Los Angeles marks Anne Rice Day with vampire-themed book fair

Los Angeles is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Interview with the Vampire with an Anne Rice Day resolution, a Rare Books LA fair at Union Station, and related events across the city this weekend. The lineup includes a blood drive, a special exhibit, and appearances by Christopher Rice, Eric Shaw Quinn, and Leigh Bardugo.

Why it matters: - Los Angeles is using Anne Rice’s 50th-anniversary milestone to spotlight her influence on gothic horror, self-identity, and fan communities. - The weekend ties literary celebration to civic recognition, transit access, philanthropy, and blood donation. - The event also gives readers access to rare vampire-related material and a special anniversary edition of Interview with the Vampire.

What happened: - Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a resolution proclaiming October 4 as “Anne Rice Day” in the City of Los Angeles. - The proclamation marks Anne Rice’s birthday and her literary legacy. - Rare Books LA Union Station returns to Los Angeles Union Station on October 3-4. - The fair centers on the 50th anniversary of Interview with the Vampire. - Rare Books LA is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross and the Mozaic at Union Station Apartments on Friday, October 2. - Participants in the blood drive receive free weekend admission to the book fair. - More details and registration are available at rarebooksla.com.

The details: - The fair features antiquarian books, maps, fine prints, and book arts. - A special 50th anniversary edition of Interview with the Vampire, published by Alfred A. Knopf, is available bundled with a fundraiser ticket benefiting the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. - A vampire-themed exhibit will include The Vampyre, John William Polidori’s 1819 work, and a first edition of Interview with the Vampire. - Other highlights include the black lace gothic dress Anne Rice wore to book signings. - Christopher Rice and Eric Shaw Quinn will take part in an intimate conversation at the fair. - More than 50 exhibitors from London to Los Angeles and other cities will fill the Ticket Concourse at Union Station. - Metro, Metrolink, Metro Rail, and Amtrak are part of the transit-friendly setup. - The fair opens an hour earlier on Sunday for 2026. - Rare Books LA Union Station is at 800 N. Alameda Street. - Public hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, October 3, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, October 4. - Quinn and Rice said they look forward to sharing memories of Anne and thoughts on her legacy with Southern California fans. - They produced a documentary and celebration of Rice’s life for a standing-room-only audience in New Orleans last year.

Between the lines: - The timing shows how literary anniversaries can be used to create civic programming, not just retail events. - Pairing a blood drive with free admission adds a community-service layer to a collector-focused fair. - The transit emphasis suggests the organizers want the event to be accessible beyond the local collector base.

What’s next: - Christopher Rice and Eric Shaw Quinn will discuss Anne Rice’s life and legacy with best-selling author Leigh Bardugo on Monday, October 5 at 7 pm. - The discussion will take place at a Vroman’s event at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. - Ticket information is available at annerice.com.

The bottom line: - Los Angeles is turning Anne Rice’s 50th anniversary into a citywide celebration that blends literature, civic recognition, and fan culture.