NYS Writers Institute Hosts 8th Annual Albany Book Festival

A man and a young girl look at a series of colorful, displayed books on tables as other people do the same in the background indoors.
The 8th Annual Albany Book Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at UAlbany. (Photo by Patrick Dodson)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 23, 2025) — The NYS Writers Institute at the University at Albany will host the 8th Annual Albany Book Festival, a celebration of literature, creativity and community, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, on the University’s main campus.

This year’s festival features a distinguished lineup of award-winning, bestselling and regional authors and poets, including Debbie Millman, Roxane Gay, Russell Shorto, Megan Abbott and John McWhorter, among many others.

“We are thrilled to present the 8th annual Albany Book Festival to showcase our local writing talent and to bring together acclaimed authors in conversation and panel discussions with scores of book lovers, publishers and booksellers,” said NYS Writers Institute’s Opalka Endowed Director Paul Grondahl. “This is a daylong celebration of the power of the written word and serves as a reminder of the rich literary history in the Capital Region. We need to support our local literary community now more than ever. We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors who make this free, community event possible, especially major support from Advance Albany County Alliance’s Arts and Culture Grant Program.”

A graphic promoting the 8th annual Albany Book Festival, Held at the University at Albnay on Sept. 27, 2025 - the graphic is of the Albany, New York skyline framed in yellow with a blue sky and clouds above.

The festival includes:

  • More than 100 local authors and exhibitors
  • Open mic readings
  • Children’s activities
  • Book signings
  • Special tributes and performances

The NYS Writers Institute will also host the State Author and State Poet Installation Ceremony in advance of the festival on Friday, honoring Min Jin Lee and Kimiko Hahn at UAlbany's Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. For the full festival schedule, visit: www.albanybookfestival.com.

The Albany Book Festival is made possible through support from the Advance Albany County Alliance Cultural and Arts Grant Program, along with the backing of numerous community partners, local businesses and individual sponsors.

This year’s sponsors include Advance Albany County Alliance, Renaissance Corporation of Albany, Pernille Ægidius Dake, George and Kathleen McNamee, The Opalka Endowed Directorship, Times Union, University Auxiliary Services, Hank Greenberg of Greenberg Traurig LLP, The Lasch Family, Doris Fischer Malesardi and The Swyer Family Foundation.