Narratives shape how we see the world. From immigration to climate action and economic justice, the stories we tell define our shared possibilities—or what we imagine to be unchangeable.

In these times, literature is a powerful force. It challenges norms, sparks dialogue, and fosters civil disagreement as we work toward a nation that lives up to its ideals. The Bay Area Book Festival (BABF) is a critical gathering space where authors, activists, and audiences confront today’s urgent issues and uplift marginalized voices, centering Black, brown, Indigenous, and queer writers.

As BABF enters its 11th year, highlights include:

Renowned authors addressing democracy, racial justice, and organizing for change.
50+ panels and events sparking dialogue and strengthening our collective resolve.
Community events like Family Day and Writers’ Day workshops.
The Merritt Dialogue Series (launching in 2025), fostering essential public debate.

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 continue changing the narrative. Our goal is to raise $100,000 between #GivingTuesday and the end of this year.

All donations are welcome, though gifts $250+ will earn you Friend of the Festival or Season Pass access to unforgettable events, authors, and celebrations. Read on to learn more.

2025 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
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 30)
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 Dialogue Series
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 30)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

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

free entry for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogue Series, plus pre-entry to all indoor events
an invitation to one select VIP meet-and-greet for you and one guest
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 30)
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

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

free entry for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events, and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogue Series, plus pre-entry to all indoor events
an invitation to three VIP meet-and-greets for you and one guest
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party
a Membership Card + BABF Tote

2025 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:

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 for you and one guest to all ticketed headliner events, and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogue Series
access to the Authors’ Green Room, including food and refreshments shared with all authors speaking at the event
unlimited entry to writing workshops on Writers' Day
entry for you and one guest to select VIP meet-and-greet festival events
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 30)
a silver Membership Card + BABF Tote

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

free entry for you and one guest with priority admission and reserved seating to all to all ticketed headliner events, and events throughout the year, including our new Merritt Dialogue Series
access for you and one guest to the Authors’ Green Room
unlimited entry to writing workshops on Writers' Day
entry for you and one guest to all VIP meet-and-greet festival events
an invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 30)
a gold Membership Card + BABF Tote

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

free entry for you and three guests with priority admission and reserved seating for all to all ticketed headliner events, and throughout the year, including the new Merritt Dialogue Series
access for yourself and three guests to the Authors’ Green Room
unlimited entry to writing workshops on Writers' Day
entry for you and three guests to all VIP meet-and-greet events at the main festival, and the Merritt Dialogue speaker series events
invitation for you and one guest to the festival kick-off Authors' Party (May 30)
a Platinum Membership Card + BABF Tote