150+ Authors Coming to Charlottesville
Charlottesville - Virginia Humanities recently announced the full schedule for the 2026 Virginia Festival of the Book.
More than 150 authors and special guests will visit Charlottesville for this beloved annual tradition that brings together writers and readers to promote books, reading, literacy, and literary culture. Themed broadly around the concept of “Revolutions” in recognition of the America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 Virginia Festival of the Book will include a stellar slate of authors and events, bringing out the best in poetry, children’s literature, fiction and non-fiction.
"We're thrilled about our slate of authors and events," said Kalela Williams, who directs the Virginia Center for the Book at Virginia Humanities. "We've worked hard to put together a festival that can draw everyone in, from all walks of life. Whether you're an avid reader or whether you don't consider yourself a 'book person,' there's something for you here." Williams adds that the Festival is especially excited to host events that go beyond traditional panel discussions, such as performances, a live podcast recording, writing workshops, a bookshop tour, and other unique programs.
Most of the nearly 100 book events are free to attend with a few requiring paid tickets. Book lovers can register for free events and purchase tickets at VaBook.org/festival.
Festival of the Book Highlights Include:
- Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age with Ibram X. Kendi on Friday, March 20 | 2PM – 3PM
- Same Page Community Read: The House of Eve with Sadeqa Johnson on Friday, March 20 | 6PM – 7:30PM
- Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon with Laurie Gwen Shapiro on Saturday, March 21 | 12PM – 1:30PM
- Art Work: On the Creative Life with Sally Mann on Saturday, March 21 | 1PM – 3PM
- Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson Author Talk and Historic Fashion Demo on Saturday, March 21 | 6:30PM – 8:30PM
The full schedule, registration information, and more is at VaBook.org/festival.
About Virginia Humanities
Virginia Humanities is the state humanities council. We aim to tell the stories of all Virginians — or, better yet, find ways for people to tell their own stories. We want Virginians to connect with their history and culture and, in doing that, we hope we will all get to know each other a little better. Virginia Humanities is headquartered in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia, but our work covers the commonwealth. Founded in 1974, we are one of 56 humanities councils created by Congress with money and support from the National Endowment for the Humanities to make the humanities available to all Americans. To learn more visit VirginiaHumanities.org.
