Chicago Book Events and Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Apr 20

Apr 20 Chicago Book Events and Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Chicago is a book lover’s dream. Whether you're an avid reader, aspiring writer, or just someone who enjoys the magic of a good story, Chicago's calendar is packed with book events and literary festivals that celebrate the power of words. From major literary celebrations to cozy community gatherings, here’s a guide to some of the must-attend Chicago book events and festivals.

Chicago Book Events and Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

1. Friend of a Mom Book Club

Hasty Book List is excited to team up with Friend of a Mom, a monthly Chicago dinner series that offers moms a chance to connect, recharge, and feel truly seen. Together, we’re introducing a brand-new book club created especially for Chicago moms—whether you're a longtime book lover or hoping to reconnect with reading after becoming a parent. With carefully chosen books, heartfelt conversations, and cozy gatherings over cocktails and community, this partnership combines the welcoming spirit of Friend of a Mom’s events with Hasty Book List’s dedication to bringing readers together.

Check Out: Friend of a Mom Book Club

2. Printers Row Lit Fest

Held every September in the historic Printers Row neighborhood, Printers Row Lit Fest is the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest. It features hundreds of booksellers, author signings, panel discussions, and family programming. Expect appearances by bestselling authors and opportunities to discover new voices.

Check Out: Printers Row Lit Fest 2025

3. Chicago Humanities Festival

The Chicago Humanities Festival blends literature with culture, politics, history, and the arts. Its Fall Festival includes big-name authors, thought leaders, and compelling panels in venues across the city. Recent speakers include Margaret Atwood, Roxane Gay, and Colson Whitehead.

Check Out: Chicago Humanities Festival Schedule

4. Open Books Literary Events

Open Books is a nonprofit dedicated to literacy, and they regularly host author readings, book clubs, and creative writing workshops at their charming locations in West Loop and Pilsen. Their events are intimate and community-focused, making them perfect for meeting local authors and fellow book lovers.

Check Out: Open Books Chicago Events

5. Women & Children First Events

This beloved feminist bookstore in Andersonville offers a robust calendar of book launches, signings, and readings with a focus on uplifting marginalized voices. Keep an eye out for their in-conversation series and activist-author collaborations.

Check Out: Women & Children First Author Events

6. Chicago Zine Fest

Celebrating independent publishing, Chicago Zine Fest is a free annual event where creators of zines, comics, and small press publications gather to share and sell their work. It's a fantastic place to meet emerging writers and artists and dive into the DIY literary scene.

Check Out: Chicago Zine Fest Info

7. Lit & Luz Festival

A unique, bilingual celebration of literature and art, the Lit & Luz Festival connects writers and artists from Chicago and Mexico City through performances, readings, and exhibitions. Hosted in October, it’s a can’t-miss event for fans of global storytelling and cultural exchange.

Check Out: Lit & Luz Festival Details

8. Chicago Public Library Author Events

The Chicago Public Library system hosts free author talks, workshops, and children’s programming year-round. Events span all genres and age groups and take place in branches throughout the city, offering accessible literary experiences in every neighborhood.

Check Out: Chicago Public Library Events Calendar

9. Independent Bookstore Pop-Ups & Fairs

Many of Chicago’s indie bookstores—like Semicolon Bookstore, Unabridged Bookstore, City Lit Books, and The Book Cellar—host their own pop-up events, street fairs, and sidewalk sales, especially during Independent Bookstore Day in April.

Check Out: Independent Bookstore Day Chicago

10. SitStayRead’s Bark N’ Ball

If you love books and dogs, Bark 'N Ball is the event for you. Each year, over 200 dog and book lovers gather for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, philanthropy, and fashionable four-legged friends—all in support of early literacy. The event benefits programs that strengthen reading skills for Chicago students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. It’s a feel-good night that celebrates the impact of storytelling and community, with plenty of tail wags and happy tears.

Check Out: Bark 'N Ball Literacy Event Chicago

Make the Most of Chicago’s Literary Scene

Whether you're attending a panel discussion downtown or joining a storytime session at your neighborhood bookstore, Chicago’s literary events offer something for every kind of reader. Be sure to follow your favorite bookstores and literary nonprofits on social media to stay updated on the latest happenings.

If you’re looking for ways to connect with the local bookish community, I also recommend signing up for newsletters from places like:

These newsletters often feature hidden gems, niche readings, and writing workshops that might not show up in broader event listings.

Final Thoughts

Chicago’s book festivals and literary events are more than just gatherings—they’re a celebration of ideas, creativity, and community. Whether you're here for a weekend or a lifelong resident, diving into a local literary event is a beautiful way to experience the soul of the city.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using this link. Thank you for supporting this blog and the books I recommend! I may have received a book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.