News Summary
The Las Vegas Book Festival will take place at the Historic Fifth Street School, offering a range of literary events. Admission is free for all ages, promoting literacy and community engagement. Notable authors and local figures will participate in discussions, workshops, and a poetry competition, ensuring an enriching experience for attendees. The festival emphasizes accessibility, distributing free books to young visitors while showcasing Nevada’s cultural landscape.
Las Vegas is set to host the Las Vegas Book Festival on October 19, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas. Admission to this year’s festival is free and open to individuals of all ages, welcoming the community to partake in an array of literary activities.
The festival, organized by Nevada Humanities, has been a staple in the state’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2002. It is recognized as the largest literary event in Nevada, showcasing a variety of engaging activities that include panel discussions, book signings, readings, workshops, poetry sessions, and dedicated children’s literature events, alongside exhibitions and special events.
This year’s headlining authors include notable figures such as John Waters, Tracy Wolff, and Nicola Yoon, drawing attention to the festival’s diverse literary offerings. In addition to the featured authors, the festival will highlight discussions led by prominent local figures, including former Nevada Governor Bob Miller and former Senator Richard Bryan, who will lead a panel titled “Destined to Lead.” Local historian Geoff Schumacher and local reporter Steve Sebelius will also host additional panels covering a range of themes.
Additionally, the festival will incorporate a poetry panel featuring Ashley “Ms. AyeVee” Vargas, the Clark County poet laureate, who aims to elevate local poetry and encourage artistic expression. More opportunities for young writers will be provided through the Spark Youth Poetry Competition, held by Nevada Humanities, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to fostering creativity in younger generations.
The event will take place at the Historic Fifth Street School, a building with significant historical value. Originally constructed in 1936, the school served as a grammar school until 1966. It underwent a significant $9.5 million renovation to become a cultural center and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988.
The Las Vegas Book Festival not only aims to promote literacy but also strives to make literary programming accessible, distributing free books to young attendees and ensuring that the event is welcoming to all. By organizing such festivities, the festival highlights Las Vegas as a cultural destination beyond its well-known entertainment-centric image.
For those interested in staying updated on the festival, organizers encourage attendees to visit the official festival website. Furthermore, individuals looking for vendor opportunities can reach out to Sandra Ward via email for more information.
The Las Vegas Book Festival, an enduring tradition in the city, continues to inspire and engage readers of all ages, promising another successful year filled with literature, learning, and community spirit.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Las Vegas Book Festival Returns Downtown October 18
- Wikipedia: Book festival
- Review Journal: Headliners for Las Vegas Book Festival
- Google Search: Las Vegas Book Festival
- KTNV: Las Vegas Book Festival Aims to Make Reading Accessible
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas literature
- Las Vegas Weekly: Fall Arts & Entertainment Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Festivals
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
