BookCon returns this weekend
BookCon launched in New York City on April 18–19 after a six‑year hiatus, with organizers ReedPop publishing schedules and author lineups for the reader-facing event (mashable.com) (variety.com). The weekend’s roster includes authors such as Andy Weir, Casey McQuiston and R.F. Kuang, marking a high-profile relaunch aimed at general readers rather than industry insiders (mashable.com) (variety.com).
BookCon reopened in New York on Saturday, bringing the fan-focused book convention back to the Javits Center for the first time since 2019. (bookcon.com) (cbsnews.com) The two-day event runs April 18–19 at Javits, with the show floor opening at 10 a.m. both days, panels starting at 11 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday, and Saturday programming stretching to 10:30 p.m. for “After Dark” events. (cbsnews.com) (bookcon.com) ReedPop’s relaunch sold quickly: tickets went on sale in September 2025 and are now sold out across Saturday, Sunday, weekend, VIP and Premium VIP tiers. The company also said reservations for some signings, panels, in-booth events and giveaways were first-come, first-served and filled fast. (variety.com) (bookcon.com 1) (bookcon.com 2) The event is built for general readers, not trade-only publishing insiders. ReedPop and trade coverage describe BookCon as a consumer-facing festival with author talks, signings, workshops, book swaps, exhibitors and branded fan experiences under one roof. (publishersweekly.com) (bookcon.com) That format marks a return for a convention that ReedPop retired in 2020 and then revived with a June 2025 announcement. Variety reported that organizers spent about 18 months planning the comeback and reworking the show around newer reading trends, including romantasy, book-to-screen adaptations and TikTok’s BookTok community. (variety.com) This weekend’s lineup centers on big commercial names that already draw large online fandoms and adaptation buzz. CBS New York listed authors including Andy Weir, Casey McQuiston, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Leigh Bardugo, Meg Cabot and R.F. Kuang among the guests expected at the show. (cbsnews.com) The programming goes beyond stage panels. BookCon’s site says attendees can visit two show floors of exhibitors, browse Indie Alley on Level 1, use the official app for maps and schedules, and join workshops, book swaps, poetry events and a Pride Lounge run with Geeks OUT. (bookcon.com) Saturday night is part of the pitch. Organizers added after-hours events including a fantasy-themed ball, murder mystery parties, storytelling, open mic sessions, a pajama movie party and book clubs, all centered in Javits North. (bookcon.com 1) (bookcon.com 2) For readers who missed the advance booking rush, the event is not entirely closed off. BookCon says many authors and panels do not require reservations, and CBS New York reported that standby lines will be available for panelgoers who did not secure spots ahead of time. (bookcon.com) (cbsnews.com) By Sunday evening, ReedPop will have its first full test of whether a book convention paused by the pandemic can again fill Javits with readers, not just publishing professionals. (variety.com) (bookcon.com)
