Lexington Book Festival 2027

An annual regional festival that celebrates books and storytelling with author talks, panels, and community engagement, drawing publishers, authors, and book lovers together.

Lexington Book Festival 2027

The Lexington Book Festival is set for Saturday, April 17, 2027, in Lexington, North Carolina. The organizer says the 2027 author lineup will be announced in November.

What it is

The festival is a one-day gathering of readers and writers run by the Lexington Book Festival, a 501(c)(3) literary arts nonprofit whose stated mission is "to connect readers and writers." It is staffed entirely by volunteers and paid for through grants, individual donations, sponsors and vendors, and the organizer says it fundraises to keep the festival free. The first festival was held in 2023. The program brings in authors of fiction and nonfiction, with sessions for children, teens and adults.

How the day works

The organizer's attendee tips describe the format:

• Authors appear in panel discussions, which are meant as conversations about writing and inspiration rather than readings, and are kept (mostly) spoiler-free.
• Children's authors give storytimes where they read their books.
• Panels start on the hour and run 45 minutes, with 15 minutes between sessions.
• Seating is limited and rooms are not filled past their chairs, so arrive early for authors you want to see.
• Books by the featured authors are sold on site by Pig City Books, in limited numbers, and the day includes book signings.
• The festival runs rain or shine.

In past years all events were held at Arts Davidson, 202 N. Main Street, with sessions in the Black Box Theatre and an Auxiliary Space, plus indoor and outdoor vendor areas nearby. The organizer has not yet posted the 2027 venue or schedule, so check the site before you go.

Vendors and volunteers

The vendor area mixes local businesses and independent authors selling their own books. Volunteers must be at least 15, and those under 18 need a parent's signature.