Everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Scottsdale Book Festival:

Quick facts:

• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Scottsdale Civic Center
• Outdoor: Outdoors in the Round
• 7380 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ
• Admission: Free • Family friendly • All are welcome
• Parking: Free *Surrounding areas of the venue

On-site amenities:

• Information booth: Maps, lost & found, and general help.
• Restrooms: Permanent indoor and outdoor facilities across the campus.
• Shade & seating: Lawn spaces plus shaded areas near stages and vendor tents.

Parking and Arrival:

Public parking is available in nearby garages and surface lots throughout downtown Scottsdale.

Free public parking is available in surrounding areas within walking distance of the festival. Accessible parking spaces are available in every parking area and lot.

Please note: Multiple events are taking place throughout downtown Scottsdale, so parking may be busier than usual. Carpooling and rideshare services like Lyft or Waymo are encouraged for easy drop-off near the festival.

Nearby Parking Areas and Map:

There are several free parking options available near the festival. On the map below, all areas marked with (P) indicate free public parking within walking distance of the venue.

Please See Map:

• The Scottsdale Mall parking lot to the north
• The main parking structure to the west
• Scottsdale Public Library to the east
• Additional parking lot available south of the Scottsdale Center (not pictured on the map).

Additional free public parking is available throughout downtown Scottsdale.

What to Expect:

The Scottsdale Book Festival is a free, open-air event designed to be enjoyed at your own pace. Throughout the day, you’ll find:

• Over 150 Authors - something for everyone!
• Author talks, panels, and book signings
• Family-friendly activities for kids of all ages
• A marketplace featuring bookstores, publishers, and community partners
• Food and drinks available nearby
• Shaded seating areas and lawn spaces throughout the campus

You’re welcome to come and go at any time — stay for an hour or spend the whole day exploring.

Weather & Rain plan:

• The Scottsdale Book Festival is an outdoor event, and Arizona weather can change. We recommend bringing sun protection and light layers for comfort throughout the day.

The festival is rain or shine. Any updates or weather-related announcements will be shared on the News page and on our official social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats.
• A day bag for books and goodies.
• Payment options (most exhibitors accept cards; and cash can be handy).

Allowed:

• Allowed: Day bags, compact blankets.
• Service animals are welcome (ADA).
• Mobility devices are welcome (ADA).
• Strollers are welcome; please keep walkways clear.

Not allowed:

• Not allowed: Weapons of any kind
• No drones, illegal substances, alcohol, and disruptive noise devices.
• Pets: *Recommended* For everyone’s comfort and safety, and due to size of the attendees, no pets, please.
• No motorized or ride-on devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates/blades) inside festival grounds.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Scottsdale Civic Center!