Writing the Future

As BABF enters its 12th year, we are excited to present:

Renowned authors addressing futurism, democracy, racial justice, and organizing for change
120 panels and events in 11 venues sparking dialogue and strengthening our collective resolve
New and expanded offerings: Small Press Alley, Health in Community, and Family Day
15 Writers’ Day workshops (the most we’ve ever had)
The Merritt Dialogues (launching in October 2025), fostering essential public conversations across difference
More year-round programming in every part of the Bay Area and virtual international author features

BABF is more than a cultural celebration—it’s a vital space for building networks, sharing resources, and organizing for a democracy rooted in care, dignity, and free expression.

We need your help to keep BABF free and accessible to all. Contributed income (85% of our budget) supports free author panels, workshops, and family programs that welcome over 150,000 attendees.

Help us write the future. Our goal is to raise $200,000 in between now and the start of the 2026 festival on May 30.

All donations are welcome, though gifts $250+ will earn you Friend of the Festival or Season Pass access to unforgettable events, authors, and celebrations. These need to be renewed every year in December for benefits for the following year. Read on to learn more.

2026 Friends of the Festival Passes

Chapbook Pass
For a donation of $250+, Chapbook supporters will receive:

free entry for you and one guest to two ticketed headliner events
early access to purchase tickets to ticketed headliner events and register for Writers' Workshops before the general public
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 29)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

Anthology Pass
For a donation of $500+, Anthology supporters will receive:

free entry for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogues
early access to purchase tickets to ticketed headliner events and register for Writers' Workshops before the general public
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 29)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

Novella Pass
For a donation of $1,000+, Novella supporters will receive:

free entry and reserved seating for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogues
early access to purchase tickets to ticketed headliner events and register for Writers' Workshops before the general public
an invitation to one select VIP meet-and-greet for you and one guest
access to the new VIP lounge at Freight & Salvage for all ticketed headliner events
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 29)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

Novel Pass
For a donation of $2,500+, Novel supporters will receive:

free entry and reserved seating for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogues
early access to purchase tickets to ticketed headliner events and register for Writers' Workshops before the general public
an invitation to three VIP meet-and-greets for you and one guest
access to the new VIP lounge at Freight & Salvage for all ticketed headliner events
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 29)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

2026 Season Passes ($5,000+)

For donations over $5,000, we are offering the following Season Passes. If you would like to become a Season Pass holder you can donate through this platform, though the fees will be significant. To avoid fees, you can mail a check made out to the Bay Area Book Festival to:

Bay Area Book Festival
1569 Solano Avenue #635
Berkeley, CA 94707

Or contact our Executive Director J. K. Fowler at jk@baybookfest.org, and he will be in touch to talk more about making a significant gift to the Bay Area Book Festival.

Silver Pass
With a donation of $5,000+, Silver supporters will receive:

free entry and reserved seating for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events, and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogues
early access to purchase tickets to ticketed headliner events and register for Writers' Workshops before the general public
VIP access to the Authors’ Green Room, including food and refreshments shared with all speakers at the event
an invitation to three VIP meet-and-greets for you and one guest
access to the new VIP lounge at Freight & Salvage for all ticketed headliner events
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 29)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

Gold Pass
With a donation from $10,000+, Gold supporters will receive:

free entry and reserved seating for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogues
early access to purchase tickets to ticketed headliner events and register for Writers' Workshops before the general public
VIP access for you and one guest to the Authors’ Green Room
an invitation to all VIP meet-and-greets for you and one guest
access to the new VIP lounge at Freight & Salvage for all ticketed headliner events
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 29)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

Platinum Pass
With a donation of $20,000+, Platinum supporters will receive:

free entry and reserved seating for you and three guests to all ticketed headliner events and events throughout the year, including the new Merritt Dialogues
early access to purchase tickets to ticketed headliner events and register for Writers' Workshops before the general public
VIP access for you and three guests to the Authors’ Green Room
an invitation to all VIP meet-and-greets for you and three guests
access to the new VIP lounge at Freight & Salvage for all ticketed headliner events
an invitation for you and three guests to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 29)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

Mission Statement

The Bay Area Book Community unites readers, writers, and changemakers through three cornerstone programs—the flagship Bay Area Book Festival, the Merritt Dialogue Speaker Series, and the Affinity Lit Collectives.

Our mission is to uplift and honor the full spectrum of literary voices, with particular care for those who have been historically excluded or marginalized, while encouraging reading, creative expression, and critical thinking across all ages and backgrounds. We aim to build authentic relationships among communities that foster understanding, resilience, and collective action, and we stand for social justice and equity by centering urgent conversations and nurturing emerging leaders in the field of literature.

Read more about us here.

BABF 2026: Writing the Future