An Insider's Guide to the Gaithersburg Book Festival

The Gaithersburg Book Festival in Montgomery County, Maryland is a free and fun celebration of reading, writing, and literature. Since the first festival in 2010, it’s one of the nation’s top literary events! Award-winning and best-selling authors, poets, and songwriters from across the country stop by Bohrer Park to witness the beauty of the park and event. Programming during the festival is for all ages and is free to attend.

Writing Workshops

There are all types of writing workshops for children, teenagers, and adults at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Learn how to write your memoir as a haiku or if you’re to get published, learn how to submit your writings to magazines and newspapers. Get past your writer’s block and figure out how to finish your novel or write a new scary genre as you learn how to write a thriller. Children can write short poems with pictures they see or create a mythical creature that goes on an adventure. Visit their website to see all of the workshops offered for adults & teenagers and children.

Children’s Village

Take your children or grandchildren to the Children’s Village. Engage and stimulate their interest in reading or have them listen to their favorite award-winning children and young adult authors. There are plenty of activities for them too! Create your own bookmark or draw on a Graffiti Wall with stories and writings. Type on a typewriter in the Activity Center and try sensory activities including arts and crafts and musical activities.

What to do after

Explore Gaithersburg after you’ve attended the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Try Salvadorian food down the road at La Casita Pupuseria and Cocina, for those over 21+, try new brews at Saints Row Brewing or take Instagrammable pictures at South House Garden.

Free to Attend

Ever since 2010, the Gaithersburg Book Festival has been free for all ages to attend. The festival will be at Bohrer Park on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10 am to 5 pm. Parking is free however there is no parking onsite. There is limited parking at Gaithersburg High School located at 101 Education Blvd, adjacent to the festival grounds. This lot fills up quickly. Another option is to park at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds located at 501 Perry Parkway. A free running shuttle is available from the fairgrounds to the festival from 9:15 am to 6:30 pm.