Large crowds undeterred by rain gather on first day of Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, with over 50,000 attendees braving the weather to participate.
On a sunny weekend at the 30th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the city's largest literary gathering,USC was swarmed by tens of thousands, flocking to sold-out panels and queuing for author autographs. This sprawling event, featuring over 550 storytellers across seven outdoor stages and 15 indoor venues, was expected to draw an estimated 85,000 attendees by day's end[1][3].
Kicking off with a star-studded lineup on Saturday, Hollywood authors Matthew Specktor and Griffin Dunne shared tales of growing up in Tinseltown during a captivating conversation with former Times book editor David L. Ulin[2]. Later in the day, memorable moments were shared by E.A. Hanks, Laurie Woolever, Sloane Crosley, and Kareem Rosser as they discussed writing through grief, bringing a mix of humor and poignancy to their discussion[2].
Sunday lined up even more big names, including Jon M. Chu, Wilmer Valderrama, Chelsea Handler, and a whole host of celebrated authors like Percival Everett, Jenny Slate, Maureen Dowd, and Blippi for a children's event[2][3]. The festivities continued with cooking demonstrations by Roy Choi and engaging literary performances, including a reading by Alison C. Rollins[1][3].
Throughout the weekend, the Festival of Books was a celebration of unity and a platform for diverse and engaging storytelling[1][3]. Giggly Squad co-hosts Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner brought their candid charm to the festive atmosphere, sharing honest laughter, experiences from reality television, and tips on managing anxiety[2].
If you're a book lover, food enthusiast, or simply seeking a place of inspiration, the Festival of Books offers a vibrant, enriching environment for everyone[1][3]. For more information on the event's schedule, check out their website[1].
- Amidst the buzz of the 30th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, politics and general news were discussed on various panels, attracting many attendees.
- USC, located in the heart of Los Angeles, California, played host to thousands who came for the festival, including events centered around entertainment, lifestyle, home-and-garden, books, and nonfiction.
- The Festival of Books, featuring over 550 storytellers, provided a platform for Hollywood celebrities like Jon M. Chu and Wilmer Valderrama to share their opinions on various topics.
- On the final day of the festival, it was estimated that around 85,000 people would have attended, making it the city's largest literary gathering of the year.
- In the entertainment sector, panels covered a wide range of topics, from Hollywood memoirs to the impact of movies and television on society.
- The festival offered more than just literature, with cooking demonstrations by notable chefs like Roy Choi adding a culinary touch to the event.
- Devastating life stories were shared during the festival, as authors opened up about personal tragedies and finding the strength to write through their grief.
- Alongside the serious discussions, there were lighter moments at the festival, such as the engaging and humorous talk by Giggly Squad co-hosts Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner.
- and10. In addition to the star-studded lineup, the festival featured local authors, independent publishers, and a variety of book genres, offering something for everyone interested in literature and the written word.
