Get Ready for the 2025 Louisiana Book Festival

On Saturday, November 1, the Louisiana Book Festival—a grand celebration of literature, authors, readers and books—will be held in downtown Baton Rouge.

Every fall, the Louisiana Book Festival is a fantastic chance for writers, booksellers, publishers, academic programs, and various literary-related enterprises and organizations to present their products and services to thousands of avid readers in Louisiana’s capital. An estimated 20,000 people are expected to attend the event, making it a significant literary gathering. 

More than 175 authors will be featured at the festival, with their books having been published 18 months prior. The books presented at the festival range from fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, poetry, children’s, new adult literature and art/architecture titles. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy at this event.

We’re excited to announce that authors Emily Carpenter, Rosey Lee, Sue Strachan, Nichole Beauchamp and Jennifer Moorhead will be at the festival this year—all celebrated in Deep South Magazine!

On October 31, there will be an author’s party to thank the featured writers, poets, panelists and sponsors. Anyone is welcome to attend with the purchase of a ticket. The party will include food, beverages and live music.

Also on the 31st at the State Library of Louisiana will be a series of workshops designed to provide attendees with hands-on experience in the craft of writing and the business that accompanies it. WordShops provide valuable educational opportunities in a welcoming and relaxed setting, suitable for both beginner and experienced writers, as well as anyone who appreciates literature and engaging discussions. These workshops are beneficial for participants of all experience levels.

The four “Wordshops” scheduled include: “Does Your Writing Smell? The Power of ‘The Fifth Sense,'” presented by Julie Kane; “Building a Writing Career,” led by Michele Filgate; “The Great Character Surrender,” facilitated by Kionna Walker LeMalle; and “Selling Your Story: Strategies from a Top-Selling Literary Agent,” presented by Jesse Byrd.

Additionally, participants are invited to engage in the One Book, One Festival discussion led by Dr. Gary Richards. The 2025 One Book, One Festival selection features a trio of stories by Kate Chopin, including “At the ‘Cadian Ball,” “La Belle Zoraide” and ‘Athenaise.” Attendees are encouraged to read these stories in advance to participate in and fully contribute to the discussion.

The Louisiana Book Festival will feature events specifically designed for teenagers and children. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in presentations and discussions led by young authors. Additionally, there will be engaging activities and crafts available for participants. Programs for young readers take place throughout the day in the State Library and Young Readers Pavilion, located in front of the State Library, and includes an activities tent, storytelling tent, writing enrichment tent and face painting tent, plus crafts and costumed storybook characters.

The Louisiana Book Festival offers engaging activities and interactions for all ages. This is an event you won’t want to miss. Visit https://louisianabookfestival.org/ for more information and tickets.