Texas Book Festival With Kids
If you’re planning a family day of books, author meet‑ups, and kid‑friendly fun, the Texas Book Festival with kids is one of the easiest, most rewarding Austin outings of the year. The 30th annual Festival happens November 8–9, 2025 in and around the Texas State Capitol (1100 Congress Ave), with free programming spread across nearby venues and tents downtown. Even better: Festival Weekend is free and open to the public.
Dates/Times
November 8-9
Location
In and around the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin with tents along 11th St and Congress Ave.
Parking
You can try to find street parking or
Admission
Free! No tickets required.
Activities
There are several kid-friendly booths that offer free activities and crafts for kids. Make sure you stop by the H-E-B tent for free coloring books and a selfie with the H-E-Buddy!
Don’t miss the kids’ “Read Me A Story Tent”! This is basically the main event for kids. All the best children’s’ book authors will be here throughout the weekend, reading (and sometimes illustrating) their books to kids. Sessions usually last about 30 minutes. There’s seating for the adults, but the kids usually like to sit up front on the floor closer to the stage. Usually the author sets up at a table in the back once their presentation is done and you can line up to meet them and have them sign your book!
There are also YA/Teen book author meet & greet events in various locations. One year, when my older kids were really into The Last Kids On Earth series, we got to see that author (and a couple of other authors) speak on a panel.
Authors of Children’s Books at This Year’s Festival
TBD
Tips
- The restrooms are portapotties.
- Bring a wagon or stroller for toddlers and younger kids.
- Read the books ahead of time, then bring that book with you to meet the author. Bring a sharpie and ask them to sign the book!
- Bring a bag to help carry all the new books you’ll buy!
- Try to find street parking nearby or park at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (1201 San Jacinto Blvd).
- Bring your own food, or purchase food/drinks at the food truck section. There are a few highly coveted table that fill up quickly if you choose to eat at lunch time, so if you want a table, you have to get there early or late to miss the crowds.
- It’s usually pretty chilly when we have gone in the past, but it would be helpful to dress in layers so you can add or remove depending on what the weather does that day.
- Bring water bottles and comfortable walking shoes.
- Pick a meeting spot in case you get lost or separated (the H-E-B tent is a good choice because the giant H-E-Buddy makes it easy to find).
You should check this out: Austin Kids Fall Bucket List
