Books are for lovers, and the Portland Book Festival is for lovers of books. Join us on Saturday, November 2, 2024 for some spectacular panels from your favorite romance authors and a wonderful collection of local presses where you might find your next favorite romance read.
Know before you go:
Readers Night – Support Portland Book Festival
If you want an early look into the vendor hall and a chance to stock up on books before the event, you can pick up a ticket to Readers Night on Friday, November 1st here. Enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres while connecting with other book lovers and supporting Literary Arts with your ticket purchase! All ages welcome.
We will have a variety of vendors selling books. Make sure to visit Honeyed Words (Curated Queer Stories), Grand Gesture Books, and My 3 Girls Publishing for all your romance needs.
Festival Day:
Saturday, November 2, it’s Portland Book Festival! Events will be running from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Portland Art Museum and neighboring venues. Here is a line up of romance inspired events:
Casey McQuiston | The Pairing
11:45 a.m. | First Congressional Church of Christ
Get ready for some force-proximity and complex feelings at this panel with Lily Chu, The Takedown, and Katelyn Doyle, Just Some Stupid Love Story. While these books could not have more different set ups, one thing is for sure: sometimes soulmates appear where you least expect them. Join us and find your next favorite romance, or maybe even your next TWO favorites.
Lily Chu & Katelyn Doyle | Take a Chance on Romance
1:15 p.m. | The Old Church
Get ready for some force-proximity and complex feelings at this panel with Lily Chu, The Takedown, and Katelyn Doyle, Just Some Stupid Love Story. While these books could not have more different set ups, one thing is for sure: sometimes soulmates appear where you least expect them. Join us and find your next favorite romance, or maybe even your next TWO favorites.


Looking for something a little different?
R.O. Kwon & Kimberly King Parsons | Desire & Obsession
3:15 p.m. | Portland’5: Winningstad Theatre.
Interested in the darker, complex side of love? Exhibit, by R.O. Kwon, and We Were the Universe, by Kimberly King Parsons, begin after the happily ever after and draw the reader into stories of desire, piercing wanting, memory, regret and imperfection. While these books might not be a wholesome beach read, this conversation will be an unmissable event for readers looking to explore the many forms love can take, for better or worse.


Festival Admission:
A few reminders about festival passes:
Youth 17 and under and/or with high school ID get in free; but you do still need a pass as a wristband is required for entry to all stages. Get your tickets in advance for $18 or for $25 day of!
Swing by the advance box office at Portland’5 Centers for the Arts’ Antoinette Hatfield Hall (1111 SW Broadway) Wednesday, October 30th through Friday, November 1 from noon.-6:00 p.m. to pick up your wristband and skip the box office line on festival day.