The Northern Arizona Book Festival is a gathering of poets, writers, authors, historians, painters in Flagstaff, Arizona, to share their love for the written word. It is a three-day weekend full of poetry readings, workshops, panel discussions and literary events that celebrate the literary community of Arizona and the USA. Past guests have included Diana Gabaldon, T. Greenwood and Bruce Aiken. The Northern Arizona Book Festival takes place in April every year.

2. Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering http://www.cowboypoets.com/joomla/index.php

Western poets and musicians gather at the Buena Performing Arts Center in Sierra Vista every February to celebrate Arizona’s history through words. The Cowboy Poetry Gathering also encourages students from Grade 3 to 12 in Arizona to celebrate Arizona’s history through a poetry contest. The winners get published and get to participate in readings during the gatherings.

3. Arizona Festival Of Books http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

The Festival Of Books is one of the largest, if not the largest, gathering of literary lovers in Arizona. Thousands of people fly to Tucson in March every year to hear authors, poets and writers share their love for written works. Poetry readings, exhibits, workshops and panel discussions keep people busy during these three days. Held at the University of Arizona, it’s a fun-filled event for the entire family.

Next stop: Connecticut

California

1. Bay Area Storytelling Festival

Featuring several of the best storytellers in the country and around the world, be prepared to hear a variety of stories told at the Bay Area Storytelling Festival. Held at the Kennedy Grove Recreational Area in El Sobrante, California, various storytellers stand  up to share new and old stories with the audience, from folk tales to ghost stories to fairy tales. This 2-day event welcomes people of all ages, from school kids to kids-at-heart.

2. Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books

The Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books is the event to go to when you want the chance to talk to your favorite authors. Held on UCLA grounds, outdoor events are free while panel events featuring different authors are ticketed events. This two-day event also features around 300 exhibits of booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations who are there to promote and sell books in their line-ups.

3. Mariposa Storytelling Festival

An annual event that features prominent storytellers from all over the country, prepare to be entertained with the stories they bring. They not only bring their stories but will share them with their audiences through movement, dance, song and expressions. Held at the Yosemite National Park, you definitely will experience another literary world.

Next stop: Arizona