2024 Book Festivals in The South
With a rich literary history and world-class universities, it's no wonder that the American South has so many book festivals. Here are some of the best festivals coming in 2024.
Arkansas Book Festivals
Six Bridges Book Festival | Little Rock, Arkansas
TBD
Presented by the Central Arkansas Library system, the 21st edition has not yet been announced. The 2023 festival took place in late September. Follow the festival on Facebook for updates.
Florida Book Festivals
Southwest Florida Reading Festival | Fort Myers, Florida
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Held at the Fort Myers Regional Library, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival is celebrating its 25th year and will feature 29 authors.
Southwest Florida Reading Festival
Books by the Bay | Pensacola, Florida
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Books by the Bay focuses on exchanging knowledge and literary appreciation. Visitors will have a chance to explore many different genres, attend workshops, and connect with authors.
Word of [South] | Tallahassee, Florida
Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27, 2024
Word of [South] is a unique festival that blends writers and musicians and explores the relationship between the two arts. The Flaming Lips will be playing at this free festival as well as a wide range of musicians of different genres.
Miami Book Fair | Miami, Florida
TBD
While the 2024 event has not been announced yet, 2024 had a ton of authors who participated. Last year's event took place in November. Follow the fair on Facebook for updates.
Georgia Book Festivals
Savannah Book Festival | Savannah, Georgia
Thursday, February 15 - Sunday, February 18, 2024
Since 2008, the SBF has presented many nationally acclaimed authors to thousands of book lovers. There are three ticketed events, and the festival is free on Saturday, February 17.
Dahlonega Literary Festival | Dahlonega, Georgia
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Featuring 20 authors and an afternoon session with Sharyn McCrumb, this festival is in the historic downtown of Dahlonega, Georgia.
Kentucky Book Festivals
Kentucky Book Festival | Lexington, Kentucky
TBD
The 2023 edition was in October, so check their Facebook page for updates.
Louisville Book Festival | Louisville, Kentucky
Friday, October 18 & Saturday, October 19, 2024
As of this writing, the 2024 program is not available. Follow the Louisville Book Festival on Facebook or check their website for updates.
SOKY Book Fest (WCPL Book Fest) | Bowling Green, Kentucky
Saturday, September 21, 2024
The 2024 Southern Kentucky Book Fest will occur with a new name, WCPL Book Fest. For information, follow their Facebook Page.
Louisiana Book Festivals
New Orleans Book Festival | New Orleans, Louisiana
Thursday, March 14 - Saturday, March 16, 2024
The New Orleans Book festival, a "Mardi Gras for the Mind," is a free event held at Tulane University. The event aligns with the New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and will have overlapping programming on Thursday, March 14.
Mississippi Book Festivals
Mississippi Book Festival | Jackson, Mississippi
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Distinguished panelists, a bustling marketplace, and a hub of literary discussions. Connect with authors and fellow readers at this "literary lawn party."
North Carolina Book Festivals
Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors | Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Saturday, September 28, 2024
In addition to Saturday, the festival has special ticketed events and keynotes on Thursday, September 26, Friday, September 27, and Sunday, September 29.
Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors
South Carolina Book Festivals
Charleston Literary Festival | Charleston, South Carolina
Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 10, 2024
The Charleston Literary Festival gives book lovers over a week of amazing programming at various locations in Charleston. While the lineup has yet to announced, follow the festival on Facebook for updates.
Tennessee Book Festivals
Southern Festival of Books | Nashville, Tennessee
Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27, 2024
This free literary festival, one of the oldest in the United States, is a free event and includes performances, food trucks, and a ton of publishers and booksellers. The full lineup will be announced in July, and you can subscribe to receive updates and/or follow the festival on Facebook.
Texas Book Festivals
San Antonio Book Festival | San Antonio, Texas
Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27, 2024
Located at the Carver Cultural Community Center, this festival packs amazing book programming into one day.
Texas Book Festival | Austin, Texas
Saturday, November 16 & Sunday, November 17, 2024
Founded in 1995, the Texas Book Festival's mission is "to inspire Texans of all ages to love reading." Expect a huge variety of events, vendors from across the country, and activities for kids.
Virginia Book Festivals
Virginia Festival of the Book | Charlottesville, Virginia
Wednesday, March 20 - Sunday, March 24, 2024
Enjoy five days of literary excellence and fun parties at the Virginia Festival of the Book's 30th anniversary event. Event tickets are available here and they offer a discounted hotel room rate.
West Virginia Book Festivals
West Virginia Book Festival | Charleston, West Virginia
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Located at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, the West Virginia Book Festival is a free event featuring local and international bestselling authors.
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