WHAT: The 18th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest and most prestigious public literary event in the country. The free-to-the-public weekend of activities has become an L.A. institution, evolving to encompass more than 400 award-winning and celebrity authors and chefs, local musicians, political experts and entertainers engaging in stimulating debates, the exploration of entrepreneurial ideas and revelry under the California sun. 

WHEN: Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. April 20 and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 21.

WHERE: USC University Park Campus, just south of the 10 (Santa Monica) Freeway and west of the 110 (Harbor) Freeway. The USC campus is accessible via the new L.A. Metro Expo line.

PARKING: $10 per day in various USC-area parking lots. In addition, there are several public transit options available, including the free Bullseye Bus that will run continuously between Union Station and USC. More details, including a parking map, can be found here:http://festivalofbooks2013.usc.edu/directions-2/

WHO: Appearances by more than 400 authors including Paul Anka, Margaret Atwood, Brian Boitano, Carol Burnett, Cassandra Clare, Susan Feniger, “Iron Chef” Alex Guarnaschelli, beloved children’s author Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Jon Klassen, Ludo Lefebvre, Demetri Martin, Heather McDonald, Danica McKellar, Aida Mollenkamp, Debbie Reynolds, Molly Ringwald, John Scalzi, Tom Sizemore and Nia Vardalos, among others.