33 upcoming literature events
Roundtable Reading: Fast Pitch by Nic Stone
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
Author Nic Stone presents a roundtable reading of her YA novel Fast Pitch at BAMPFA (Bay Area) on 2026-04-20 — an engaging reading and discussion for fans of contemporary YA literature.
Tina Seelig with Matt Abrahams
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Dr. Tina Seelig joins Matt Abrahams at Kepler's Books to discuss What I Wish I Knew About Luck, a practical, Stanford-backed guide to turning chance into opportunity in a warm Bay Area literary evening.
Meet the Author 2026 Series
Wed, 22 Apr 2026
Marines' Memorial Theatre
Meet the Author 2026 Series returns to Marines' Memorial Theatre in the SF Bay Area, featuring Captain Chas Henry USMC Ret, an award-winning journalist and author of Fuji Fire, with online registration open.
Independent Bookstore Day with Literary Trivia and Laura Dave
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park celebrates Independent Bookstore Day with free literary trivia at 2:00 pm, followed by an author talk by Laura Dave (The First Time I Saw Him) with Pia Chatterjee at 4:30 pm. An intimate, in-store celebration of books and conversation.
From Bestseller to Classic: What Makes a Book Endure?
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
An engaging author-panel at Kepler's Books explores why some novels endure. Elizabeth Rosner, critic John McMurtrie, and Vanessa Hua discuss timeless themes, reader resonance, and what elevates a book to a lasting classic in a lively evening of literary conversation.
This Is Now with Angie Coiro: Rebecca Solnit
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Rebecca Solnit discusses her timely work The Beginning Comes After the End in conversation with Angie Coiro at Kepler's Books. This book-talk probes resilience, protest, and change in turbulent times, offering Solnit's signature blend of history, memoir, and political insight in an intimate bookstore setting.
Booksmith presents: Anna Dorn with Kate Folk / American Spirits
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Booksmith
Booksmith hosts Anna Dorn and Kate Folk at The Booksmith in the Bay Area, where Dorn’s latest, American Spirits, sparks sharp conversation; seats are limited, RSVP appreciated, 7pm showtime.
Jesse Q. Sutanto: Ms Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block discussion
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto discusses Ms Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block at Kepler's Books in the SF Bay Area, sharing wit, mystery insight, and the sly charm fans of Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers adore.
Booksmith presents: Devi S. Laskar with Regina Marler
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Booksmith
Join author Devi S. Laskar at The Booksmith on April 30 for the release of Midnight, at the War, in conversation with Regina Marler — an in-store book-launch and author talk (RSVP not required).
SF Sober Book Club April Meeting
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 at 11:00 AM
Peacock Meadow
Join fellow sober Bay Area residents for an evening of literature discussion at Peacock Meadow. An open, stress-free meetup focused on books, hobbies, mental health, and connection; bring a book you love and share your thoughts in a welcoming space.
Mike Monteiro in Conversation: How To Die (and other stories)
Mon, 11 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Booksmith
Join designer Mike Monteiro in conversation with Annalee Newitz to celebrate the release of How To Die (and other stories) at The Booksmith. A thoughtful author talk blending design, storytelling, and contemporary culture in a cozy bookstore setting.
May Non-Fiction Book Club
Tue, 5 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Join May's Non-Fiction Book Club at Kepler's Books to discuss South to Freedom by Alice M. Baumgartner, a thoughtful dive into migration and history that sparks lively conversation beneath cozy shelves.
Booksmith presents: Kimberlé W. Crenshaw / Backtalker: An American Memoir
Mon, 18 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Booksmith
Kimberlé W. Crenshaw discusses Backtalker: An American Memoir at The Booksmith in San Francisco. Presented by Booksmith, the talk offers a thoughtful literary exploration of memory, identity, and social justice, followed by a Q&A with the author.
Mary Cain
Tue, 5 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Mary Cain discusses her memoir This Is Not About Running, examining how elite youth sports can impact mental health. The candid conversation at Kepler's Books in Menlo Park offers insights into pressure, resilience, and the human cost of competition.
Vanessa Hua in Conversation: Coyoteland
Tue, 12 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Booksmith
Vanessa Hua discusses her new novel Coyoteland at The Booksmith in San Francisco, in conversation with Oscar Villalon. A lively Q&A and insider insights into Hua's writing and the book's themes.
Roundtable Reading: Lalani of the Distant Sea
Sat, 9 May 2026 at 8:30 AM
Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
Join a roundtable reading of Erin Entrada Kelly's Lalani of the Distant Sea at BAMPFA in Berkeley. The discussion event at the Berkeley museum invites readers to explore themes of identity and adventure in a lively, intimate venue.
