SoCal Events

Come join us to connect with other creative people and hone your craft in creating children's books.

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See What's Happening in SoCal

Future Events:

SCBWI SoCal Art Day Story Bloom: A Creative Workshop for Illustrators, Picture Book Writers & Graphic Novelists

Spend the day exploring guided art exercises, story-building activities, and collaborative play with fellow creators. Whether you're sketching, writing, revising, or experimenting with new techniques, you’ll leave refreshed, inspired, and blooming with fresh pages and new creative momentum. Come ready to make, explore, connect—and watch your stories grow.

  • Written critiques and portfolio reviews will be available to attendees prior to the conference. 
  • When: Saturday, March 14, 9:30-3:30
  • Where: Laguna College of Art and Design, Big Bend Campus

LA Festival of Books, April 18-19, 2026, USC

Tahquitz MG/YA Writers Retreat - May 28- June 1, 2026

  • A four-day small-group intensive writer retreat in idyllic Idyllwild
  • When: Thursday May 28th through Sunday, June 1st
  • Where: Tahquitz Pines Retreat Center, Idyllwild

OC Children's Book Festival, Sept. 20, 2026

  • We plan to reserve a booth for our published writers and illustrators to sell and sign their books.
  • When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
  • Where: Orange Coast College
  • https://www.kidsbookfestival.com/

Fall Harvest Writers and Illustrators Day - Oct. 3, 2026

  • Writers and illustrators are invited to a full day of speaker presentations, critiques, pitches, first pages and mingling with fellow creatives! 
  • When: Sat, Oct. 3, 2026 8:30-5:00
  • Where: Cal State University, Fullerton and Zoom

Stay informed!

Follow us on Social Media and our SCBWI Website:

  • Facebook
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  • Your SCBWI Newsfeed - simply update your member profile by adding "California: SoCal" under: Set Your SCBWI Home Region
  • To be added to our twice-monthly email, contact Bev Plass at [email protected]