Saturday, April 26 is Independent Bookstore Day, and shops around NoVa are getting in on the action with special events and activities. Here are six stores offering book crawls, meet-and-greets, scavenger hunts, and more.
Bards Alley
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Gather with fellow bookworms at Bards Alley for a Willy Wonka-style golden ticket hunt for free audiobooks. You can also scratch off for prizes at checkout and enter to win an after-hours shopping experience with up to six friends. Bards Alley Bookshop: 110 Church St., Vienna
Big Planet Comics
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
The second annual Nova+ Bookstore Crawl 2025 includes 15 independent bookstores from across NoVA, Maryland, and West Virginia. Special passports will be handed out at each store to help customers find other bookstores across the region. Collect stamps through June 2 for the chance to win a free book, a tote bag, and a secret grand prize. Big Planet Comics: 426 Maple Ave. E, Vienna
One More Page Books
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Grab the family for a lineup of interactive activities on Independent Bookstore Day that includes free book and puzzle tables, a silver ticket scavenger hunt for prizes, and a golden ticket hunt. One More Page Books: 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
Old Town Books
9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Old Town Books is hosting storytimes, music classes, and workshops. The store will also have special giveaways, a prize wheel, and a meet-and-greet with best-selling author James Ponti. 130 S. Royal St., Alexandria
Old Town Book Fair: Adult Edition
April 27, 10 a.m.–3 p.m
Leave the kids at home and explore an array of book-themed items sold by 15 curated vendors. Cocktails and artisanal coffee will also be available. Morrison House Old Town Alexandria Autograph Collection: 116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria
Scrawl Books
10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
This year’s Independent Bookstore Day marks Scrawl Books’ 10th anniversary. To celebrate, they’ll be hosting “Paper Parties” with multitalented booksellers leading origami, button-making, and zine-making classes. There will also be meet-and-greets, scavenger hunts, and giveaways throughout the day. 11911 Freedom Dr., Reston
Feature image of Bards Alley by Robert Merhaut
