Humanities Tennessee

Celebrated authors and avid readers came together in downtown Nashville Oct. 17–18 for the 2026 Southern Festival of Books, presented by Vanderbilt University in collaboration with Humanities Tennessee. Festivalgoers enjoyed blue skies, crisp fall weather, and talks and book signings by nearly 200 acclaimed national authors, experts and thought leaders. Children’s activities, art displays, musical performances, food trucks and vendor booths were all part of the weekend fun. Read More

For 38 years, the Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word has brought readers and writers together to celebrate the power of storytelling. A program of Humanities Tennessee, now presented by Vanderbilt University, the free public festival is one of the nation’s longest-running literary gatherings. It draws more than 25,000 attendees to Nashville each fall. Read More

The 2026 Southern Festival of Books, presented by Vanderbilt University in partnership with Humanities Tennessee, will connect celebrated authors from wide-ranging genres with a vast community that shares their passion for creative expression. Many writers and performers with Vanderbilt ties will be featured at the annual literary festival, which returns to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Tennessee State Museum, and Tennessee State Library and Archives Oct. 17–18. Admission is free. Read More

Humanities Tennessee, in partnership with Vanderbilt University, today announced exciting updates to the author lineup for the 2026 Southern Festival of Books. Joining the packed schedule of authors is Pulitzer Prize recipient Jayne Anne Phillips, New York Times bestselling authors PC Cast and Sarah Beth Durst, actress Danica McKellar, Nashville historian Benjamin Houston and more.   Read More

Check out the initial author lineup for the 2026 Southern Festival of Books! Read More

The Vanderbilt University English Language Center and Residential Colleges recently partnered for the Explore Nashville program to provide students with an enriching cultural experience connected to the Southern Festival of Books. The festival was co-presented by Vanderbilt University… Read More

The 2025 Southern Festival of Books, presented by Vanderbilt University in partnership with Humanities Tennessee, will connect faculty, students, alumni and others with university ties to a vast community that shares their love for creative expression. The festival, now in its 37th year, will be at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee State Library and Archives Oct. 18–19. Admission is free. Read More

This year’s event will be titled “Vanderbilt University Presents: The Southern Festival of Books, a program of Humanities Tennessee,” marking a new chapter in the life of this storied public event and reflecting Vanderbilt’s deepening investment in the cultural, civic and intellectual fabric of the region. The continuation of the festival is a testament to the power of community. After months of uncertainty following the termination of federal funding, Tennesseans will have the opportunity to celebrate the return of this free event that connects authors and readers at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum and the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Read More