Tens of thousands of people flocked to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this past Saturday at USC, despite the rainy start to the day. The festival, celebrating its 30th year, featured a packed lineup of sold-out panels and long lines of fans eager to meet their favorite authors.
The event is known as the largest literary festival in the country, bringing together over 550 storytellers across seven outdoor stages and 15 indoor venues. Attendees enjoyed readings, screenings, and discussions with authors and speakers. Although the final attendance numbers for the first day were not yet available, organizers estimated that around 85,000 people would attend by the end of the day, especially as the sun broke through the clouds after the morning rain.
Among the notable presenters were Matthew Specktor and Griffin Dunne, who shared insights from their memoirs about growing up in Hollywood. They spoke to a crowd of more than 150 people, engaging with former Times book editor David L. Ulin. Specktor’s work, "The Golden Hour," examines family dynamics in Hollywood, while Dunne’s memoir, "The Friday Afternoon Club," reflects on personal stories involving his family, including his famous relatives Joan Didion and Dominick Dunne.
In another panel, authors E.A. Hanks, Laurie Woolever, Sloane Crosley, and Kareem Rosser discussed the theme of grief in their writing. They shared personal experiences and the challenges of processing loss through their work, providing both humor and poignant reflections.
The festival kicked off on Friday evening with the 45th Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony, which recognized outstanding literary achievements. Pico Iyer received the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, and Amanda Gorman was honored with the Innovator’s Award for her efforts in promoting literacy and empowering youth.
The festival continues through Sunday, offering more opportunities for book lovers to engage with authors and participate in discussions. More information, including the event schedule, is available on the festival’s website.