Browse Rare Books and Enter a Costume Contest at the North Park Book Fair
Independent booksellers, comic artists, and a DJ are taking over a stretch of North Park Way, with Verbatim Books running the show from start to finish. The North Park Book Fair is the kind of street event where you go in for one paperback and leave with a full tote.
Admission is free and every age is welcome, and there is enough happening across the vendor booths, the costume contest, and the kids’ programming to fill the whole day.
Rare Books, Graphic Novels, and Handmade Literary Finds
The vendor list runs across the whole bookish spectrum: independent bookstores, publishers, comic book artists, and local craftspeople. One booth has rare books and graphic novels, the next has handcrafted literary-themed pieces.
This is browsing that rewards digging. Get there early if you want first look at the rare stock, because those finds tend to go to whoever shows up first.
A Costume Contest With a Category for Your Dog
Come as a favorite literary character, or invent your own bookish costume. Categories cover adults, kids, and pets, which means the dog gets a shot at winning something too.
It also lands early enough in October to double as a test run for whatever you have planned later in the month.
Story Time in the Morning, Sketch Tables All Day
Bring the kids for story time and readings in the morning, led by the fair’s storytellers. It is the easiest way to start the day if you are coming with little ones.
The sketch and drawing tables are stocked with art supplies and open to every age, not just the kids. Pull up a seat and draw for a while.
Everything Happens Between 29th and Ray
The fair spreads along North Park Way between 29th and Ray, which puts you a block or two from the rest of the neighborhood’s shops and bars. Local food and drink vendors are on site, so lunch is handled without going anywhere.
A DJ runs music across the whole day, which is the difference between a row of booths and an actual street party.
See you there!
Bring a tote you do not mind filling, put the dog in costume, and give yourself the whole day on North Park Way. Walking in costs nothing.
📆 Saturday, October 3 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 N Park Way, San Diego
🎟️ Free to walk in, all ages welcome
ℹ️ Additional details can be found here
See you there, San Diego!
