Book lovers will gather in Charlottesville this month for the 30th annual Virginia Festival of the Book, a literary festival put on by Virginia Humanities. The event will bring together readers and writers to celebrate all things literary, through author talks, book signings, and social events. The festival runs from March 20 to March 24.
The festival schedule has over 80 events with 130 authors, including some preview events throughout Virginia that lead up to the main event. Many of the literary events are free and open to the public, though headliners and some special events require tickets.
“We’re pulling out all the stops when it comes to celebrating our 30th anniversary,” said festival director Kalela Williams. “We’re starting with a ‘90s-themed rooftop party featuring Rob Harvilla, author of 60 Songs that Explain the ‘90s, and concluding with a toast at Decipher Brewing. But the big 30th celebration everyone is talking about is Wordy Thirty.”
Wordy Thirty, happening March 23 at The Bradbury and Vault Virginia, is a gala to celebrate the anniversary. There will be a DJ, poets writing on typewriters, and signings from festival headliners Roxanne Gay, Jeannette Walls, Adriana Trigiani, and U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. Wordy Thirty does require tickets, starting at $30.
A full lineup of events is available on the festival’s website — here’s a sampling of those you won’t want to miss.
Burn The Page with Danica Roem
March 23, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Danica Roem, the first transgender U.S. senator from Virginia, dives into her memoir Burn the Page: A True Story of Torching Doubts, Blazing Trails, and Igniting Change. The sitting senator will talk with Gary Nimax, chair of University of Virginia’s LGBTQ committee. The Paramount Theatre: 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville, $15
The Hurting Kind and Other Poems: U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón
March 23, 1–2:30 p.m.
Hear from the U.S. poet laureate, the author of six books of poetry including National Book Award finalist Bright Dead Things, as she explores her works of poetry. The Paramount Theatre: 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville, $30
Opinions with Roxane Gay
March 23, 4–5:30 p.m.
Writer Roxane Gay, known for her sharp and witty social commentary in books like Bad Feminist, will discuss her most recent book and provide audience members with advice. The Paramount Theatre: 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville, $30
Book Tour: James by Percival Everett
March 23, 6:30–8 p.m.
Pulitzer Prize finalist Percival Everett will discuss his brand-new novel James, a reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It’s set to be released on March 19, so you can be among the first to hear from the author on his new work. Signed copies will be available for sale. The Paramount Theatre: 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville, $15
Tip: You can purchase just one pass to see Roem, Limón, Gay, and Everett’s events at the Paramount Theatre with priority seating for $75.
Festival Friday
March 22, 5–8 p.m.
Bookshops and businesses in downtown Charlottesville will stay open later and offer special events. Head to the Omni Hotel for refreshments, book sales, and printmaking demonstrations, or go to Second Act Books for readings from Virginia-based authors. Downtown Mall, Charlottesville, free
Same Page Community Read: Florence Adler Swims Forever
March 20, 5:30–7 p.m.
The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library picks one book each year and encourages the community to read it and join in conversation together. This year’s pick is Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland. Get reading now, then join Beanland to discuss the novel with other book lovers. Jefferson School African American Heritage Center: 233 Fourth St. NW, Charlottesville, free
Feature image of author Lisa Ko at 2018 Virginia Festival of the Book (Photo by Pat Jarrett/Virginia Humanities)
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