California: SoCal Regional events
Serious about improving your craft? SCBWI's regional events provide opportunities for professional growth and help you connect with a supportive, creative community.
2026 SCBWI SoCal Tahquitz MG-YA Writers Retreat
May 28, 2026 - May 31, 2026
10 event
Available seats 0
Tahquitz Pines Conference Center, 55251 S Circle Dr, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Want to polish your middle grade or young adult novel? Join our four-day small-group intensive writer retreat in idyllic Idyllwild. You’ll be able to hone your craft and polish your manuscript with the guidance of industry professionals. This event includes four critique group sessions led by an agent or editor, a 1:1 coaching session, and optional paid written critiques.
SCBWI SoCal booth at: OC Children's Book Festival
Sep 20, 2026
1 event
Available seats 12
Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, California 92626
Join us at the OC Children’s Book Festival! This event draws 7,000 book-loving families to our local Orange Coast College. The event is geared toward 0-12 year-olds. Our SoCal Region rented a booth so you can sign up and sell your books. Open to all PAL and self-published members. Registration opens May 23, 2026.
2026 SCBWI SoCal Fall Harvest
Oct 03, 2026
Unlimited seats
California State University Fullerton, Titan Student Union, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831 OR online
Writers and illustrators are invited to a full day of speaker presentations, critiques, pitches and mingling with fellow creatives! We'll have agents, an editor, an art director, published authors and an illustrator. This hybrid event is both in-person and via zoom. Attendees will have access to the videos for 30 days following the event and receive submission guidelines from all our faculty.