What I enjoy so much about the festival on the University of Arizona’s campus is the “choose your own adventure” aspect of it. There’s a mind-bogglingly long schedule full of author panels, signings, entertainers, and workshops that cover a wide span of genres.
Last year, I wanted to get a bit of everything. This year, I went all in on poetry.
The Tucson Festival of Books has a huge outdoor area full of vendors, entertainers, and author signings, while most panels and workshops take place inside campus buildings. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)
I sat in on seven panels where poets read and discussed their works, and I ended up buying four collections—including one from Tucson’s new poet laureate that I’m really excited to read. I got all of them signed by their authors, which was really meaningful.
The festival was very smooth, from parking to security to finding affordable meals on campus. I also enjoyed trying places new to me in downtown Tucson—Obon, and the new Los Milicstasting room and restaurant. I also went back to one of my favorite bars, Juniper.
Thanks for showing me a great time, Tucson!
Do you have a favorite annual festival in Arizona?Let me know!
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