Guide to the Louisiana Book Festival
This free festival in Baton Rouge celebrates the love of literature, Louisiana authors and literary works inspired by the Bayou State.
Experience the Louisiana Book Festival
Louisiana’s literary history and thriving writing culture come alive each fall at the Louisiana Book Festival. Engage with more than 200 authors, poets and scholars, attend panel discussions and enjoy live entertainment at this free, family-friendly event.
About the 2026 Louisiana Book Festival
The Louisiana Book Festival returns to downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the State Library of Louisiana, Capitol Park Museum and surrounding Capitol Park area. Join 20,000 fellow bibliophiles for panels, discussions and readings, and meet more than 150 featured writers, from biography, history and true crime to science fiction, fantasy and mystery.
Bring the kiddos to the Young Readers’ Pavilion, which hosts children’s authors, crafts, face painting, balloon animals and other engaging activities for budding readers. And teens can meet Young Adult authors, participate in crafts and share favorite stories with fellow YA enthusiasts at the Teen HQ.
And don’t miss WordShops, informative writing workshops hosted by industry experts, on Friday, Oct. 30.
See the full lineup for the 2026 Louisiana Book Festival.
General Festival Information: Parking, Accessibility, Food & More
Find street parking throughout downtown Baton Rouge and in parking lots near the Capitol. Spaces in the Galvez Parking Garage on North Street will also be available.
Need more information while you’re exploring the festival? Information centers are located near the corner of N 4th Street and North Street, near the intersection of Spanish Town Road and N 4th Street, and in the breezeway on the ground floor of the State Capitol. There, you’ll find maps, schedules, programs, services for attendees with disabilities, and first aid and lost and found.
Free wheelchair accessible parking is available in the south parking lot of the State Library and in designated spaces at the southeastern corner of the Capitol. On the day of the festival, those with special needs may request on-site transportation at any information center. Sign language interpretation is available upon request at the information centers; however, service is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy food from a variety of local vendors on festival grounds. Sample chicken-on-a-stick, French fry nachos and funnel cakes, plus viral creations like Dubai chocolate strawberries.
Other Things to Do in Baton Rouge
This world-class literary celebration takes place in downtown Baton Rouge, where you’ll be surrounded by live music, local cuisine and public art. While you’re nearby, check out the Old State Capitol, which features artwork and historical exhibits that tell the story of Baton Rouge and Louisiana as a whole. The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest state capitol building in the country, and is a monument to Louisiana’s history — political and otherwise. Visit the Capitol Park Museum to explore even more of Louisiana’s storied history.
Head to one of Baton Rouge’s Cajun-inspired restaurants. Roberto’s River Road Restaurant serves Cajun and Creole dishes, like their famous shrimp Roberto, seafood-stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon and fried. At Mansurs on the Boulevard, start with oysters on the half shell, then dive into a cedar-roasted redfish, topped with Creole lemon-caper butter. And save room for a slice of old-fashioned lemon icebox pie from Elsie's Plate & Pie.
Learn More About Louisiana's Literary Legends
Ernest Gaines
Baton Rouge is also tied to the legacy of Ernest Gaines, one of Louisiana’s most celebrated writers. His novel “A Lesson Before Dying” captures the essence of Southern life, with themes of resilience, community and tradition. Food plays a special role in his stories — especially gumbo, which his characters describe as a dish to be enjoyed at any time.
Tennessee Williams
The literary connections don’t stop in Baton Rouge. Head to nearby New Orleans to explore the legacy of Tennessee Williams, best known for “A Streetcar Named Desire.” See the French Quarter's moody streets and old-world charm, much of which inspired the famous play. Find his former apartment on Toulouse Street, now part of the Historic New Orleans Collection.
Whether you’re here for literature, visual arts or live performances, Baton Rouge has a creative energy that’s impossible to ignore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Louisiana Book Festival happening in 2026?
Yes, the Louisiana Book Festival is happening in 2026. The 22nd annual event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, in downtown Baton Rouge.
Where is the Louisiana Book Festival?
The Louisiana Book Festival will be held in downtown Baton Rouge at the State Library of Louisiana, Capitol Park Museum and the surrounding Capitol Park area.
Where should I park for the Louisiana Book Festival?
Find street parking throughout downtown Baton Rouge and in parking lots near the Capitol. The Galvez Parking Garage, located on North Street, will also be available. Free wheelchair accessible parking is available in the south parking lot of the State Library and in designated spaces at the southeastern corner of the Capitol.
Is the Louisiana Book Festival accessible?
Yes, the Louisiana Book Festival provides plenty of options for travelers with accessibility needs. Free wheelchair accessible parking is available in the south parking lot of the State Library and in designated spaces at the southeastern corner of the Capitol. On the day of the festival, those with special needs may request on-site transportation at any information center. Sign language interpretation is available upon request at the information centers; however, service is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
