It’s back! Seattle Independent Bookstore Day returns as part of a nationwide celebration held on the final Saturday of April, bringing together 33 locally owned bookstores across the region for a one-day celebration and a 10-day bookstore passport challenge. In 2026, the main event falls on Saturday, April 25, kicking off a lively stretch of literary festivities. This year again features the popular Bookstore Day Passport Challenge, giving participants ten days to explore and support the city’s vibrant indie book scene. Many shops will also host special events on Saturday only, including author readings, themed activities for kids, scavenger hunts, exclusive releases, and complimentary treats.
Taking part in the Passport Challenge is simple but ambitious: visit all 33 participating bookstores between April 25 and May 4, collecting a stamp at each stop. Those who complete the full circuit will earn a coveted Bookstore Day Champion Stamp Card. This reward grants a one-time 25% discount at every participating store and remains valid through April 23, 2027.
For those who don’t quite make it to all 33 locations, there’s still an incentive—anyone who gathers stamps from at least five stores during the challenge period will receive a single-use 25% discount coupon redeemable at any participating shop. Passports can be picked up starting April 25 at the bookstores themselves.
This year’s lineup includes a few notable additions. Four stores are joining the event for the first time, including two newly opened romance bookstores: Beguiled Books in Pioneer Square and Lovestruck in Wedgwood. They’re joined by two well-established favorites making their debut in the celebration: the Couth Buzzard in Greenwood and East West Books & Gifts in Edmonds. And remember: although Third Place Books has three locations, only one visit is needed to collect its stamp.
One helpful tip for participants: with the newly-connected 2 Line, Seattleites can now ride the Link Light Rail to some of the participating bookstores such as Island Books on Mercer Island.
For more information about bookstore day events and all the stores participating in this year’s passport challenge, you can visit the Seattle Bookstore Day website.
