BookCon returns to NYC
BookCon is back in New York City on April 18–19 for the first time in six years, bringing fan‑driven programming and author appearances including Rachel Reid, Andy Weir, Casey McQuiston, and R.F. Kuang (mashable.com). The revived convention is positioned as a crossover event for mainstream fandom and book culture rather than a trade‑only fair (mashable.com).
BookCon opens in New York City on April 18 for its first in-person return since 2019, bringing readers back to the Javits Center for a two-day fan convention. (bookcon.com) The event runs April 18–19 across Javits North, Hall 1A, and Hall 1B at 445 11th Ave, with show-floor hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. ReedPop, the company behind New York Comic Con and Star Wars Celebration, is organizing it. (bookcon.com) This version is not a trade fair for publishing insiders. ReedPop described the 2026 relaunch as “a two-day celebration of storytelling in all forms built for readers, by readers,” with author chats, signings, workshops, book clubs, book swaps, and a show floor aimed at fans. (rxglobal.com) That shift separates the new BookCon from the old BookExpo-era setup, where the public-facing festival sat alongside an industry event. ReedPop retired BookCon and BookExpo in 2020 after the pandemic disrupted that year’s shows, then announced the return in June 2025 as a reworked standalone event. (publishingperspectives.com) (rxglobal.com) The comeback lands after a period when online reading communities became a larger force in publishing. BookCon’s own attendee materials now call out BookTube, Bookstagram, and BookTok creators alongside traditional readers, underscoring how much book fandom has moved onto social platforms since the last show. (bookcon.com) Interest appears strong. BookCon’s ticket page says Saturday, Sunday, weekend, VIP, and Premium VIP passes are all sold out, and the organizer said reservations for signings and exclusive events filled quickly after opening. (bookcon.com) (variety.com) Some programming still requires planning even for ticket holders. BookCon says select panels, autograph sessions, in-booth signings, and giveaways need free advance reservations, while other authors and panels remain open without them. (bookcon.com) The guest lineup includes names with wide crossover appeal, including Rachel Reid, Andy Weir, Casey McQuiston, and R.F. Kuang, alongside a broader slate ReedPop says will keep updating through April. Mashable reported the show is leaning into fandom-driven programming rather than a business-only convention. (mashable.com) (bookcon.com) The return has not been friction-free. Variety reported that some authors withdrew after a boycott campaign tied ReedPop parent company RELX to subsidiary LexisNexis and its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. (variety.com) For this weekend, though, the practical picture is simple: a sold-out book convention is back at Javits, with readers lining up for panels, signings, and the kind of in-person fandom publishing has spent six years trying to rebuild. (bookcon.com 1) (bookcon.com 2)
