Presented by Orange Coast College & Orange Coast College Foundation

Orange County Children's Book Festival

Meet authors, explore books, and enjoy stories, entertainment, and family fun

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 • 10 AM–3 PM

Orange Coast College • Costa Mesa, CA

Free admission • Free parking

Exhibitor tent.

Exhibitor Booths

Food truck.
Star icon, conveying recognition.

Sponsorship

Coming soon

A Day for Families

This short highlight video shows the festival in action!

  • A welcoming festival built around books, stories, and kid-friendly moments
  • A chance to meet authors and discover books kids are excited about
  • A community tradition since 2004 made possible by sponsors and community partners

Highlight video • 1:43

Featured Guests and Exhibitors

Stay Tuned for the 2026 Lineup

We're building a lineup of children's and teen authors, featured guests, and on-stage story moments — announced closer to the festival.


Expect a wide range of books and voices. In past years, exhibitors have included bilingual and multicultural titles, independent bookstores, award-winning authors, and books that reflect real-life experiences.

Now accepting exhibitor and food vendor applications

Jasmine Warga.
Gene Luen Yang.
Craig Smith.
Austin Highsmith Garces.
Leslie Stratton.
Jesus Trejo.

Past featured guests

Colorful banner with the words

Be the First to Know

Get festival details as featured guests, exhibitors, and event highlights are announced.

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A Day at the Festival

Six moments to explore — use the arrows or choose a photo below

Two authors sign their new book.

Author meet-and-greets

Say hello and get books signed

Books + Booths

Discover new reads and shop books

Main stage shows

Enjoy live performances and special guests

Author read-alouds

Listen in as stories come to life

On-stage interviews

Hear Q&A and behind-the-scenes stories

Free train rides

Hop aboard for a campus loop

Be Part of the Festival

The festival welcomes authors, illustrators, bookstores, and literacy-related nonprofits to apply for exhibitor booths. Food truck vendors can apply for food truck spaces.


Sponsorship details are coming soon. Schools interested in exhibitor booths can participate through sponsorship.

About

Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College (OCC) is a public community college located in Costa Mesa, California, home to the annual Orange County Children's Book Festival.

Orange Coast College Foundation

The Orange Coast College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that supports OCC by securing and stewarding resources that help students thrive. The Foundation coordinates the festival to support literacy, learning, and community connection.

Stay in the Loop

Stay updated as festival details, featured guests, and exhibitors are announced.

Get festival updates