The Heartland Book Festival is back for the third time — and it’s the biggest year yet.

Here's what to expect across the two-day event.

Friday, Oct. 10

Discover your next favorite author. Percival Everett will speak about his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “James” to open the festival at Mid-Continent Public Library's Woodneath Center. (This event is at capacity but will be livestreamed.)

Saturday, Oct. 11

Visit the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Library for:

Discussions with bestselling authors, including Taylor Jenkins Reid, internationally award-winning sci-fi/fantasy author Nnedi Okorafor, award-winning children’s book author Derrick Barnes, and more.
Participate in inspiring workshops and panels to learn about bringing the past to life, creative book journaling, spoken word poetry, sharing stories through social with local BookFluencers + more.
Get creative — see the creation of book-inspired chalk creations, discover the magic of roving puppets, take a portrait with artists Graham Carroll and Andy Ozier, contribute to a collaborative sculpture with Magpie Creative Reuse Collective, or stop for a freeform, drop-in style collage lab.

Plus, food trucks, book signings, giveaways, and much more are on the lineup.

Reserve your free spot.