Houston Text Fest 2026

About

Nuestra Palabra: Latinos Having Their Say (NP) is proud to launch its first annual Houston Text Fest, an innovative and exciting update to book festivals in partnership with The Rice University English Department, Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Harris County Education Building, 6300 Irvington Blvd. Admission is free. We are deconstructing the notion of a book festival, beginning with the name. Our first annual Houston Text Fest celebrates lit and storytelling in all forms, breathes life into books and writing, and empowers our community to share their voices with other communities. Additionally, we want to reach readers, writers, creatives, and families more profoundly by devising panels and exhibits that are thrilling, smart, and impactful. Author Tony Diaz, El Librotraficante, founder and director of Nuestra Palabra, said, "We are experts in delivering the Latino Voice. That is our base, but this festival will innovate bridges to other communities. We're celebrating storytelling in all its forms, so that all Houstonians can share their voice, and we can build on this experience year after year." Professor Jose Aranda, Chair of the English & Creative Writing Department, Rice University, said, "I firmly believe that when you encourage a child to read, you encourage that child to dream, and when you do that with just one child, a whole family dreams. We, the faculty at Rice, help those dreams come true daily. It's an honor and a privilege to sponsor Houston Text Fest." Houston Text Fest updates book festivals with Innovative Sessions that build on traditional book fair programming, including panels that showcase Houston's Writing Scene, Cool Day jobs for writers and profound outreach initiatives like the NP 2026 Latino Writers Census. Who: Nuestra Palabra and The Rice University English Department. What: NP's first annual book festival, the Houston Text Fest. When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10:30 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. Where: HCDE Building, 6300 Irvington, Houston, Texas. Full line and RSVP's: www.NuestraPalabra.org