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Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors returns downtown for 18th year

The literary arts nonprofit’s Festival of Books and Authors is a celebration of stories from around the world.

WStoday_Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors

The 2022 Festival of Books and Authors drew more than 20,000 attendees to downtown Winston-Salem.

Photo provided by Bookmarks

Table of Contents

Calling all literature lovers: the Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors is your chance to meet beloved authors, explore new genres, and meet other fellow bookworms. The festival is open to all ages and is free to attend.

Keep reading for what you should know.

Where it’s happening

  • Rain or shine, the festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 23.
  • Activities are planned on Spruce and Poplar Streets and Holly Avenue in downtown Winston-Salem (in and around the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts).
  • Morning Keynote starts at 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church at 501 W. 5th St.
  • Events are scheduled at Calvary Moravian Church, Hanesbrands Theatre, Reynolds Place, Footnote, and the kids stage at Winston Square Park.
  • Use the full schedule and map to plan your day.

Where to park

  • Park for free at First Baptist Church, the corner of 6th and Poplar Streets, and the Flow Visitor Lot #2 on Spruce Street.
  • Street parking is available at 2nd & Spruce Streets, and on 4th, 5th, and Spring Streets.
  • Pay to park in nearby parking decks.
  • Handicap parking is available on Poplar Street.

Meet the authors

The festival will feature panels and meet-and-greets with 50 up-and-coming + well-known authors.

To get your book signed:

  • Buy a copy from the Bookmarks bookstore off West 4th Street. It will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Purchase a copy from the bookstore tent on Holly Avenue.
  • Bring a copy from home.
mother-and-child-reading

Storytimes and family activities will keep children entertained.

Photo provided by Bookmarks

More than books

  • Bring cash for food trucks set up in the parking lot between Poplar and Spruce Streets.
  • Visit vendors and exhibitors along the festival route.
  • Events tonight and Friday are ticketed.
  • $10 raffle tickets offer a chance to win prizes and keep the festival free.