The seventh annual Tucson Festival of Books kicks off today at the University of Arizona. With kids’ activities, a slew of tents, 350 authors, food trucks and more than 250 exhibitors, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy.
Here are five things to know about spending your Saturday at the festival.
Parking
Parking lots and garages fill up early, with exhibitor booths opening at 9:30 a.m. and sessions — including author signings, panels and workshops — beginning at 10 a.m.
A map at tucsonfestivalofbooks.org provides locations of garages and surface lots, as well as information on road closures. The Second Street Garage is closed to the public, as it’s reserved for presenting authors and sponsors.
For those who plan to go later or who prefer not to drive, SunTran and the streetcar will be available as an alternative to get to campus.
Food
With 25 food vendors setting up shop at three different locations, festival attendees have a wide choice of eating options, including tamales, barbecue, gourmet hot dogs and sandwiches.
Food tents are split up between the circus area and Science City and a west food court.
The Culinary Tent, next to the west food court, is another foodie favorite. Local and national chefs and cookbook authors will talk about their books and lead cooking demonstrations.
Author events
This year’s festival features more than 350 authors conducting workshops, book signings and panel discussions.
Some of the events offered reserved seating, but there will be tickets available for walk-ups. Festival-goers should arrive early for all presentations.
Best-selling authors Mitch Albom, Dave Berry and Joyce Carol Oates will all be speaking Saturday morning, and Tucson author J.A. Jance will appear twice in the afternoon.
Kids
Saturday’s events for kids start off with the winners of the festival’s Young Artists competition being honored in a 10 a.m. ceremony.
This year has more free events for kids than ever, festival organizers say. The Children’s Area offers activities, storytelling, free books and giveaways.
Science City includes a hands-on experience designed to spark curiosity and an interest in science, as well as promote literacy, through five “science neighborhoods.”
For kids (and adults) who love animals, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is holding a live animal show at 11:30 a.m., introducing (or re-introducing) visitors to desert-dwelling critters.
Exhibitors
More than 250 exhibitors, including book vendors, local businesses and nonprofit organizations, and national publishers and media companies, will be on site all weekend with activities, information, book signings and shopping.
For a complete list of events and exhibitors and a festival map at UA, go to tucsonfestivalofbooks.org online.
