LéaLA: Spanish Language Book Fair & Literary Festival

Date

September 24

Time

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Cost

Free

Organizer's Site

lea-la.com/

Council District

City Council District 14

Event Series Dates

Septemeber 24 to September 27

Event Schedule

September 2026

  • Thursday 24th 9:00 AM
  • Sunday 27th 9:00 AM

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Los Angeles' Premier Spanish-Language Book Festival

Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, LéaLA – The Spanish Book Fair & Literary Festival returns to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes from September 24–27, 2026, inviting audiences to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through the power of books, storytelling, arts, and culture.

Celebrating its 11th edition, LéaLA transforms historic downtown Los Angeles into a vibrant gathering place for readers, writers, artists, educators, and families. Under this year's theme, "Nostalgia Vibrates at the Fair of Emotions", the festival explores the stories, memories, and cultural connections that unite communities across generations.

Recognized as one of the premier Spanish-language literary festivals in the United States, LéaLA showcases acclaimed authors from across Latin America, Spain, and the U.S., alongside emerging literary voices, in a dynamic program of author conversations, book signings, poetry readings, film screenings, live music, children's activities, creative workshops, cultural exhibitions, and thought-provoking discussions celebrating the richness of the Spanish language and Latino heritage.

As one of Southern California's signature Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, LéaLA offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with literature, ideas, and traditions while experiencing the diversity and creativity of the Spanish-speaking world. Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, an educator, or simply looking for an inspiring cultural experience, LéaLA offers something for every age and interest.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Join thousands of visitors for an unforgettable celebration of literature, culture, ideas, and community during Hispanic Heritage Month.

For programming updates and event information, visit lea-la.com.

Upcoming Events

September 10 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm -
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$0.00 - $7.00

Hollyhock House Tours

Experience the interior of Hollyhock House at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Docents are on hand to provide information and answer questions.

September 9 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm -
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Free

Shifting Perspectives: Cheech Collects

Over the past year and a half, artists and collectors have donated 80 works by almost 35 artists to The Cheech Center Collection. This year's exhibition will highlight some new additions alongside works from Cheech Marin's initial gift of 500 works. The latest exhibition, Cheech Collects, explores different forms within the Cheech Marin Collection. It introduces photography and sculpture alongside paintings, prints, and mixed media works for which the collection is celebrated. See website for ticket prices.

September 16 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm -
See event website.

Construction, Occupation

Construction, Occupation presents the work of 24 artists and collectives that engage art’s potential to shape the city through the power of community. Drawing on myriad visual languages and poetics grounded in collective action, the exhibition investigates a radical urban vocabulary that blurs art and activism to address questions of infrastructure and vulnerability, circulation and segregation, and the body in public

September 9 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm -
$0.00 - $19.00

BEHIND BARS: INCARCERATION IN THE WEST

This installation features some of the many forms that incarceration has taken in the American West over time, in conversation with a new photo series by fine art photographer Pep Williams, taken in a California state prison. Located in the jail cell area of the Autry’s firearms galleries, the installation brings past and present into dialogue.

September 9 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm -
$0.00 - $15.95

Bernard Hoyes: Out from Under the Net

Presenting the evolution of Bernard Hoyes’ signature Rag Series, developed during the 1970s and expanded through collage, painting, and printmaking. His rhythmic compositions reflect Afro-Caribbean spirituality, rituals, and the power of women across music, dance, and magic. The works explore themes of race, identity, memory, and liberation through layered visual language.