A signature program of Virginia Humanities, this year's festival will feature more than 80 events, many of them livestreamed, and more than 130 authors throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Since it’s the festival’s 30th anniversary, there are some big celebrations planned that book lovers across Virginia won’t want to miss. Here are some ways you can get your book fix at the festival.

Attend the Preview Event in Crozet

Get a taste of what to expect by attending the preview event in Crozet. This is one of nine preview events happening in locations across the state as a part of an intentional effort to make the festival accessible to more Virginians. And they’re a great way to discover what the larger festival is all about before making plans to come to Charlottesville for the main event.

March 8, 2024

The River Runs South

7PM — 8:30PM
Bluebird & Co. 
5792 Three Notch’d Rd
Crozet, VA

With the emotional richness of Sweet Home Alabama, this new novel by Audrey Ingram, The River Runs South is the story of Camille Taylor, whose life in the city breaks apart when her husband dies unexpectedly.

This event is free, but advance registration is required.

RSVP HERE

Discover New Authors

One of the best reasons to attend the festival is that you’ll discover authors who are sure to become your newest obsession. Every year, people tell us how they attended a book panel with authors they didn’t know, weren’t sure what to expect, and left with a stack of great new books to read. So, make some room on your bookshelf and bring a tote bag!

Dozens of Free Events Covering Every Genre

Whether you’re a fan of mysteries and crime, romance, historical fiction, memories, non-fiction, poetry, science fiction, or young adult books, you’re going to find something that ignites your passion in the festival schedule. Most Virginia Festival of the Book events are free to attend and require no ticket or advance registration. Just show up!

Take a Selfie with Bestselling Authors

A 2023 Festival of the Book attendee stops for a selfie with Nyle DiMarco.

A book sale and signing follow most of our events. This is your chance to meet authors like U.S. Poet Laureate and recent MacArthur “Genius” awardee Ada Limón, Senator Danica Roem, bestselling author and columnist Roxane Gay, Percival Everett, Jami Attenberg, Jeannette Walls, Sarah Weinman, and many, many more. Of course, you’ll want to commemorate that moment with a quick photo to share with all your friends!

Join the Celebration

The Charlottesville Poem Store and other entertainment will be at the Wordy Thirty gala on March 23rd.

2024 is the 30th anniversary of the festival, and we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate.

It all starts on Wednesday, March 20 at Common House with a ’90s themed rooftop party and Rob Harvilla discussing his book 60 Songs that Explain the ’90s. On Friday, March 22, Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall will erupt with a plethora of free, public bookish parties, celebrations, readings, and more that we’re calling “Festival Friday.”

But the big 30th celebration—the one you really don’t want to miss—is “Wordy Thirty,” a gala celebration on Saturday, March 23 at the Bradbury and Vault Virginia on the Downtown Mall.

Featuring music, dancing, book-themed entertainment, two VIP lounges, typewriter poets, and an exclusive signing salon with four festival headliners, the party promises to be one you won’t forget for the next thirty years. Three ticket tiers are available, each with a different party experience.

Plan Your Stay

Some ticketed events are already selling out. So, don’t delay: Start making plans now! A great place to start is VaBook.org, where you can create a Festival Bookmarks account. This lets you save your favorite events and share them with your friends, family, or book club.

While you’re at it, make a plan to stay at one of the many hotels, B&Bs, and boutique accommodations in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The Places to Stay map can help you decide if you want to stay close to the action on the Downtown Mall or in a cozy, countryside escape each night.

We can’t wait to see you soon!