The Twin Cities Book Festival — sponsored by the local literary organization Rain Taxi — will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds,.

This free, day-long festival presents internationally renowned visiting and local authors, activities for kids and a giant book fair which offers both a snapshot of the publishing scene and great deals on new and used books.

“We want people to connect over real live books and authors,” explains festival director Eric Lorberer, who also edits “Rain Taxi Review of Books,” a nationally distributed quarterly. “Our festival allows anyone who shares an interest in books — readers and writers and publishers and advocates of all kinds — to inhabit one big room for a day.”

The festival will welcome many authors from outside Minnesota. Confirmed guests include writers from Canada, England, Slovenia and from all corners of the United States.  Visit http://www.raintaxi.com/twin-cities-book-festival/authors/adult-programming/ to get a peak at who will be in attendance.

In addition to the action-packed Children’s Pavilion, sponsored by Metro Public Libraries, the festival will have exciting activities in the Middle Grade Headquarters and Teen Tent sponsored by Red Balloon Bookshop. Both areas will feature authors from near and far and other activities for their respective age groups.

The festival will be filled with Minnesota and regional authors presenting their work through panels, signings, exhibits, activities, and special events.