Oct 16, 2026 - Things to Do

Bookworm's paradise at Nashville's 38th annual Southern Festival of Books

Adam Tamburin

Animated illustration of a book that opens to a page about halfway through, where an event ticket is revealed. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

Bookworms across Nashville have a big weekend ahead, with the 38th annual Southern Festival of Books set to bring more than 200 authors together for a free, two-day celebration of the written word.

Why it matters: Readers will get a chance to hear from some of their favorite writers, including local star Ann Patchett and bestseller Kathryn Stockett.

Attendees also get a chance to celebrate the legacy of literacy advocate Dolly Parton, who happily embraced her reputation as "the book lady."

State of play: This year's lineup also includes appearances from Elizabeth Kostova, Maria Semple, poet Claudia Rankine, and Pulitzer Prize winners Jayne Anne Phillips and Ayad Akhtar.

The intrigue: A special "Butterfly Book" installation outside the Tennessee State Museum will celebrate Parton's life and her impact as founder of the Imagination Library.

Zoom in: A newly expanded children's area offers bookmaking, art projects, puppet shows and other activities.

Some 120 literary vendors and exhibitors will be on hand, and there will be author signings, food trucks, live music and performances.

Of note: Several sessions will spotlight Nashville history, including books about the Belcourt Theatre and the expulsion of civil rights leader James Lawson from Vanderbilt University.

If you go: The festival, presented by Humanities Tennessee and Vanderbilt University, runs 9am–6pm Saturday and 10am–5pm Sunday at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Find the full lineup and schedule at sofestofbooks.org.

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Bookworm's paradise at Nashville's 38th annual Southern Festival of Books

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