GBF 2025: What to Know!
Friends, we’ve almost made it! The 16th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival is upon us. Here’s pretty much everything you need to know – all in one place.
The Basics
When is it?
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10 am – 6 pm
Where is it? How do I get there? Where do I park?
All details here.
How much does it cost to attend?
Ha! That’s a trick question. It is FREE to attend, FREE to park, and FUN for all!
Once I get to Bohrer Park, where will everything be? Where are the author pavilions? The Children’s Village? The exhibitors? The restrooms?
Take a look at the Festival map here.
What About the Weather?
If it rains…
GBF is a “rain or shine” event. Most, but not all, of our programming is outside, under large tents. If it rains, bring rain gear and come enjoy anyway. The only thing that would cancel or pause our Festival would be if conditions became dangerous (e.g., lightning).
If it’s unseasonably hot or unseasonably cold…
It wouldn’t be the first time in either case. Dress appropriately! We’ll have a great time anyway.
If it’s perfect…
We’ll have to thank our unofficial co-sponsor: Mother Nature. 🙂
Books & Authors
Which authors will be presenting this year?
You can find them all here.
Will their books be available for sale onsite?
Yes. Our bookseller, Politics and Prose, will have a pop-up store inside the Activity Center where you can buy the latest books from all of our featured authors and poets.
Where can I find the schedule of presentations?
The master schedule is here.
Will authors be signing books?
Yes! All of the featured authors will do a signing that begins 10 minutes after their program concludes. The signings will be inside the Activity Center, in the gym area.
Is there a limit to the number of books they will sign?
There’s not a “Festival-imposed” limit, but it’s up to each author how they’d like to handle it. The featured authors will certainly sign the book they are presenting at GBF, but whether or not they will sign previous titles – and how many – is entirely their call.
What if I want to be a featured author?
Our application to be considered for a featured author slot will be available in mid-August through November 1st. You’ll find it on this page of the GBF website.
Workshops & Activities
What workshops will be available for attendees this year?
Find the Writing Workshops for Adults & Teens here, and Children’s Workshops here. All workshops are free to attend and do not require advance registration. Seating is first come/first served.
What are some of the other activities for children at the Festival?
LOTS of great stuff! Take a look at the programs at our Children’s Village.
Exhibitors & Food
Who can I meet at the exhibit booths this year at the Festival?
Tons of exhibitors, including our sponsors, exhibiting authors, literary arts and merchants, literary organizations, and publishers. See the full list here.
When we get hungry, what food options will be at the Festival?
More food options than ever before! All of our food vendors are listed on our Exhibitors page. Scroll down to the bottom section, called “Food Court.”
What if I want to be an exhibitor or a food vendor at GBF?
Our application to be considered for an exhibitor slot or a food vendor will be available able in early February through March 2026. You’ll find it on this page on the GBF website.
Connect with Us!
Where can I sign up for the GBF newsletter?
Right here.
I’d like to learn about opportunities on the GBF planning committee. Who should I reach out to?
You can reach out to me at jud.ashman@gaithersburgmd.gov. Or, feel free to contact any of our GBF Committee members. They are listed in the printed program.
Can I get a printed program in advance?
Yes. By Wednesday, May 14th, we should have Festival programs available at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. Just ask at the front desk.
Is there a quicker-loading version of this website for mobile viewing while at the Festival?
Yes! We created a quick-loading, stripped-down version of the site here.