Book and Author Events in Houston for October 2026

Among the other notable events for October, historian Michael Hurd will present on the Prairie View Interscholastic League, which governed Black high school football during segregation.

Two Pulitzer Prize-winning authors will also be appearing this month. Additionally, there is a playwriting workshop and a talk by a former astronaut who shares his experiences in space.

For those interested in horror, a new novel in the genre will be introduced, alongside a new release from a popular young adult author, showcasing Houston's vibrant literary scene.

Key events include:

- **Aleese Lin at Good on Paper Books**: On October 1, Lin will sign and discuss her book *Samantha Spük: Paranormal Wedding Planner* from 4 PM to 7 PM (free).

- **Micaiah Johnson at Kindred Stories**: On October 1, Johnson discusses *The Unhaunting*, her latest horror novel, at 7 PM for $28, which includes the book.

- **JLF Houston at Asia Society Texas Center**: On October 3, the festival will feature panel discussions with authors like Karan Mahajan and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, alongside book signings and food vendors. The event runs from 10:30 AM to 6 PM for $20.

- **Libba Bray at Half Price Books Humble**: Bray will talk about *Radio Free Texas* on October 3 at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $22 and include the book.

- **Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series featuring Ayad Akhtar**: On October 5, Akhtar reads from his new novel *The Radiance* at Alley Theatre at 7:30 PM, with a ticket price of $5.

- **The Witch Release Party at Murder by the Book**: This free event on October 6 starts at 6:30 PM to celebrate Frieda McFadden’s latest thriller.

- **Ladies’ Night at Katy Budget Books**: A social shopping event on October 9 at 6 PM, free to all attendees.

- **Ignited Ink at MATCH**: A spoken word event on October 11, featuring discussions on pressing social issues, with tickets priced at $40.

- **Hernan Diaz at Rice University**: On October 12, Diaz will present his novel *Ply* at 7:30 PM for a $5 admission fee.

- **Leroy Chiao at Asia Society Texas Center**: Former NASA astronaut Chiao discusses his book on October 15 at 2 PM, with tickets starting at $10.

- **Michael Hurd at the African American History Research Center**: Hurd discusses high school football's history on October 15 at 4:30 PM (free with RSVP).

- **Elizabeth Acevedo at Meyerland Performing Arts Middle School**: Acevedo will present her book on October 18 at 2 PM (free with RSVP).

- **Barbara McQuade at Congregation Emmanu El**: The former U.S. Attorney's talk on her new book is scheduled for October 22, starting at 7:30 PM for $49.

- **Lucy Wang's 10 Minute Play Lab at The Owen Theatre**: A three-part workshop for playwrights will take place from October 23 to 25, costing $250.

- **Meredith Miller at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church**: Miller will discuss her insights on faith and parenting on October 25 at 4 PM for $10.

- **Halloween Boo Book Bash at Houston Public Library**: A family-friendly event with crafts, treats, and stories on October 28 at 4 PM, requiring RSVP.

- **Khiara M. Bridges at Kindred Stories**: Bridges will talk about her book *Expecting Inequity* on October 29 at 7 PM, with a ticket cost of $5.

With a rich array of literary events planned, Houston continues to celebrate its status as a literary city.