Free event builds community, highlights local authors, and raises awareness for autism

The 2nd annual Arizona Author Book Festival will take place in downtown Phoenix on May 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The free, family-friendly event was created to champion literacy, spotlight Arizona authors, boost local businesses, build community, and foster autism acceptance. It will feature author talks, book signings, giveaways, free make-and-take crafts, book-themed costumed characters, and more for all ages.

The festival is a fundraising event for SEEDs for Autism, a nonprofit organization that provides a path from “learning to earning” for teens and adults with autism through education, vocational training, and social skills development. Most importantly, they help build self-esteem and a sense of purpose in young people too often excluded from the workplace.

Nearly all operational expenses for the festival are covered by in-kind donations. That means 100 percent of the money raised in sponsorship, vendor, and author application fees directly benefit SEEDs programs. Warehouse 215 has donated full use of its event venue for the festival, and free valet parking for attendees will be provided by Epic Valet. Financial sponsors include Perspective Financial Services, Diversify Advisor Network, Attorney Emily R. Taylor, Atmosphere Press, Midnight Editors, and Pages & Pines Bookish Summer Camp.

Festival Highlights:

First 1,000 children (up to age 17 years) in attendance will receive a free book.

First 500 attendees will get a free Half Price Bookstore tote bag and punch card for a free Spin & Win raffle ticket.

40 authors published in a wide range of genres and hailing from 20 Arizona cities

Story time read by the Queen, King and Knights of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

The Writer’s Scene – a special section with businesses and organizations serving the writing community.

Writing on the Spectrum – a special section with books by, for and about individuals with autism and other neurodiversities.

SEEDS for Autism gift and book shop, featuring items hand-crafted by individuals on the spectrum.

Food Pavillion featuring live music, fresh charcuterie boxes by Graze Craze North Phoenix and beverages by Fuel Y’all Coffee, both SEEDs supporters.