BFBA Event Hub 2026 - Book Fair at Bel Air

August 8, 2026
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
APGFCU Arena • Bel Air, Maryland

Welcome to Book Fair at Bel Air! Whether you’re here to discover your next favorite author, meet bestselling writers, enjoy family activities, or simply spend the day surrounded by books, we’re so glad you’re here.

We created this guide to help you make the most of your visit. Everything you need for a great day is just a click away. Use the quick links below to explore the fair.

📍 Event Map
📚 Author Directory
⭐ Featured Authors
🛍 Vendors
🎤 Narrators
🍴 Food
🚗 Parking
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📸 Share Your Photos

Every donation helps keep the Book Fair at Bel Air free. Thank you for your support!

Donate Here!

Explore the Fair Games & Prizes Sponsors Author Sponsors

FAQ Thank You Share Your Day! Connect with Us

Explore the Fair:

Upstairs:

Bookstore: Shop books by our featured authors and official BFBA merchandise.
Information Desk: Event headquarters for questions, lost & found, and general assistance.
Merchandise Pick Up: Pick up pre-ordered merchandise and event purchases.
Games & Prizes: Play our event games, collect prizes, and spin the prize wheel.
Book Bestie Swap Space: Leave one, take one! Bring a bookish item to swap and discover new treasures shared by fellow readers throughout the day.
Lit & Loud Podcast: Stop by to watch live podcast interviews with attending authors.
Conversations with Rich Bennett Podcast: Listen in as Rich Bennett chats with authors throughout the day.
Photo Ops: Snap a few photos at our themed backdrops and character displays.

Downstairs:

All Authors & Vendors: Browse books, meet authors, shop vendors, and collect signatures.
Listening Lounge (Narrators): Chat with our narrators and learn more about voice acting. You can even listen to samples from select narrators.
Featured Influencer: P.B. Squamer: Meet P.B. Squamer throughout the day and join in the fun.
Face Painting: Free face painting for children.
Caricatures: Take home a complimentary custom caricature.
Storytime: Enjoy storytime sessions presented by select children’s authors.
Character Visits: Meet beloved storybook characters as they roam the fair.

Back to Top

Games & Prizes

All game cards and prizes can be found on the upper concourse at the Games & Prizes table!

#1: Summer Reading Bingo: Did you complete your Summer Reading Bingo card? Stop by the Games & Prizes table on the upstairs concourse to spin the prize wheel! Missed the Bingo challenge this year? No worries—join our email list so you can play along next summer.
#2: Reading is RAD-ical Challenge: Pick up your Reading is RAD-ical Challenge Card at the Games & Prizes table. Collect stars from attending authors only (featured authors will not have stars). Once you’ve collected seven stars in a row, bring your completed row back to the table to earn an extra spin on the prize wheel. Complete multiple rows to earn even more chances to spin!
#3: Book Buddies Scavenger Hunt: Find all 8 Book Buddies hidden throughout the Children’s Are to earn 1 spin.
#4: Charm Bracelet Game: Visit the Games & Prizes table to pick up your free charm bracelet. Then, stop by any of our 10 participating vendor tables to collect charms. Gather them all to earn an extra spin on the prize wheel!
Collect 10 charms for your bracelet from participating vendors and earn 1 spin.
- Participating Vendors:
  - Table 10: J.K. Divia
  - Table 31: Sarena Straus
  - Table 44: Elle Backenstoe
  - Table 47: Erin P.T. Canning
  - Table 57: Brandy Stoker
  - Table 60: Starlit & Spellbound
  - Table 81: Kristie Wolf
  - Table 92: E.S. Rosalynn
  - Table 99: C.B. Noy
  - Table 83: Meg Fitzpatrick

Back to Top

Author Sponsors

Thank you to our Author Sponsors for going above and beyond to support Book Fair at Bel Air. Your generosity helps make this celebration of books and reading possible for our entire community.

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

Start by picking up an event map, then explore your favorite genres, meet a few authors, stop by the Bookstore, join a challenge at the Games & Prizes table, and don’t forget to visit the upstairs concourse for podcasts, the Book Bestie Swap, and photo opportunities.

Visit the Author Directory or Event Map to locate any participating author.

Featured authors have designated signing areas. Check the event map for locations.

Yes! Most authors are happy to sign books purchased at the fair or books you’ve brought from home (unless otherwise noted).

Most authors are happy to take photos. Please ask first and be respectful of anyone waiting in line.

The Bookstore is located on the upstairs concourse. Click here to see the event map.

Yes! Attending authors sell their books directly at their tables throughout the fair. Books by our featured authors are available for purchase in the Bookstore on the upstairs concourse. Click here to view the event map and find your favorite authors.

Payment methods vary by vendor and author. Most accept credit cards, but some may also accept cash or digital payment apps.

Enjoy free face painting, caricatures, storytimes, character visits, games, photo opportunities, and more throughout the day.

Bring a book or bookish item to exchange with another attendee. Leave one, take one!

Completed challenge cards should be returned to the Games & Prizes table.

Yes! Food and beverages are available for purchase at the arena concession stand. No outside food or drink is permitted.

We are open from 10AM-2PM. You are welcome to leave and come back as you’d like.

Restrooms are available throughout APGFCU Arena. Check the event map for locations.

You can support our mission by making a donation to help us continue spreading the joy of reading, or by sharing your experience on social media to help more readers discover Book Fair at Bel Air. Every contribution—whether financial or by helping spread the word—makes a difference.

Have more questions? Check out our Attendee FAQ for the full list.

Back to Top

Thank You!

Book Fair at Bel Air wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our authors, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and every attendee who chose to spend the day celebrating books with us. Thank you for believing in our mission to foster a lifelong love of reading and for helping create a joyful, welcoming community for readers of all ages. Did you love the fair? Consider making a donation to help us make it happen again next year. We hope you had a wonderful day and we can’t wait to see you again next year!

Back to Top

We’d love to see your day! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #BookFairatBelAir so we can share your content!

Back to Top

Connect with Us

Back to Top

Already Excited for Next Year?!

Join our email list to receive updates about Book Fair at Bel Air 2027, featured authors, and special announcements before anyone else.

Back to Top