Volunteer at the Santa Barbara Literary Festival

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival will commence May 2-3, 2026. The event brings together renowned authors for keynotes, panels, workshops, and pop-up events throughout Santa Barbara’s vibrant and culturally diverse downtown for a celebration of writers, readers, and storytellers of all kinds.

Our keynote speakers are Walter Mosley, Kim Michele Richardson, Steven Rowley and Chris Whitaker. Amongst panelists we have Susan Orlean the Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner Danielle Trussoni, Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner Ivy Pochoda, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Edward Humes, award-winning author Lola Akinmade Åkerström, 9-time Emmy Award winner Matthew Weiner, Jane Healey, Wendy Walker, Heather Webb, Denny S. Bryce, Lisa Barr, Byron Lane amongst dozens of other rockstar authors, journalists and a robust children literacy program.

• We are looking for numerous volunteers to help us bring this event to life. Volunteers will be able to attend panels and keynotes for free.
• Help set up chairs, (nothing too physically strenuous) Friday May 1st at Karpeles Museum and Alhecama Theatre.
• Sat and Sunday May 2, May 3: Check in guests at each event at each location throughout downtown SB.
• Help physically transport (TBD) and sell author books after panels.
• Sat help set up snacks, food, coffee at green rooms at Alhecama, Unitarian Church (Sunday only 2-6)
• Sat and Sunday work the outdoor Library Plaza checking in authors and attendees. 9-5.
• Help work the closing party Sunday at the SB Contemporary Museum. Time: TBD