A weekend of words: Tucson Festival of Books returns to U of A campus

Clear some space on the shelf, charge your reading light and grab your favorite highlighter – the Tucson Festival of Books is returning to campus, bringing with it well-known and emerging authors.

The event takes place March 14 and 15 across the University of Arizona Mall, featuring more than 330 authors, hands-on science exhibitions and family-friendly entertainment.

"The mission of the Tucson Festival of Books is to not only support creative expression, but also free discussion of big ideas," said Abra McAndrew, executive director. "Tucson supports a community that reads and writes, and we take great pride in that. Tucson is also a place where you can accomplish a great deal thanks to the hardworking volunteers who live here and care so much about their community. Combine that with the resources and experts from the University of Arizona, and this festival becomes the perfect place to learn, read and discuss important topics."

The event will feature discussions and meet-and-greets with authors as well as live cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts and more. 

This year, attendees entering author discussions will be required to carry all their belongings in a bag that adheres to the university's Clear Bag Policy. There will be increased security throughout the festival, and magnetometers will be used.

Prose and poetry

In addition to bestselling authors such as Susan Orlean, R.L. Stine and Katherine Applegate, the lineup includes Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Carol Leonnig, New York Times correspondent David Gelles, former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, presidential speechwriter David Litt, current Poet Laureate Arthur Sze and former Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.

William Kent Krueger, bestselling author of "This Tender Land," "Ordinary Grace" and the Cork O'Connor mysteries, will receive this year's Festival Founders Award. McAndrew said the honor recognizes writers who spark imagination and enrich readers' lives.

Other authors presenting at the festival include:

• Salman Rushdie, an internationally recognized novelist and essayist known for his imaginative storytelling, political themes and defense of free expression
• Christine Brennan,in an award-winning sports columnist for USA Today and commentator for CNN, ABC News and PBS NewsHour
• John Scalzi, a New York Times bestselling author whose book, "Redshirts," won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2013
• Rachel Eliza Griffiths, a poet and visual artist who was a nominee for the 2021 NAACP Image Award in Poetry and author of five published collections of poetry
• Craig Johnson, bestselling author of the "Longmire" mystery series and recipient of the 2025 Festival Founders Award
• J.A. Jance, a former resident of Bisbee, Arizona, and a U of A alumna whose written more than 80 books

The festival will also feature current and former University employees, including:

• Susan Briante, Professor of English, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Dr. Melody Glenn, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine–Tucson
• Erika Hamden, Associate Professor of Astrophysics, College of Science, and Director, Arizona Space Institute
• Dr. Victoria Maizes, Professor of Medicine, College of Medicine–Tucson, and Founding Executive Director, The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine
• Melani Martinez, Associate Professor of Practice of English, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Mimi Nichter, Professor Emerita of Anthropology, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Logan Phillips, Teaching Artist, University of Arizona Poetry Center
• John P. Schaefer, President Emeritus
• Valerie Trouet, Professor of Dendrochronology, College of Science

The festival also hosts a yearly writing contest judged by presenting authors, open to emerging writers of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. The top 50 entrants are invited to a writing workshop hosted in Tucson the following week, while the best entrants and runners-up are recognized as Literary Award winners.

In addition to authors' panels and discussions, more than 200 vendors including booksellers, nonprofits, community service organizations and schools will offer literary merchandise, host activities and provide educational resources. The festival will also feature more than a dozen local restaurants and a variety of family-friendly entertainment.

Scientific discovery and community impact

Science City, one of the weekend's signature attractions, returns this year. Located on the east end of the mall, visitors of all ages can meet scientists, researchers and university students whose work is shaping the future.

The attraction highlights cutting-edge research into the science of art, history, nature and everyday life. Science City features dozens of organizations, including more than 30 departments and programs from the university, that guide visitors through the cosmos, sustainability and the environment, human health, chemistry and culture.

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(Learn more about the university's presence at Science City in this Office of Research and Partnerships news story.)

In addition to vendors and exhibitors, Science Café will feature presenters sharing insights from their latest work, answering audience questions and exploring timely topics in a conversational setting.

"Not only are we one of the largest book festivals in the country, but we also host one of the largest outdoor STEM events in the West," McAndrew said. "Encouraging scientific literacy is important, and Science City is only possible thanks to the Office of Research and Partnerships, the science educators on the U of A campus and those throughout our community."

The festival will also partner with UA Cares and the annual UA 4 Food drive to fight hunger and food insecurity throughout Southern Arizona. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to the northwest corner of Cherry Garage during the festival.

This year's festival mascot is the jaguar, which can be found throughout South and Central America, and occasionally in the southwestern United States.

Attendees can plan for and navigate the festival by using the Tucson Festival of Books mobile app, which includes event times and locations, author profiles, a parking map and a list of food vendors. The app is available in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

Stay informed by signing up for emergency notifications during the event. Text Safety to 226787 (CAMPUS) to receive text message safety alerts.

Additional resources:

• Disability access information
• Author discussion fast passes
• Interactive event map