The BookFest sets fall 2026 virtual lineup with West, Bishop, Sawyer and Mohr

The BookFest Adventure returns Oct. 24-25 with a free two-day virtual program focused on readers, writers and the publishing business. The 14th biannual event will feature keynotes from Carrie West and Debbie Bishop, conversations with Robert J. Sawyer and Joshua Mohr, and honors for David Katz and the Fall 2026 BookFest Award winners.

Why it matters: - The BookFest is keeping its free, virtual format in place for readers, writers and publishing professionals. - The fall 2026 program mixes storytelling, craft, business and industry topics across two livestream days. - The event is designed to connect authors and readers while highlighting trends shaping books and publishing.

What happened: - The BookFest Adventure® returns Oct. 24-25, 2026, for its 14th biannual virtual event. - The free weekend livestream will feature authors, publishing professionals, industry experts and literary voices. - The event is produced by Black Château Enterprises and presented in part by Books That Make You. - The BookFest streams on TheBookFest.com, the Books That Make You YouTube channel and across social platforms. - The BookFest encourages attendees to sign up for updates and event news.

The details: - Saturday’s programming is dedicated to readers and begins at 10:30 a.m. PT. - Carrie West opens Saturday with the keynote "Stories Are Essential." - The BookFest honors David Katz with the Honorary Achievement BookFest Award. - Robert J. Sawyer joins for "The Science of Science Fiction." - Saturday also includes sessions on wellness through books, burnout and thriving, building community with audiobooks, and a spotlight on Christian Hurst and "Lily Starling." - Sunday’s programming is dedicated to writers and begins at 10:30 a.m. PT. - Debbie Bishop delivers the Sunday keynote, "The Courage to Be Seen." - Joshua Mohr appears for "What Punk Rock Can Teach Writers." - Sunday sessions cover sustainable writing careers, finding readers, developing ideas, artificial intelligence for writers, pen names, author income opportunities, branding and audience-building. - The program also includes a salute to The BookFest Award winners Fall 2026. - The full schedule is posted on The BookFest website’s Programming Page, where updates and changes will appear. - The full speaker list includes Marla J. Albertie, Paula Banks, Debbie Bishop, Diann Floyd Boehm, Marie Brown, Tricia Copeland, Desiree Duffy, David Katz, Maria Gallucci, Becky Parker Geist, Christian Hurst, Gerald Everett Jones, Kathleen Kaiser, Liisa Kovala, Joseph L. Licari, Sheila Lowe, Paul Levine, Devyn McDonald Sr., Joshua Mohr, Adanna Moriarty, Denise Mullinex, Ehi Okoedion, Scott Ryan, Robert J. Sawyer, J.M. Shaw, Cameron Sutter, Jeniffer Thompson, Carran Waterfield, Mary Wyatt, Amy Vogel, Carrie West, Edward Willett and Chester L. Richards. - Attendees can also visit Virtual Booths, the Books Page and Speaker Pages during the event. - The Virtual Gift Bag returns with special offers.

Between the lines: - The programming balance suggests The BookFest is using one weekend to serve two audiences: readers on Saturday and writers on Sunday. - The addition of sessions on AI, pen names and author income reflects pressure points in today’s writing economy. - The event’s mix of inspiration and business content signals a broader strategy than a traditional book festival.

What’s next: - The BookFest will post schedule updates and changes on its Programming Page. - More event details will continue to roll out through TheBookFest.com and related channels. - The organization will also continue promoting speaker pages, virtual booths and the gift bag as the event approaches.

The bottom line: - The BookFest’s fall 2026 edition leans into free access, practical writer education and reader discovery in a single online weekend.