Percival Everett, renowned author and USC Distinguished Professor, among Trojans to anticipate at this weekend’s Festival of Books

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is making its return to USC’s University Park Campus this Saturday and Sunday featuring a multitude of literary luminaries engaging in discussions, on-stage dialogues, and signings.

Stirring just as much anticipation and excitement as celebrity figures such as Matt Bomer, Chelsea Handler and director Jon M. Chu is an event featuring USC Distinguished Professor of English and celebrated author Percival Everett on Sunday in Bovard Auditorium.

“He is an extraordinary writer and has profoundly influenced with his work,” stated USC Visions and Voices Executive Director Daria Yudacufski, who coordinates USC’s events at the festival. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have him at USC.”

The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences educator’s 2024 novel, James, earned the National Book Award for Fiction. His 2001 novel, Erasure, was adapted into the acclaimed 2023 film American Fiction. Recently, Everett was also acknowledged as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.

Approximately 150,000 individuals are anticipated to attend the 30th annual gathering, which has evolved into the largest literary and cultural festival in the country.

The weekend offers host USC—a principal sponsor—a chance to highlight some of the university’s most distinguished faculty and staff through a series of USC festival panels within Wallis Annenberg Hall.

“Our panels emphasize the remarkable work and diverse research that’s taking place at USC among our faculty and students,” Yudacufski remarked.

Saturday at the Festival of Books: Environmental issues, housing, fashion and beyond

On Saturday, USC specialists in urban development, ethnicity, and sociology will engage in the “Climate Justice and Racial Equity” panel moderated by Allison Agsten, the inaugural director of the Center for Climate Journalism and Communication at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Three USC professors will accompany Agsten to explore the links between climate justice and racial equity and how both elements contribute to innovative solutions for
“`clean energy.

Earlier on that day, at the “State of Housing in L.A. and Beyond” discussion panel, USC educators will analyze the housing dilemma in Los Angeles—a challenge further intensified by the catastrophic wildfires in January.

Other presentations on Saturday featuring USC specialists include: “The Future of the University,” which will examine how transformations in politics, culture, legislation, and economy are influencing American higher education institutions; “The Literary Life: Integrating the Creative, Critical, and Personal,” which will investigate the lives and works of writers who fuse their artistic endeavors with literary critique, personal storytelling, and scholarly research; and “Advancing Fashion: The Future of Fashion,” where artisans and academics will converse about the evolving fashion landscape and deliberate on how to propel the industry into the mid-21st century.

Sunday events at the Festival of Books: AI, game design, and beyond

Game designers and authorities will share insights from their latest publications that investigate the progression of game design, player experiences, and the cultural influence of games during the panel “More than a Game: The Transforming Landscape of Game Design, Player Identity, and Meaningful Play.”

Further USC discussions scheduled for Sunday consist of: “The Power and Potential of AI” where specialists from various sectors will talk about how they are employing artificial intelligence to produce groundbreaking results in fields ranging from education to healthcare; “Narratives, Social Movements, and Political Narratives,” featuring nonfiction authors who utilize inventive storytelling methods and oral histories to delve into topics from homeownership in the United States to student activism in Taiwan; and “Scoring the Screen: Music in Film and Television with Authors,” a dialogue centered on the lives, careers, craftsmanship, and legacies of cherished score composers such as John Williams, Bernard Herrmann, Henry Mancini, among others.

Trojan musical talent shines

Trojan scholars will deliver live musical performances outdoors at USC Stage (situated in Hahn Central Plaza), with the USC Trojan Marching Band initiating the festivities on both days of the festival.

The performing musicians comprise both current and past USC students. On Saturday, vocalists Aspen Jacobsen and Chloe Antoinette, the bands Mané and Wildflower, and the Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble of the USC Thornton School of Music will take the stage. Also gracing the stage on Saturday are the USC a cappella groups The Trojan Men and Sirens A Cappella.

Sunday’s musical schedule showcases solo performers Sophia Condon, Michele Lu, and Aaron Wolff Fig, alongside the musical ensemble Astral Mixtape.

Preparation tips

Whether you are a festival regular or attending for the first time, proactive planning is advised to fully enjoy the myriad discussions, performances, book signings, cooking demonstrations, poetry recitals, and more that the weekend presents.

“I believe there’s something appealing for everyone,” Yudacufski remarked. “Allocate some time to review the agenda and create a plan for yourself, but also allow some flexibility. You may discover a performance, a vendor stall, or a food truck that piques your interest. It’s an opportunity to truly connect with the community.”