Rare Books LA marks 50 years of Interview with the Vampire at Union Station

Rare Books LA returns to Los Angeles Union Station Oct. 3-4, 2026, with more than 50 exhibitors, a blood drive and a special anniversary focus on Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. A fundraiser ticket will include a special Knopf edition of the novel, with proceeds benefiting the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.

Why it matters: - Rare Books LA is turning a major Los Angeles book fair into a landmark anniversary event for Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. - The fair combines rare books, vampire memorabilia and a transit-friendly setting, which broadens its appeal beyond collectors. - A bundled fundraiser ticket supports the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, tying the event to a local literacy and cultural cause.

What happened: - Rare Books LA Union Station will take place Oct. 3-4, 2026, at Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street. - The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. - The 2026 event marks the 50th anniversary of Interview with the Vampire. - A special anniversary edition of the Alfred A. Knopf book will be sold at the fair with a fundraiser ticket benefiting the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. - More than 50 exhibitors are set to fill the historic Ticket Concourse with antiquarian books, maps, fine prints and book arts.

The details: - AbeBooks is supporting the fair. - Exhibitors will come from London, Los Angeles and other locations. - Attendees are encouraged to use Metro, Metrolink, Metro Rail or Amtrak to reach the event. - Rare Books LA will host a blood drive on Friday, Oct. 2, with the American Red Cross and the Mozaic at Union Station Apartments. - Blood drive participants will receive free weekend admission to the book fair. - More details and registration are available at rarebooksla.com. - A special exhibit will include The Vampyre, written in 1819 by John William Polidori. - The exhibit will also feature an autographed first edition of Interview with the Vampire. - Anne Rice’s black lace gothic dress, worn to book signings, will be on display. - Christopher Rice will headline an afternoon panel discussion about his mother’s work and its influence on his own fiction and other writers. - A complete list of speakers and events is available at Rare Books LA. - Rare Books LA Director Jodi Tolan said the fair will offer something for every genre and price point. - Tolan said attendees will be able to browse 50 bookstores under one roof.

Between the lines: - The vampire theme gives the fair a sharper public hook while still centering rare-book collecting. - The blood drive and transit emphasis suggest the organizers are trying to make the event feel civic-minded and easy to access. - The anniversary programming and memorabilia display point to a broader effort to attract both literary fans and serious collectors.

What's next: - Rare Books LA will release the full speaker and event lineup on its website. - Registration is open for the Oct. 2 blood drive. - Weekend admission will be available through the fundraiser ticket and for blood drive participants. - The fair will open an hour earlier on Sunday in 2026.