Detroit Bookfest operations director Sean Snyder has created an amazing interactive map and helped design a fun overall experience for this tour.
Before Detroit Bookfest on Sunday, hit the road and explore Metro Detroit’s incredible independent bookstore scene! Think of it as a book lover’s road trip: dozens of independent bookstores, thousands of books, and countless discoveries spread across Southeast Michigan and Windsor.
The Detroit Bookfest Regional Bookstore tour will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
This free, self-guided, self-driving bookstore tour features 80+ participating bookstores across Southeast Michigan and nearby Ontario.
Participating stores are located throughout Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Downriver, Oakland County, Macomb County, Livingston County, and Windsor-Essex.
Visit as many (or as few) as you’d like, discover hidden gems, meet booksellers, browse thousands of books, and help support local independent bookstores.
📚 80+ bookstores
🚗 Choose your own route
🗺️ Free interactive map
🎟️ Completely free to participate
📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
🕘 Hours: Store hours vary by location
Each participating bookstore will be open during its normal business hours. Plan your own route accordingly.
Every bookstore has its own personality, history, and treasures. The DBF Regional Bookstore Tour is a chance to discover new bookstores, explore new communities, support independent booksellers, and turn an ordinary Saturday into a literary road trip adventure.
After touring bookstores on Saturday, join us the following day on Sunday, July 19, 2026 for the 9th Annual Detroit Bookfest at Eastern Market, featuring 300+ vendors and free admission.
Why Participate?
📚 Discover bookstores you’ve never visited before
Even lifelong readers are often surprised by how many independent bookstores exist throughout Metro Detroit and nearby Ontario. Hidden gems are everywhere!
🗺️ Explore the region in a new way
The tour gives you a reason to visit new neighborhoods, downtowns, and communities while supporting local businesses.
💙 Support independent bookstores
Independent bookstores are cultural anchors that help build stronger, more vibrant communities. Every purchase helps them survive and thrive.
📖 Find books you won’t find online
Used books, rare books, first editions, local authors, oddities, collectibles, comics, records, and unexpected treasures are waiting to be discovered.
👥 Meet fellow book lovers and booksellers
Some of the best recommendations come from passionate bookstore owners and staff who love sharing great books.
🚗 Create your own adventure
There is no set route, no registration, and no schedule. Visit one store or twenty. Spend an hour or spend the entire day exploring.
Here are the links for everything
The 2026 Bookstore Tour event pageÂ
There is also a Show Your Participation form to sign up to show your participation in the tour and (afterwards) upload any selfies.
Links & QR Codes to download the Bookstore ListÂ
View the Interactive MapÂ
Feel free to post these all over your socials. Thank you!
