What exactly is a Book Festival?
A book festival is an opportunity for authors and book lovers to join together in a festive environment. At the Great Valley Bookfest, you can mingle with your favorite authors, discover new ones, or pick up that book you have been dying to read. For children, a book festival is a great place to develop a love for reading.
Is the Bookfest really FREE to the public?
Yes! All of the day’s activities — which include author presentations, workshops, cooking demonstrations, parade, and performances — are provided free of charge. (The festival also features some vendors who sell books, crafts, food, and beverages, but visitors of all ages can have a wonderful time at this festival without spending a dime!)
What happens at a book festival?• Authors read from their books and talk about their work.
• Authors sign copies of their books for readers.
• Noted cookbook authors offer cooking demonstrations.
• Children participate in an opening Parade at 10 a.m. led by live musicians.
• Vendors display and sell Arts and Crafts.
• Booksellers and nonprofit groups sell books and reading-related products.
• Vendors offer a variety of food and beverages.
What kinds of writers come to the festival?
All kinds of writers will participate! We welcome bestselling authors of popular fiction and non-fiction, as well as historians, lifestyle experts, and other critically acclaimed authors.
Where does it take place?
The Bookfest will be held at the Promenade Shops at Orchard valley (aka Bass Pro Center), located at the intersection of Hwy. 120 and Union Rd., Manteca.
Will Bass Pro Shops, JC Penny, Guess, and the other stores be open during the Bookfest?
Yes! All of the Orchard Valley stores will be open for business, and visitors are free to move back and forth between stores, restaurants, and Bookfest activities.
Can I purchase beer or wine at the festival?
The Bookfest is a family-friendly event, but a special section for beer and wine vendors will be open to those who are at least 21 years of age (ID required). Three restaurants at the Promenade also sell alcoholic beverages (Matsu Sushi, Pete’s, and Red Robin).
Where is parking for the festival, and is there any charge?
There’s plenty of free parking throughout the Bass Pro shopping center.
Who comes to the festival?
People of all ages and from all walks of life. Most attendees come from San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa counties.
Can I buy books and have them signed by the author at the Festival?
Yes! Barnes & Noble has agreed to serve as our official bookstore plus many of the authors will have their books available for purchase. Barnes & Noble will accept credit cards, checks and cash. Depending on the author, you may purchase a book with credit cards, checks or cash.
If I own a book by the author, may I bring it in to get it signed?
Yes! Our authors are happy to sign books for their readers, regardless of when or where the books were purchased.
How can I get involved?
If you’d like to help us make the Great Valley Bookfest a perennial event, so we can continue to bring America’s finest writers into our lives, we’d love to have your support. We also love our volunteers, and if you’d like to contribute by giving your time, please click here.
Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?
For general questions not answered here, please contact Toni Raymus at toni@gvbookfest.org
Why Manteca?
We were fortunate to find a willing event host with a perfect location—just off the freeway, with easy access for people coming from North, South, East and West. (To see a map and/or driving directions, just click here.) The Orchard Valley/Bass Pro location is not only convenient, but it is also spacious and beautiful, with a lovely park area around a lake to situate tents, stages, and vendors. In addition, Manteca has a proven track record for hosting fun, successful, and well-attended family-friendly events.