Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors

Saturday’s festival is spread across downtown Winston-Salem, primarily around the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts and Spruce Street, as well as near Bookmarks at Fourth and Holly streets. Calvary Moravian Church will also host author programming. For information on the location for keynote events, panels, and additional events throughout the rest of the weekend, please visit the festival website.

The main Saturday festival is free to attend, including author panels, readings, signings, family activities, and the marketplace. The Friday opening keynote with John Green and Sunday closing keynote with Jodi Picoult require separate $40 tickets, plus taxes and fees, and each ticket includes a copy of the featured author’s book.

The parking lot behind Bookmarks will not be available to festival attendees, and several nearby lots will be reserved for staff, volunteers, exhibitors, and accessible parking. 

Free parking will be available at Truist Stadium and the Elberson Fine Arts Center, with complimentary shuttles running to the festival area. Additional options are available throughout downtown in various parking decks, as well as metered street parking for short-term visits.

Yes, the festival is a perfect option for families with children of all ages. There is a dedicated Kids Area where you’ll find a DJ, story time, games, interactive activities, plus a Kids’ Signing Tent and festival train.

For help planning a full family-friendly weekend, check out our guide here.

Yes. The festival takes place rain or shine, with author panels held indoors and book signings, vendors, and other activities taking place under covered outdoor tents.

The signing times will be listed on the festival schedule, and it’s a good idea to arrive early for especially popular authors. 

Some signing lines require you to purchase the author’s featured book from Bookmarks, and organizers recommend prioritizing a few favorite books rather than bringing a large stack from home.