17th annual Iowa City Book Festival returns Oct. 5-12

The 17th annual Iowa City Book Festival, taking place from Oct. 5-12, 2025, will showcase a dynamic mix of original events and collaborative programs with partner organizations, all celebrating the power of the written word and the exchange of ideas.

Fans of fiction, poetry, social engagement and politics, or the craft of writing will find several events of interest among the usual mix of authors and topics.

Highlights among the 40 events in this year’s festival include the launch of Donika Kelly’s latest poetry collection, science fiction presentations by John Scalzi, Joe Haldeman and the ICON science fiction and fantasy convention; programs about water quality and the preservation of natural resources that includes a visit by Iowa’s own Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Cullen; a multi-media celebration of the life and work of Denis Johnson; a lecture about the impact of artificial intelligence on writing; and book presentations by several local authors.

Many of the festival events are presented in partnership with other local organizations. These partners include FilmScene’s Refocus Film Festival, the University of Iowa Libraries, Prairie Lights Books, Little Village Magazine, PorchLight Literary Arts Center, International Writing Program, the Guild of Book Workers, and ICON Science Fiction Convention.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. View the full schedule at iowacitybookfestival.org.