The KC Book Fair
An all-ages book fair featuring food, drinks, and music hosted by Lead to Read KC and Rainy Day Books.
WHEN: November 5, 2026, 3-7 p.m.
WHERE: The Offices at Park 39, 300 E 39th St, KCMO 64111
Lead to Read KC and Rainy Day Books present The KC Book Fair, an all-ages event celebrating literacy, storytelling, and community impact. This immersive evening features food, drinks, music, and local literary flair. Guests experience the joy of books while supporting young readers.
Tickets available online or at the door. Guests under 18 attend free, no ticket required. Ticket sales support Lead to Read KC programs, with fair purchases funding a free book fair for one Lead to Read KC partner school.
The Experience
The KC Book Fair is designed to feel like Kansas City itself: full of warmth, energy, and purpose with a little something new waiting around every corner. Guests are invited to experience the evening as a journey, where each station offers something different to discover:
Grab a Drink
Sip on a drink from Made in KC while you browse the event space and our featured collection of books.
Have a Bite
Enjoy a variety of small bites from local vendors.
Shop Around
Explore a selection of books and gifts from Rainy Day Books to buy for yourself, friends and family, and children in our community.
Mix It Up
Take a break from shopping to enter our raffles for incredible prizes, including a signed Mahomes helmet.
Enjoy the Music
Chat with friends new and old while our DJ brings music, movement and momentum to the evening.
Featuring Local Vendors
Check back in the coming weeks for more vendors to be announced!
Prizes Up for Grabs
The KC Book Fair includes two raffles with ticket sales supporting Lead to Read KC programs. Winners will be drawn at the end of the event, but you do NOT need to be present to win.
Premium Raffle
Enter to win a Kansas City Chiefs football helmet signed by Patrick Mahomes! Only 200 tickets are available at $50 each.
General Raffle
Try your luck in our General Raffle, with a variety of prizes on display at the fair: 1 ticket for $5 or 5 tickets for $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
I didn't buy a ticket ahead of time. Can I still come?
Yes. You can buy tickets online anytime, including the day of the book fair. If you need help, event staff can help you buy tickets at the door.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, guests under 18 attending with a parent are free to attend without a ticket.
What should I wear?
This is a casual dress event.
How early should I arrive?
Where should I park?
The event is located at The Offices at Park 39, at 300 E. 39TH Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. There are two surface parking lots accessible from Warwick Blvd and E. 38TH Street. Follow direction signage from either lot to the main entrance of the former school located in the courtyard. The lower North lot is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices. View a map.
Do I need to check in?
Yes, event staff will be waiting near the main entrance to scan tickets and for questions or guidance.
How can I support Lead to Read KC's work?
Please click here to make a donation. Thank you for supporting literacy in Kansas City!
I have a question that's not listed here.
Please send an email to [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as reasonably possible with an answer.
Event Parking
The book fair is located at The Offices at Park 39 at 300 E. 39TH Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. There are two surface parking lots accessible from Warwick Blvd and E. 38TH Street. Follow direction signage from either lot to the main entrance of the former school. The lower North lot is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
About Lead to Read KC
Did you know that just 23% of Kansas City’s third graders in public and charter schools are reading at grade level? This milestone is critical for their academic future and the future of our city. Lead to Read KC is Kansas City’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, dedicated to transforming our community into one where all students thrive academically and personally through unparalleled access to reading resources, mentorship and support.
Transformative Reach
Each week, more than 2,000 Reading Mentors volunteer in 33 schools across the Kansas City metropolitan area, making meaningful connections with students.
Targeted Tutoring
Our tutoring program uses a Science of Reading-based approach to provide more than 650 students with high-dosage, individualized support to boost reading skills.
Equitable Book Access
We distribute more than 4,500 books each month, ensuring local children have the opportunity to build home libraries and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Community Engagement
We bring local children’s authors into schools to share books highlighting mental health and wellness, providing them with coping strategies and tools to build self esteem.
Sponsors
Chapter Sponsors
Friends of the Fair
