The literary scene in Palm Springs is set to expand in a major way with the debut of PS Book Fest, a new three‑day celebration of books, ideas, and inclusive storytelling presented by OUTspoken. The inaugural festival will take place March 27–29, 2026, at Festival Theaters, bringing together acclaimed authors, celebrated moderators, and community partners for a weekend designed to welcome readers and story lovers of all ages.
OUTspoken, the festival’s producer, is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Good Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and narratives. With PS Book Fest, the organization aims to create an accessible, community‑centered literary experience that reflects the region’s passion for storytelling.
A Powerful First Wave of Featured Authors
The festival’s initial lineup showcases a dynamic mix of bestselling, award‑winning, and internationally recognized writers. Among the headliners:
• Lily Brooks‑Dalton (The Light Pirate), appearing with an exclusive pre‑release launch of her forthcoming novel Ruins
• Jonathan Capehart, Pulitzer Prize–winner and MSNBC host, presenting Yet Here I Am
• Bruce Holsinger, author of Culpability, a recent Oprah Book Club pick and national bestseller
• Claire Lombardo, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Fun We Ever Had and the new novel Same as It Ever Was
• Shobha Rao, award‑winning author of Indian Country
• Thrity Umrigar, Reese’s Book Club author of Honor and the forthcoming Missing Sam
• Chris Whitaker, internationally bestselling novelist of All the Colors of the Dark
Moderators from Across the Literary Landscape
PS Book Fest will also feature an impressive roster of moderators, including local leaders, authors, and prominent literary voices:
• Byron Lane (Big Gay Wedding)
• Maggie Downs (Braver Than You Think)
• Palm Springs Council Member Grace Garner
• Miwa Messer, host of Barnes & Noble’s Poured Over podcast
• Lara Love Hardin, bestselling author and Oprah’s Book Club pick (The Many Lives of Mama Love)
• Jordan Moblo, bookstagrammer behind Jordy’s Book Club
Additional authors and moderators will be announced as the festival approaches.
Festival Schedule and Programming
Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28 will feature exclusive author events, marquee interviews, panel discussions, and book signings with the festival’s headlining writers. VIP and general admission tickets are currently available.
Sunday, March 29 will serve as the festival’s FREE Community Day, offering programming for all ages. Attendees can expect author talks, signings, art projects, film screenings, and additional community‑driven experiences. Free registration for Community Day events will open at a later date.
Festival Producer and OUTspoken Project Director Jason Blitman emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming, inclusive literary space:
“It’s such a gift to live in a community that celebrates storytelling with such passion and variety. Our free Community Day is a reminder that books and reading can be accessible, joyful, and inclusive—and that stories are for everyone.”
Community Partnerships and Book Sales
Book sales for the festival will be provided by Hey Books!, a queer‑owned Southern California bookstore offering both new and gently used titles. Blitman notes that partnering with Hey Books! is a meaningful full‑circle moment, celebrating the region’s vibrant independent bookstore community.
Ticket Information
• VIP Ticket ($270) – Preferred seating, express signing line access, and a complimentary audiobook from Libro.fm. A 10% discount is available through 10/30.
• General Admission ($170) – General seating for Friday and Saturday programming.
• Student Rush Tickets – Limited quantities will be available on‑site; details forthcoming.
- All proceeds support the festival’s free Community Day and ongoing OUTspoken initiatives. Sponsorship opportunities are available at psbookfest.org.
- Follow festival updates on Instagram at @psbookfest.
- Ticket link