Wordstock, Portland’s book and literary festival, runs from October 11 through 14, 2012 at venues around town. The fest sets up shop at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK JR Blvd) on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14 for the big Wordstock Book Fair.

Wordstock is a literary art and education organization that celebrates and supports writing in the classroom and in the community. Our mission is to use the power of writing to effect positive change in people’s lives.

Founded by Portland author Larry Colton, our programs include Wordstock for Teachers, a professional development program for K-12 teachers that trains them to change the way they teach writing; Wordstock for Kids, our creative writing instruction program for students that works in the Portland Public Schools; an annual series of skill and knowledge workshops for practicing writers, called Wordstock for Communities; and an annual weekend showing of movies adapted from literary works, called The Wordstock Book-to-Film Festival. Our flagship program is our annual book and literary festival in Portland, by far the largest such event in the Northwest, known nationwide as Wordstock. We believe showcasing the artistic accomplishment of contemporary writers at our festival is one of the most compelling examples of writing’s power that we can provide.

Scores of authors will be at the fest, and the full schedule includes readings, workshops, and book signings throughout the week and weekend. Admission to the weekend festivities at the Convention Center is $7 for a single day, and $10 for both days (the fest runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days). Visit the festival website for more details, including discounted group ticket options and additional venues and ticketed events.