Nashville’s Southern Festival of Books Set to Celebrate Literature and Local Talent This October

Nashville Welcomes the Southern Festival of Books – October 26-27

Hey there, Nashville! It’s that exciting time of year again, where books, food, and a lively atmosphere come together for the 36th Annual Southern Festival of Books. Mark your calendars for the weekend of October 26-27, because you won’t want to miss this fantastic celebration of the written word taking place across some of the city’s most beautiful venues: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

A Reader’s Paradise Awaits

Now, what can you expect at this year’s festival? For starters, the weather is typically just heavenly in late October, making it a perfect time to stroll around, grab a bite from one of the many food trucks, and immerse yourself in literary joy. With hundreds of authors showcasing their work and thousands of visitors sharing their love for books, it’s sure to be a vibrant two days!

Food and Stories: The Best of Both Worlds

This year’s lineup features a delightful focus on food-related literature. One of the highlights is Alice Driver’s book, Life and Death of the American Worker, which delves into the challenging realities of employment at Tyson Foods, shedding light on employee mistreatment. If you’re in the mood for something more personal, check out Crystal Wilkinson’s culinary memoir, Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, where she captures the essence of five generations of Black Appalachian women and their rich culinary traditions.

Fiction that Inspires

On the fiction front, we have the exciting Jayne Anne Phillips, whose novel Night Watch clinched a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Her work has been celebrated for its evocative storytelling, making her one of the must-see speakers at the festival.

Nashville’s Talented Voices

This year’s festival proudly showcases a fantastic selection of local talent. You might recall our Crawl Space column from monthly publications about First Saturday visual-art events in Nashville. Well, here’s some exciting news: Joe Nolan, a longtime contributor, will be presenting his book Nowville, which explores Nashville’s underground art scene and will be released just in time for the festival!

Former staffers from local publications, such as Margaret Renkl and Steven Hale, are also slated to host events. Renkl will discuss her book Leaf, Cloud, Crow alongside her brother, the local artist Billy Renkl, while Hale will delve into Death Row Welcomes You, sharing the stage with author Joe Ingle, who provides a gripping account of his experiences with death row inmates in his book Too Close to the Flame.

Thought-Provoking Discussions

Another notable speaker, Betsy Phillips, will take the stage to discuss her book Dynamite Nashville: Unmasking the FBI, the KKK, and the Bombers Beyond Their Control, alongside historian Aran Shetterly. This conversation promises to delve into Nashville’s complex history, shedding light on themes that resonate today.

Get Ready to Join the Fun!

To keep things running smoothly, be sure to check out sofestofbooks.org for the complete schedule of events. For a nifty twist, you can download the free SFOB app! This little gem will help you navigate your way around the festival, giving you access to daily schedules, maps of event spaces, and enlightening links to learn more about each author.

Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just starting to explore the world of reading, the Southern Festival of Books is a destination you won’t want to miss! Gather your family and friends and head out for a weekend filled with stories, discussions, and festivities. Let’s celebrate the power of words together!