If you’re here reading this, you’re likely a writer, and if you’re a writer, you’re likely really good at spending long swaths of time alone — because that’s basically what you need to do, to write.
For those times you need a little break from the isolation, here are seven big literary fetes where you can meet other people more comfortable in solitude:
Lit Crawl LA. The North Hollywood Arts District becomes the hub of Literary LA for one night each year, when irreverent readings and other fun happenings take place everywhere from local dive bars to fancy theaters. The night’s set up so that each of the three hours of the event, a dozen or so events happen concurrently, with a few minutes in between each hour to let crawlers get to their next event. Then there’s an afterparty at the end, with drinks and nibbles and socializing. Free, except for the ticketed afterparty.
More: Lit Crawl LA: A Night of literary happenings in North Hollywood
LA Art Book Fair. If artsy books are your thing, make your way to Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair in the spring to see artists’ books, monographs, zines, and more from international presses and indie publishers alike. The weekend event attracts tens of thousands each year. Free.
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. One weekend in April, USC brings together thousands of of Angelenos who come to hear Q&As with famous authors, literary panels, poetry readings, and more. Hundreds of booths will hawk everything from curious new diet cookbooks to self-published fan fiction to strange newfangled religions — as well as the more staid literary fare. Plus, there are tents for various topics, like kids, travel and cooking. I recommend taking the Expo there to avoid the crazy parking situation. Free (there’s a small fee to reserve tickets to popular events though you can take your chances in the standby line; the afterparty with famous authors costs real money).
Litfest Pasadena. This spring book festival brings together literary Pasadena, with events happening all over the cute town, from from Vroman’s Bookstore to Pasadena Playhouse. Last year’s event included a flash writing workshop and a discussion of Yelp reviews. Free.
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival. Every summer, Angelenos get a chance to see two of Shakespeare’s plays performed free in Griffith Park. Go ready to picnic, snacks and pillows in tow. Sunscreen recommended. Free.
More: 5 tips for enjoying the plays.
Pasadena Festival of Women Authors. Started back in 2009 by a couple Pasadena residents, this annual event brings seven or so authors to give keynotes and breakout sessions. Past featured authors include Yaa Gyasi (Homegoing) and Pasadena’s own Victoria Patterson. Enjoy morning coffee and pastries as well as a midday lunch, plus book sales and signings throughout. Cost: $100 for the 2019 festival; tickets sell out early.
Southern California Poetry Festival. The first SoCal PoFest happened in 2016 at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach –I enjoyed reading with the Los Angeles Review crew — and organizers have since made it an annual thing. Free.
Originally published 9/19/16, last updated 2/17/19
Event poster images courtesy of respective organizations / Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival photo courtesy of Grettel Cortes Photography / bottom photo by Siel Ju