Edible Book Festival – General Information

The 15th Annual Edible Book Festival is postponed until further notice due to COVID-19 news and recommendations. Watch our Facebook page for updates!

What is the Edible Book Festival?

Around April 1st, bibliophiles, book artists, and food lovers around the world gather to celebrate the book arts and the (literal!) ingestion of culture. Participants create an “edible book,” which can be inspired by a favorite tale, involve a pun on a famous title, or simply be in the shape of a book (or scroll, or tablet, etc). All entries will be exhibited, documented, then EATEN! Photographs of all edible books will appear in the Edible Book Festival gallery.

The Champaign-Urbana Edible Book Festival is sponsored by the University Library and Common Ground Coop, and supported by the generous help of campus and community volunteers and prize donors. It is a fundraiser to support the crucial work of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

2020 Festival Award Categories

Starting to think about your edible creation for this year’s festival? Consider fitting your entry to one or more of these prize categories!

Best Depiction of a Classic
Best Visual Presentation
Most Appetizing
Funniest/Punniest
Best Entry Based on Book for Children or Teens (Award sponsored by the Center for Children’s Books.)
Best Collaborative Creation
People’s Choice

Who can participate?

Whether you’re a professional chef or just like to play with your food, the festival is open to anyone in the UIUC & Champaign-Urbana communities. For inspiration, take a look at entries in the galleries below. If you don’t have time to make your own edible entry, join us in admiring and eating the delicious creations at 11:30 am!