Welcome!

We’re so glad you’ll be joining us at Book Fair at Bel Air 2026. We’ve created this page to answer the most common attendee questions and help you make the most of your visit.

Event Basics

Event Name: Book Fair at Bel Air 2026
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: APGFCU Arena at Harford County Community College, 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015

Before You Arrive

Yes! Book Fair at Bel Air is completely free to attend and open to readers of all ages.

Book Fair at Bel Air takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

The fair is held at APGFCU Arena on the campus of Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland.

Free parking is available throughout the Harford Community College campus. Lot T is directly in front of APGFCU Arena.

Yes! APGFCU Arena is wheelchair accessible and includes elevators and accessible restrooms.

Absolutely! Strollers are welcome.

Small personal book carts are welcome. Please leave oversized wagons and large utility carts at home so everyone can move comfortably through the aisles.

Only service animals are permitted inside the venue.

Food and beverages are available for purchase from the arena concession stand.

Planning Your Day

You can view the official Event Map on our website or scan one of the QR codes posted throughout the venue. A limited number of paper maps will also be available at the event.

Start by checking out the Event Map and Author Directory. Then visit your favorite genres, meet a few authors, stop by the Bookstore, participate in our games, and don’t forget to explore the upstairs concourse for podcasts, the Book Bestie Swap, and more!

Storytimes, activities, and special attractions are listed in our Event Hub.

We follow a traditional book fair format, so there are no author panels or speaking sessions. All of our authors will be at their signing tables throughout the event, with occasional breaks, to meet readers and sign books.

Authors & Books

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

Featured authors will be signing books at their designated tables. Use the event map to locate them. Their books are available for purchase in the Bookstore on the upstairs concourse.

Featured authors will be signing books at their designated tables from 10:00AM–2:00PM. They may step away for short breaks throughout the day, but you can typically find them at their tables during event hours.

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.

Most authors are happy to sign books purchased at the fair or books you’ve brought from home.

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

Activities & Games

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

Visit the Games & Prizes table on the upstairs concourse to receive your free charm bracelet while supplies last.

Collect charms from any 10 participating vendor tables, then return to the Games & Prizes table to earn an extra spin on the prize wheel.

Pick up your challenge card at the Games & Prizes table. Collect seven stars in a row from attending authors (featured authors do not have stars) to earn an extra spin on the prize wheel.

Completed your Summer Reading Bingo card? Bring it to the Games & Prizes table to spin the prize wheel! Missed it this year? Join our email list so you can participate next summer.

Bring a book or bookish item to exchange with another attendee. Leave one, take one, and discover a new treasure from a fellow reader!

Return completed challenge cards to the Games & Prizes table on the upstairs concourse.

Shopping

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

The Bookstore is located on the upstairs concourse and carries books by all of our featured authors, along with official Book Fair at Bel Air merchandise.

Information & Amenities

The Information Desk is located on the upstairs concourse and serves as the event headquarters for questions, directions, lost & found, and general assistance.

Visit the Merchandise Pick Up area on the upstairs concourse.

Restrooms are available throughout APGFCU Arena. Check the Event Map for locations.

Please visit the Information Desk. Any lost items turned in during the event will be held there.

You’re welcome to come and go throughout the day any time from 10AM-2PM.

Supporting the Fair

You can support our mission by making a donation to help us continue spreading the joy of reading, purchasing official merchandise, or sharing your experience on social media. Every contribution helps us continue providing this free community event.

We’d love to see your photos! Tag @BookFairatBelAir on Instagram and use #BookFairAtBelAir so we can celebrate the day with you.

Our vendor application opens once each year, typically about a year before the event, and remains open for several months. The 2027 application is currently available and can be found here.

Join our email list to stay connected with the Book Fair at Bel Air community. Be the first to hear about volunteer opportunities, special events, vendor applications, and ways to help spread the joy of reading.

Still have questions?

  • Before the fair, you can email us at [email protected].
  • During the fair, please stop by the Information Desk with any questions.

Thank you for being part of Book Fair at Bel Air 2026! Your support helps create a welcoming, joyful celebration of books, literacy, and community.