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A storied tradition: 20 years of Bookmarks Festival

September 12, 2025 • 
Dalton Phillips
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1. An author posing for a selfie with a fan. 2. Booths with a replica train driving through the middle. 3. A large crowd inside listens to authors on a stage.

Photos courtesy Bookmarks

(Book)mark your calendars, because Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors is celebrating its 20-year anniversary Thursday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 28.

This locally run event has become one of the largest book festivals in the Carolinas — headlined by a free street festival in Downtown WS on Saturday, Sept. 27. Look forward to:

  • Author lectures
  • Food trucks + vendors
  • Book-themed activities for all ages

Plus, two ticketed keynote events we’re eyeing:

Hoda Kotb, former host of NBC’s Today show | Thursday, Sept. 25
Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, authors of the best-selling Percy Jackson series | Sunday, Sept. 28

Consider your weekend, booked

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