Book Reading: Karen Nelson with Pam Houston
Wed, 20 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Join Karen Nelson for a book-reading celebrating her new novel The Last Summer at Feather River at Kepler's Books, with Pam Houston.
Roundtable Reading: Lalani of the Distant Sea
Tue, 19 May 2026
Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
Roundtable reading of Erin Entrada Kelly’s Lalani of the Distant Sea in the Bay Area on 2026-05-20 — a family-friendly author reading and discussion ideal for young readers and caregivers.
Poetry Reading: Molly Fisk and Francesca Bell
Sun, 17 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
Two poets, Molly Fisk and Francesca Bell, share sharp wit and tender lyricism in a Berkeley reading that glows with personal storytelling, craft talk, and luminous verse.
The Strength of Water: Book Talk with Karin Jensen
Sat, 16 May 2026 at 6:30 AM
Chinese Historical Society of America
Author Karin Jensen discusses her new book 'The Strength of Water' from a woman's and immigrant daughter's perspective, exploring identity and resilience, at the Chinese Historical Society of America in San Francisco.
Kevin Wilson with Kate Folk
Sat, 30 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
At Kepler's Books in the SF Bay Area, Kevin Wilson appears with Kate Folk to unveil his raucous, moving road-trip novel about an unexpected family journey across America that binds them together.
Dave Eggers
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Dave Eggers returns to Kepler’s Books with Contrapposto, a sweeping novel about friendship, art, and the lifelong pursuit of meaning, delivered in his signature lucid prose beneath Kepler’s warm, book-lined glow.
Sam Yo (Peloton) – The Monk's Mindset Book Tour
Sat, 23 May 2026
Cafe Du Nord
Sam Yo (Peloton) brings The Monk's Mindset to Café Du Nord in San Francisco for a live book tour reading. Expect an engaging author talk that blends mindfulness with practical mindset strategies, set in a cozy historic venue and open to book lovers curious about growth and focus.
James Ellroy
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
James Ellroy headlines Kepler's Books in the Bay Area, unveiling Red Sheet, his bold, subversive new crime novel, in a noir-lit reading that crackles between shelves and eager fans.
Ruth Ozeki reading from The Typing Lady at Kepler's
Tue, 9 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Renowned author Ruth Ozeki visits Kepler's Books in Menlo Park for a reading and discussion of her new short story collection, The Typing Lady. Expect an intimate literary evening as she shares excerpts and insights into her craft in a warm, bookshop setting.
Booksmith presents: Isaac Fitzgerald / American Rambler
Tue, 26 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Booksmith
Join author Isaac Fitzgerald at The Booksmith on May 26 for a reading of American Rambler; RSVP appreciated but not required.
This is Now with Angie Coiro: Cory Doctorow
Sun, 21 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
This is Now with Angie Coiro welcomes Cory Doctorow to Kepler's Books for a sharp, provocative chat about AI—its good, bad, and frankly stupid sides—delivering a candid, culture-scrutinizing Bay Area talk.
A Story for Everything: An Afternoon with Corey Rosen, Host of 'The Moth'
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 at 10:30 AM
Commonwealth Club World Affairs
An afternoon with Corey Rosen, host of The Moth, at the Commonwealth Club. Rosen shares intimate personal stories and storytelling craft in an engaging, thoughtful talk that shines a light on the art of spoken narrative in San Francisco.
Brooke Averick Debut Novel Launch at Kepler's
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Brooke Averick debuts her novel with a signing at Kepler's Books, including a signed copy and a Phoebe Berman cherry-designed bookplate.
Charlotte Brooks Book Talk: The Moys of New York and Shanghai
Sat, 6 Jun 2026 at 4:00 AM
Chinese Historical Society of America
Author Charlotte Brooks discusses The Moys of New York and Shanghai at the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, tracing six Chinese American siblings across two continents through a century of migration, identity, and family resilience.
June Non-Fiction Book Club
Tue, 2 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kepler's Books
Join the June Non-Fiction Book Club at Kepler's Books to discuss Life at the Dakota: New York’s Most Unusual Address by Stephen Birmingham.
Zayd Ayers Dohrn: Dangerous, Dirty, Violent & Young
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Booksmith
The Booksmith hosts Zayd Ayers Dohrn for the release of Dangerous, Dirty, Violent & Young on June 17 at 7pm. An intimate author event featuring reading and signing inside the cozy bookstore; RSVP is not required but appreciated.
Kim Shuck Poetry Reading
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 at 6:00 PM
San Francisco Public Library - Main Library
San Francisco Poet Laureate emerita Kim Shuck headlines SF Public Library's monthly poetry reading at the Main Library, with special guests. A night of intimate verse exploring multiethnic heritage and city life, set in the iconic library.