Sign up for Book Club
Stay up to date on local books news, events, and recommendations from Boston.com.
Boston Book Festival unveils 2025 lineup of speakers, events, and more
The annual literary festival features a star-studded lineup and exclusive events this October.
The Boston Book Festival (BBF), one of the city’s most cherished annual literary events, is gearing up for its 17th year, set to take over Copley Square on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Known for its free and accessible programming, this year’s festival promises to deliver a day of literary discussions and presentations from over 200 authors, spanning genres from fiction to nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature.
The festival will begin with a special evening featuring “Bridgerton” author Julia Quinn. On Thursday, October 23, Quinn will take the stage at the Back Bay Events Center for a conversation about her career and the writing process that has made her one of the most popular voices in contemporary romance. Tickets for this event will be available for $30 through the festival’s website.
Advertisement:
The festival continues on Friday, October 24, with an evening featuring renowned financial journalist and author Andrew Ross Sorkin. Known for his sharp insights into the world of finance and politics, Sorkin will discuss his latest book, “1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in History—and How It Shattered a Nation,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Back Bay Events Center. Tickets for this event will be available for $60.
The heart of the festival will take place on Saturday, October 25, when Copley Square transforms into a bustling literary hub. Over 70 presentations and discussions will take place across multiple venues, including the Boston Public Library, Old South Church, Trinity Church, Goethe-Institut, and the French Library, offering something for everyone.
Advertisement:
This year’s lineup of keynote speakers reads like a who’s-who of literary heavyweights:
- Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks will share insights into her latest book, “Memorial Days: A Memoir,” a deeply personal exploration of grief and healing.
- Internationally bestselling author Patricia Cornwell will take attendees through the latest installment of her iconic Kay Scarpetta series, “Sharp Force,” offering a look at the enduring popularity of the forensic crime genre. Meanwhile, Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai will present her new novel, “The Loneliness of Sonia & Sunny,” an epic tale of love and family spanning continents and generations.
- The festival’s nonfiction slate is just as impressive, with Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd discussing her new book, “Notorious: Portraits of Stars from Hollywood, Culture, Fashion, and Tech.” Dowd, known for her razor-sharp commentary on politics and culture, will offer a fascinating look at the icons and iconoclasts shaping today’s world.
- In the realm of young adult fiction, Hafsah Faizal will discuss the thrilling conclusion to her vampire-heist fantasy duology, “A Steeping of Blood,” which is sure to excite fans of her “Tempest of Tea” series.
“Every year, we strive to bring together authors who are pushing the boundaries of their genres, telling stories that challenge and inspire,” said Jenny Dworkin, executive director of the Boston Book Festival. “This year’s keynote authors exemplify that spirit, and we’re excited to host them as they share their work with the Boston community.”
For families and younger readers, the festival’s JustKids! event will return, offering a day of literary fun tailored specifically for children. This event, which launched in 2023, has quickly become a beloved addition to the festival, featuring interactive activities, author talks, and more to spark a love of reading in the next generation.
With the full festival schedule set to be released in September, attendees can look forward to an unforgettable weekend filled with literary discovery and conversation. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the authors or looking to explore new voices, the Boston Book Festival offers something for everyone.
For more information on the festival’s events, ticketing details, and the complete lineup, visit bostonbookfest.org.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com