February 23, 2026
StoryCon sold out of its nearly 3500 tickets to writers looking to hone their craft, but it’s keeping many of its activities free to the public. Organized by Operation Literacy, a local 501c3 nonprofit on a mission to fight Utah’s literacy crisis, StoryCon is a combined writing camp and book expo that will be the largest book event in the nation for February 2026. It will host bestselling authors like Brandon Sanderson, Shannon Messenger, Soman Chainani, and more in a mission to foster a love of reading and writing in young people. “If you teach a child to love reading,” says Aaron Hall, Operation Literacy’s Director of PR, “they’re more likely to succeed academically and vocationally later in life. The fact that most Utah 3rd graders are reading below grade level is a massive concern. We’re looking to change that by creating an environment that makes reading fun and exciting.” But much of StoryCon’s free programming isn’t just for kids. Book-loving adults will also find a place to thrive.
Free activities at StoryCon will start with the Story Explorium Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:00PM. The Story Explorium is Operation Literacy’s interactive adventure booth that will sell bookish decorations and merchandise to help fund Operation Literacy’s efforts to deliver free books to children.
Starting Friday at 10:00AM, the StoryCon Exhibit Hall will open to the public. This Exhibit Hall will feature over 100 booths of authors, crafts, games, and art. But the Exhibit Hall will also feature:
StoryLand for Little Readers: Children’s storytime sessions with renowned children’s book authors and free signed books for attendees, plus activities, crafts, games, and resources for families.
Live performances from Hale Center Theatre’s Story Weavers
Armored combat showcase from The 13th Legion of Utah
Showcases of film, music, and theater from StoryCon’s contest winners
StoryCon will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center, February 27-28, 2026. Free programming for the public will be available both days.
To learn more about StoryCon’s free programming, visit storycon.org/free.
Free activities at StoryCon will start with the Story Explorium Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:00PM. The Story Explorium is Operation Literacy’s interactive adventure booth that will sell bookish decorations and merchandise to help fund Operation Literacy’s efforts to deliver free books to children.
Starting Friday at 10:00AM, the StoryCon Exhibit Hall will open to the public. This Exhibit Hall will feature over 100 booths of authors, crafts, games, and art. But the Exhibit Hall will also feature:
StoryLand for Little Readers: Children’s storytime sessions with renowned children’s book authors and free signed books for attendees, plus activities, crafts, games, and resources for families.
Live performances from Hale Center Theatre’s Story Weavers
Armored combat showcase from The 13th Legion of Utah
Showcases of film, music, and theater from StoryCon’s contest winners
StoryCon will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center, February 27-28, 2026. Free programming for the public will be available both days.
To learn more about StoryCon’s free programming, visit storycon.org/free.