@latimesfob

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Deets: The Los Angeles Times revealed the lineup for the 30th annual Festival of Books, taking place April 26-27 at the University of Southern California. The weekend festival will bring together more than 550 writers, experts and storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors on the university campus.

The festival features seven outdoor stages and activity areas featuring celebrity authors, family-friendly entertainment, Spanish-language programming, interactive games, more than 350 exhibitors, live music, food trucks, and more.

To kick off the literary weekend, on the evening of Friday, April 25, The Times will host the 45th annual Book Prizes at USC’s Bovard Auditorium. The ceremony will honor award-winning author Pico Iyer with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, Amanda Gorman with the Innovator’s Award and Emily Witt with the Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose. The Book Prizes recognize 61 exceptional works in 13 categories, including achievement in audiobook production, presented by Audible.

Who You May Spot: Stacey Abrams, Big Sean, Matt Bomer, Roy Choi, Jon M. Chu, Josh Gad, Amanda Gorman, Max Greenfield, Chelsea Handler, Harry Shum Jr., Jenny Slate, Rebecca Yarros and many more.

Hint for the Average Socialite: This event is free and open to the public.

Some panels may require ticket purchase.

What’s Trending: @latimesfob