Edward James Olmos to headline 2026 Sacramento Latino Book & Family Festival
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A festival celebrating books, education, culture and opportunity is returning to Sacramento, with actor and longtime literacy advocate Edward James Olmos serving as this year’s headliner.
The 2026 Sacramento Latino Book & Family Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Valley High School, 6300 Ehrhardt Avenue.
The event is free and open to the public.
Now in its fourth year, the festival brings together families, authors, educators, colleges, community organizations and health providers for a full day of activities and resources.
Last year’s festival drew more than 4,000 people, and organizers are preparing for another large turnout.
Olmos, an acclaimed actor and producer, is also a longtime advocate for literacy and Latino representation. He co-founded Empowering Latino Futures, the nonprofit organization behind the festival.
A major focus of this year’s event is helping young people see themselves as future college students, professionals, leaders and authors.
“The festival is about helping our children see what is possible,” organizer Enrique Baeza said. “Whether they meet an author who looks like them, connect with a college, discover a new career path or find a book that reflects their family and culture, we know every young person will leave inspired.”
The day begins with an Award-Winning Author Panel at 11 a.m. featuring Latino writers, including KCRA 3 anchor and award-winning children’s author Leticia Ordaz.
A College Ready Panel begins at noon and will bring together education experts to share information about college applications, financial aid, higher education and student success.
Olmos is scheduled to deliver the festival’s keynote address at 1 p.m. in the main gym.
Families will also have the chance to meet internationally recognized and award-winning Latino authors, buy signed books and explore several areas offering education, health and community resources.
The Education Village will connect families with colleges, schools and educational programs.The Health Village will offer free health services, information and resources.The Community Village will feature financial empowerment programs and local organizations.The Children’s Village will connect parents with early-learning programs, preschools and libraries.The Authors Village will celebrate Latino writers and books for children, teens and adults.
The festival will also feature lowriders, live music, family activities and entertainment throughout the day.
The Sacramento event will mark an important milestone for Empowering Latino Futures. Since 1997, the organization has produced 79 Latino Book & Family Festivals nationwide.
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