the Voices of the Valley Short Story Competition for students. Meet featured guests, shop local authors, and be part of a growing literary community in the Central Valley.
What Is a Book Festival?
Think of it as a one-day celebration of reading and storytelling — like a fair, but for books and the people who create them. Authors, illustrators, poets, filmmakers, and readers of all ages come together for a full day of talks, activities, and community.
General festival access is free and open to the public. The one exception is the keynote — more on that below.
What’s Happening All Day (Free!)
• 🎤 Main Stage — Featured author talks, panels, and conversations
• 🎙️ Minor Stage — Smaller, more intimate sessions with authors and speakers
• 🎨 Kids Zone (Upstairs Gallery) — Activities, readings, and books for younger festival-goers
• ✍️ Classroom Breakout Sessions — Workshops on writing, publishing, and craft
• 🔥 Poetry Slam — A live, judged spoken word showcase (not an open mic!)
• 📖 Voices of the Valley Short Story Competition — Celebrating young writers, grades 3–8
• 🏆 Literary Hero Award — Honoring someone who’s made a lasting impact through literacy or storytelling
• 📚 Author & Vendor Tables — Meet authors, browse books, support local shops
Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Opening ceremony
Info: Opening Ceremony
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Main Stage
Join us on the Main Stage as we officially open the inaugural Greater Central Valley Book Fest!
We'll kick off the day by welcoming our guests, then celebrate the young writers of the Voices of the Valley Short Story Competition, with Tracy Mayor Dan Arriola presenting the winners. Next, we'll honor a champion of reading in our community with the Literary Hero Award, and close with a special presentation to Ms. B.
It's a short, joyful half hour that captures the heart of the festival: celebrating our community, lifting up young voices, and honoring those who make reading matter. Arrive early to check in, grab your free gift, and find a seat.
Free and open to all festival guests.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Festival Activities 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Throughout The Grand Theatre
Info: Festival Activities
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Throughout The Grand Theatre
After the Opening Ceremony, the festival opens in full! Spend the afternoon exploring everything the Book Fest has to offer.
Bring the little ones to the Kids Zone for reading-inspired fun, then catch our Author Panels as writers share their stories, craft, and journeys. Feel the energy of spoken word at the Poetry Slam, meet your favorite writers at Book Signings, and browse the Vendor Tables for books, gifts, and treasures from local creators.
Stay for an hour or the whole afternoon. There's something for readers of every age.
Free and open to all festival guests.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing ceremony
Info: Closing Ceremony
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Main Stage
Before we close the book on our very first festival, join us on the Main Stage for a heartfelt thank-you to the guests, authors, vendors, volunteers, and partners who made this day possible.
Stick around for a final meet and greet with our authors, and don't leave early, because we'll be drawing our final raffle prize before we say goodbye. You have to be there to win!
Free and open to all festival guests.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
