Photos: SF Art Book Fair 2025 Draws Massive Crowds to Minnesota Street Project Gallery

Beloved SF Art Book Fair returned to Minnesota Street Project this past weekend with its most expansive edition yet, transforming multiple venues across the Dogpatch into a bustling celebration of print culture and independent publishing that drew thousands of visitors over four days.

The eighth edition of the San Francisco Art Book Fair (SFABF) took place July 10-13, 2025, spanning four buildings along Minnesota Street Project's campus. The three-day, four-night eighth edition of the fair was constantly packed, and sprawled over several venues/galleries associated with Minnesota Street Project. The free event featured more than 150 exhibitors from around the world, including 30 international publishers from countries including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, and Nicaragua.

Record Attendance and Expanded Footprint

Hot nerds are back, baby, and they're DIYing all over Dogpatch, observed 48 hills in their coverage of the weekend's festivities. The fair occupied multiple venues at 1275 Minnesota Street, 1201 Minnesota Street, 1240 Minnesota Street, and 1150 25th Street, representing the largest footprint in the event's nine-year history. SFABF is an annual multi-day exhibition and celebration of printed material from independent publishers, artists, designers, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world.

Beyond the main book fair, attendees could explore a vast KUSF record swap, a Discogs listening room that included such local musical luminaries as Chaz Bear—who was a spotted making art at a book booth later—and Dan the Automator, an adorable William Stout Architectural Books bookmobile which was of course a sleek '60s European import pickup conversion, and a Humphrey Slocombe truck serving espresso smoothies.

Diverse Programming and Community Spirit

The weekend featured an extensive programming schedule curated by David Senior, Director of Library at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Topics ranged from discussions about ecology publications to conversations about starting community libraries and the future of publishing. Ocean Escalanti says, exhibiting at the SFABF is a rite of passage, and "a way to get acceptance, and own the fact that I'm an artist creating in the Bay Area." The Oakland-based zinemaker was among the many exhibitors who secured coveted table space despite the fair receiving more than 400 applications for around 130 tables, according to KQED.

Most astounding of all is the whole was pulled off by a core team of three dedicated powerhouses from the Minnesota Street Project Foundation—Emma-Caitlin Cooper, Lisa Ellsworth, Trinity West—plus fair director Gaelan McKeown and curator David Senior, with help from a bunch of local partners, noted 48 Hills. The event maintained its reputation as one of the Bay Area's most important free cultural gatherings.

Security and Safety Measures

Event security was provided by San Francisco-based Armada Protective Services, a company that has been serving the Bay Area since 1994 and was been recognized as the top security guard service provider by SFist earlier this year. A representative of Armada Protective Services told Hoodline, "We were happy to see that everyone felt safe, and that no noteworthy incident occurred, besides people enjoying the show." 

Notable Vendors and Offerings

The fair's exhibitor list read like a who's who of independent publishing. Dark Entries pitched their latest reprint "The Butch Manual," a tongue-in-cheek guide to the gay clone scene of the '80s. Mod Lit Books showcased vintage Cramps and The SF Eagle bar posters and a first edition Anarchist Cookbook. Karl Marx booty shorts were even available from Conventional Projects, as reported by 48 Hills.

Local institutions like McSweeney's, Chronicle Books, and Last Gasp shared space with international publishers and emerging zinemakers. The diversity of offerings reflected the fair's commitment to accessibility in publishing, with materials ranging from high-end art books to affordable DIY zines.

Looking Forward

The success of SFABF 2025 reinforces San Francisco's position as a vital hub for independent publishing and print culture. Truly a family effort that reflects what SF really is, concluded 48 hills' coverage. The event continues to grow each year while maintaining its free admission policy, supported by Minnesota Street Project Foundation and various sponsors including the Eames Institute and William Stout Architectural Books.

As one of the largest free arts events in the Bay Area, the SF Art Book Fair serves as both a marketplace and a cultural gathering point, connecting local creators with national and international publishing communities. The 2026 edition is already anticipated by the thousands of book lovers, artists, and publishers who made this year's fair another resounding success.