Red Barn Publishing Announces 2026 National Book Conference & Festival Participation
Red Barn Publishing is excited to announce its 2026 appearances at book conferences, literary festivals, and select music gatherings across the country — including several Grateful Dead–inspired music festivals — to celebrate storytelling, community, and the spirit of adventure.
Throughout the year, Red Barn Publishing will showcase its growing catalog, featuring the imaginative and heartwarming titles The Adventure of Backpacker Billy and Shave, Pete’s Beat, Blue Pearl and Golden Nugget, and Monkey and the Engineer. These books capture themes of friendship, exploration, and music making and our book catalogue is a natural fit for both literary audiences and music-loving communities.
“Our stories are rooted in adventure, rhythm, and musical discovery,” said Thomas Lehrich and Todd Thistle founders for Red Barn Publishing. “From book fairs to festivals filled with live music and lifelong Dead fans, we’re thrilled to meet readers wherever stories and songs bring people together.”
Festival appearances will highlight the musical influences behind select titles, celebrating the timeless connection between storytelling and music. We hope to bring some of our authors with us
2026 Book Festivals
Red Barn Publishing invites readers, educators, families, and music fans alike to join the journey in 2026. We will announce final attendance at the below programs.
- North Texas Teen Book Festival — March 7, 2026 | Texas, USA – A vibrant community event spotlighting teen literature and author engagement.
- New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University — March 12–15, 2026 | New Orleans, LA – A dynamic multi-day literary celebration with readings, panel discussions, and author interactions.
- Los Angeles Times Festival of Books — April 18–19, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA – One of the nation’s largest book festivals, featuring publishers, authors, and conversations around the written word.
- Imaginarium Book Festival — June 5–6, 2026 | Washington, DC – A festival for readers and writers with signings, events, and community.
- 26th National Book Festival — August 22, 2026 | Washington, DC – Hosted by the Library of Congress, this annual festival brings book lovers together for author talks and panel discussions.
- Edinburgh International Book Festival — August 15–30, 2026 | Edinburgh, Scotland – The world’s largest book festival with international authors and thinkers.
- Brooklyn Book Festival — September 26–27, 2026 | Brooklyn, NY – A beloved citywide literary event with author programming and community engagement.
2026 Music & Grateful Dead-Inspired Festival Appearances
- Electric Forest — June 25–28, 2026 | Rothbury, MI – Jam bands, electronic music, and immersive art experiences — an ideal backdrop to connect with readers who love music and adventure.
- Newport Folk Festival — July 24–26, 2026 | Newport, RI – Historic folk and roots music festival with rich storytelling vibes.
- Grateville Dead 2026 —October 16–18, 2026 | Brown Forman Amphitheater, Louisville, KY – A three-day celebration honoring Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead legacy, blending music, community, and culture.
In addition we are planning on promoting our books at:
- New England Book Festival — Spring 2026 | Boston, MA
- Boston Book Festival — October 2026 | Boston, MA
- Seattle Arts & Lectures — 2026 Author Series | Seattle, WA