Excitement Builds for the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville!

Excitement Builds for the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville!

Get ready, book lovers! Nashville is gearing up for its annual Southern Festival of Books, a delightful celebration of the written word that has been enchanting bibliophiles for decades. This year, the festival will take place on the weekend of October 26-27, and you won’t want to miss it. With a jam-packed schedule of events, an impressive lineup of authors, and plenty of food to keep you fueled, Nashville will be the place to be!

A Rich Tradition

The Southern Festival of Books is one of the oldest literary festivals in the country, and it’s a free event that welcomes hundreds of authors and thousands of visitors to downtown Nashville. Hosted by the wonderful folks at Humanities Tennessee, this festival highlights the importance of literature in our lives.

Many areas of the festival will be buzzing with activity in the Bicentennial Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library & Archives. Saturday hours will run from 9am to 6pm, and Sunday will kick off at 10am and wrap up at 5pm. It’s the perfect opportunity for families, friends, and everyone in between to come together and celebrate the power of storytelling!

What’s Happening?

So, what can festival-goers expect when they arrive? Picture this: multiple performance stages featuring engaging talks and panel discussions, food trucks offering delicious local bites, and tons of exhibitors showcasing their latest books and literary works. It’s a book lover’s paradise!

This is a fantastic chance to meet a plethora of authors—all in one place! Among the notable authors attending this year are those whose works delve deep into Black life and history. These talents will shine a light on voices that have often been suppressed and overlooked. We’re talking about fascinating creations like:

• Southern History Remixed: On Rock ‘N’ Roll and The Dilemma of Race by Michael T. Bertrand
• A Taste for More: A Novel by Phyllis R. Dixon
• Daughters of Muscadine: Stories by Monic Ductan
• The Summer of 2020: George Floyd and the Resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement by Amanda Nell Edgar and Andre E. Johnson
• The Black Girl Survives In This One: Horror Stories by Desiree S. Evans
• John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg
• Beyond the Game: Maya Moore by Andrew Maraniss
• My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future by Alice Randall

These authors will discuss their works and the important themes within them, giving attendees the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and resilience.

Interactive and Inclusive

What’s more, the festival is all about engagement! You can grab the opportunity to ask questions during Q&A sessions, join book signings, and immerse yourself in thought-provoking discussions. It’s not just about the books, but the conversations that arise from them, bringing us closer as a community.

For those eager to dive deeper into the festival, the official website will be your go-to resource. It offers all the latest details on the authors, book schedules, and even an app for effortless navigation throughout the event. Make sure to check it out!

Join the Celebration!

So, mark your calendars for this extraordinary weekend of literature, culture, and community! Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a budding writer, or just looking for a fun outing with friends, the Southern Festival of Books has something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you in Nashville, where stories come alive!