The Chicago Urban Book Expo

The Chicago Urban Book Expo Weekend was started by national bestselling author, Jessica N. Watkins, in 2015. Since, this book festival has grown into the largest in the Chicago-land area featuring African-American authors. Readers attend from across the country to meet some of their favorite authors of African-American literature!

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The Chicago Urban Book Expo Weekend is a three-day celebration of all things Black books—bringing together readers, authors, and industry professionals for an immersive, interactive, and unforgettable literary experience. From an intimate meet & greet and laugh-out-loud comedy show to a live book club/game show, an elegant Million Pages Gala, and the main expo packed with your favorite and future-favorite authors, this weekend is designed to honor Black stories across every genre while keeping everything accessible, welcoming, and community-centered. It’s not just an event; it’s a cultural experience where literature, laughter, learning, and love for reading all collide.

We are currently sold out of author tables for 2026. If you fill out the interest form below, you will be placed on the waiting list.