📚 Building a Book Festival in the Desert: Jason Blitman and the Palm Springs Book Fest
The Palm Springs Book Fest arrives March 27–29 at Festival Theaters, and behind it is one very busy guy: Jason Blitman, creator, producer, publicist, moderator, author wrangler, and, if necessary, food truck wrangler.
In this conversation, Blitman shares how a theater career in New York led him west, why Palm Springs is a place people choose intentionally, and how a self-described “anti-reader” became one of the desert’s biggest literary champions.
Watch the full episode here!
After COVID shuttered the arts world, Blitman and his husband left Times Square for Southern California, eventually landing in Palm Springs. What they found was a tight-knit, curious community filled with fascinating transplants. The kind of place where running into friends is inevitable and meeting new, interesting people is constant.
Books were not always part of Blitman’s identity. In fact, high school reading assignments nearly scared him off for good. But working in arts and culture programming in New York introduced him to author events and advanced reader copies. Discovering Call Me By Your Name and later interviewing Gabrielle Zevin before Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow became a breakout hit changed everything. Reading became community. Conversation became connection.
That evolution led to the Gays Reading podcast, now a respected platform for author interviews, and a book club partnership with Allstora that supports authors with higher profit shares and donates LGBTQ+ children’s books to youth.
The Palm Springs Book Fest is the culmination of all of it.
What to Expect at the Festival
March 27–28: Ticketed Author Conversations
Held at Festival Theaters, these spoiler-free conversations pair acclaimed authors with moderators for intimate discussions about their work. Featured writers include:
Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Jonathan Capehart
Bestselling authors Chris Whitaker (All the Colors of the Dark) and Claire Lombardo (Same as It Ever Was)
Lily Brooks Dalton, launching her new novel Ruins in one of its first public events
Debut novelist Lisa Lee, appearing before her book officially releases
There will also be a special ticketed culinary event at Workshop Kitchen + Bar featuring chef Ari Kolender of Found Oyster, celebrating his new cookbook.
Leading up to the festival, Festival Theaters will screen a series of 1990s film adaptations of beloved books, adding a nostalgic literary twist.
March 29: Free Community Day
Sunday opens the doors to everyone, readers and non-readers alike.
Expect:
Author panels with interactive games and audience engagement
Writing workshops and a zine-making workshop
Storytime and crafts for kids
A storytelling finale presented with local organization Strong Words Live
A screening of The Librarians, named one of the best films at the Palm Springs International Film Festival
Blitman’s nonprofit, Outspoken, anchors the festival’s mission: stories are for everyone, and everyone has a story. Accessibility matters. Alongside a partner bookstore selling featured titles, the Friends of the Palm Springs Library will offer used books for just $1.
This is not just a festival for avid readers. It’s a gathering built for community.
Palm Springs Favorites
Blitman also shares his local go-to spots: The Barn Kitchen at Sparrow’s Lodge, Bar Issi and Lola Rose at the Thompson, Revivals (especially the book section), Peninsula Pastries’ almond croissant, and the tacos at Via Bakery.
And yes, in addition to everything else, he’s officiated about a dozen weddings because love stories matter too.
Palm Springs Book Fest
March 27–29
Festival Theaters
Tickets + info: PSBookFest.org
Instagram: @PSBookFest
Gays Reading Podcast
Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
A literary weekend in the desert built with intention, community, and a deep belief that stories belong to all of us.
