National Book Festival

Bring an umbrella in the event the sky is overcast (which it usually is) . Merely bringing an umbrella will cause it not to rain during the hours of the festival. :)

For best enjoyment, skip the book signings (lines too long) and take advantage of the many free author talks. Arrive early for the best seats. Come by Metro train as parking is severely limited. Bring cell phones as the event is HUGE. Enjoy a fabulous literary day!

I went last year and got several books signed. There was a lot of waiting, and I had to time things right, but it worked. Had a lot of fun, and read in line. :)

I'm glad I can say I went to the National Book Festival once. Went last year solely to get my favorite author Terry Pratchett to sign his books.

May I suggest the following helpful hints.
Good walking shoes, sun hats, sunblock, and cell phones for everyone in your party.

If you plan on getting an author's signature, plan on this . . . getting in line two hours early and waiting OR getting in line at the time listed and waiting two hours. Or maybe no signature at all if you're still in line when the next scheduled author is then due. The key word is waiting . . . and lots of it.

If you want more than one author's signature, you'd best have at least one willing friend for each signature desired. Because of wait time, schedule conflicts, etc. And while we were originally told we could have 3 books signed, while in line it was dropped to 2. I'd be surprised if they allow more than one book signed per person this year.

If you want to just attend the fair, go early as it gets super packed as the day goes on. As in elbow to elbow.

Now with all that discouraging stuff out of the way... it was fun but doubt I'd do it again unless another outstanding and favorite author of mine attends. But I do think every book-lover should attend the DC book festival at least once :-)