Mark your calendar now, Midtown Scholar’s Harrisburg Book Festival returns in-person for five days this month and is loaded with notable authors, events, activities, and of course, its massive outdoor tent sale.
Meet and hear from top authors
This year’s lineup features some of the nation’s — as well as local — top authors, who will be visiting Harrisburg for book signings and author talks.
The schedule includes:
- Joshua Prager, Pulitzer Prize Finalist and Journalist
- Jill Filipovic, International Journalist
- Peniel E. Joseph, Renowned Historian
- Lauren Castillo, Caldecott Honor-Winning Children’s Illustrator
- Kimi Cunningham Grant, Bestselling Local Author
- Nora McInerny, Renowned Podcast Host and Bestselling Author
- Kate Baer, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
- Ross Gay, Award-Winning Poet
- Steven Williams, Bestselling Local Author
- Richard Chizmar, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Find the full author schedule with details here.
Massive tent sale
Harrisburg Book Festival also hosts a huge Outdoor Tent Sale over the five days with more than 20,000 used books available for sale at incredible prices. The event takes place sheltered by a 30′ by 60′ tent at 3rd and Verbeke Streets, adjacent to the Broad Street Market. Books are priced at just $1-$3. The sale runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19-23.
Book Trivia
The 10th anniversary of the Harrisburg Book Festival is worth a celebration. A kick-off party featuring Rooftop Literary Trivia and a Drag Show gets things going at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at The Millworks. Hosted by Harrisburg’s own Miss Anita, join the fun and test your literary knowledge. No registration or RSVP required — seating is first come, first served.
Children’s Day
Young readers get a day all for themselves at this year’s Harrisburg Book Festival. Visit Midtown Scholar 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 22 for face painting, a bookstore scavenger hunt, live illustrations, story times, and book signings — all hosted by Ellen Min. Everyone’s favorite River Monster, Rascal, also will be there.
Discover the Collectibles Building
The Midtown Scholar will unveil its new rare book building during Harrisburg Book Festival. This new space, located right next to the Scholar at 1306 N. Third St., houses thousands of rare and antique books, vintage ephemera, victorian maps, and more. Visit the Collectibles Building from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22.
Midtown Scholar is expecting record attendees for this year’s Harrisburg Book Festival! What part are you most excited for?
