The Mississippi Book Festival, a nonprofit founded by literacy advocates, launched in August 2015 on the State Capitol grounds and continues to draw thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” and book lovers’ celebration.
By its third year, the festival’s attendance reached 6,400 with 45 official panel discussions and activities at 10 different venues. Hundreds more enjoyed the festive music, food, social and retail vibe on the grounds outdoors. C-SPAN coverage expands its reach through live and later viewing.
Hundreds of contemporary authors — national, regional and local — connect directly with fans and new readers, as invited guests on Official Panels that explore in-depth themes, or along Authors Alley, the festival’s hub for self-published authors.
The historic setting and lovely grounds of the Mississippi State Capitol, nearby Galloway church and surrounding streets become a book lover’s playground with hundreds of visiting authors, panel discussions, book signings, booksellers, live music, tours, food trucks and kid/teen activities. Sponsored events and interactive fun roll out the welcome mat for families and engage even the youngest readers in the festival’s Kids Corner. There, the focus on books and authors ignites the imagination and sets the stage for a lifelong love of books.
