The bookish trend readers are loving
From book clubs to independent bookshops to public libraries, reading communities are gathering to enjoy audiobook walks together. The activity really took off in early 2026, and now we’re seeing them everywhere!
Not only are they a great way to enjoy an audiobook, but also to meet new people over a shared interest. And we can’t overlook the mental health benefits; they encourage you to spend time outside, move your body, and take a mini digital detox. And that’s on top of all the other benefits of reading on audio.
If you want to start an audiobook walking club, or just start taking your own, read on for tips.
A quick note: While we call them audiobook walks, really we mean any way you get outside to enjoy an audiobook!
Set the scene: who are you walking with?
Whether setting out alone for a moment to unplug or creating a walking club to encourage community, you can’t go wrong!
Try meeting up with a friend or two on a walk; catching up is important, and it’s also nice to just be together and enjoy parallel play.
If you start a club, think of it like a book club on the move. You can all decide in advance to listen to the same book, or each enjoy your current read alone, together.
The perfect read: an audiobook that captures your attention
That brings us to a very important part of the walk: the audiobook! Every audiobook walk requires a great read—one that will have you immersed in both your surroundings and the story. (The last thing you want is to feel uninterested, which can lead to checking your phone and even dreading the walk.)
If you’re not sure where to get started with audiobooks, try exploring your favorite genres or authors on audio, or full cast stories! We’ve created a playlist to help.
Plan your route: a walking route that you’ll enjoy
Do you have a go-to walking route? Maybe there’s a trail you’ve been eager to explore? Anything goes! Even a ten minute stroll around the neighborhood is a great way to take a midday work break.
If hosting a walk with others, consider accessibility and bathroom availability. And make sure your meeting location is clear so everyone can find you! Printed signs can help with this, and we’ve even seen some folks use lanyards, stickers, or pins to signal if someone’s up for chatting or prefers to listen quietly. We recommend a 45 minute walk that starts and ends at the same spot.
Prepare for the walk: what’s in your bag?
In addition to having an audiobook ready to go, you’ll want to remember headphones, comfy sneakers, and water on hand. If it’s nice out, make sure to bring a hat and extra sunscreen!
And if audiobook walks aren’t your thing…
You can still create community! Host a different type of meetup, such as a silent reading party, craft night, or readathon, where folks come together to enjoy audiobooks.
Support your indie bookshop: audiobooks and Libro.fm
With Libro.fm, your audiobooks always support the independent bookshop of your choice, no matter if you’re buying them via membership, credit bundles, or à la carte purchases.
In fact, we partner with more than 4,000 indies across the globe, so you’re likely walking near one! See if they host a walking club, or have your club conclude your meetup nearby to end the event with in-store browsing.
Want to get started?
Begin a Libro.fm one-credit per month membership using code SWITCH and you’ll get three audiobooks for the price of one! That means three audiobooks to enjoy from the start—just what you need to kick off your new favorite hobby: audiobook walks.