The Boston Book Festival (BBF) returns to Copley Square this fall with a ticketed evening event Oct. 16, followed by its signature free Festival day Oct. 17, uniting the literary community around the transformative joy of reading and the vibrant exchange of ideas.

“For nearly two decades, the Boston Book Festival has harnessed the power of books to forge connections, deepen empathy, and illuminate our shared humanity,” BBF Executive Director Carlin Carr said in a press release. “This year’s Festival spans so many genres and offers something for everyone to enjoy. From beloved bestselling authors to notable new names, these writers and illustrators give vital perspectives about our world – its past, present, and imagined future.”

The festival kicks off with a tick eted event on Friday night: with New York Times bestselling author Michael Lewis in conversation with Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks about his new book ‘Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State.’

The festival opens Saturday with a spirited kids’ costume parade (and special surprise guests), setting the stage for a day of lively conversations and presentations, animated read-alouds, and bountiful book-focused activities for every age.

BBF’s outdoor fair (open rain or shine) showcases 60-plus exhibitors, from award-winning small presses and literary arts nonprofits to a colorful kids’ zone and buzzing coffee tent. More than 200 authors take part in 80-plus sessions at Boston Public Library, Old South Church, Goethe-Institut, Church of the Covenant and Trinity Church, among other venues. Furniture retailer Room&Board will host the popular after-hours ‘Poems & Pints’ gathering with the nonprofit Mass Poetry.

A complete festival lineup will be announced in mid-September. Festival goers and book lovers can sign up for BBF updates at bostonbookfest.org and follow BBF on Instagram at @bostonbookfest.