Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Rare Book Fair Returns to Pasadena Following Wildfire Disruption

Rare Books LA will return to Pasadena on February 21-22, marking the first major antiquarian book fair in the city since devastating wildfires forced the cancellation of the competing California International Antiquarian Book Fair nearly one year earlier. The event has sold out all exhibitor spaces across two historic venues in Old Pasadena.

More than 70 to 80 booksellers from international locations including London, Melbourne, Paris, Vienna, and New York will occupy the Raymond Theatre at 129 North Raymond Avenue and the Courtyard by Marriott ballroom at 180 N Fair Oaks Avenue.

“Rich in history and culture, the Raymond Theatre is the perfect venue to feature the world’s leading booksellers,” said Rare Books LA Director Jodi Tolan. “It’s Coachella for book lovers!”

The fair fills a significant void created when the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America cancelled its 57th California International Antiquarian Book Fair on January 13. The Pasadena Convention Center was taken over by the Red Cross and FEMA for 30 days to manage wildfire recovery efforts.

The event coincides with Pasadena’s Black History Festival on Saturday, February 21, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robinson Park. No public documentation has been found confirming coordination between the two events regarding shared city resources and visitor traffic.

The Raymond Theatre will host exhibitors Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Courtyard Marriott ballroom will operate Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ticket pricing remains unconfirmed. Third-party sources cite ranges from $15 to $45, with a weekend pass priced at $25 that includes a limited-edition poster and entry both days.

Rare Books LA. Phone (626) 403-7600 and info@rarebooksla.com. www.RareBooksLA.com.