Virginia Festival of the Book

Do you like to spend those cold rainy or snowy days curled up with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and a nice long book?  Well, fellow bibliophiles, with spring comes your new favorite event:  The Virginia Festival of the Book. Held each year during the 3rd week of March, the Festival includes programs and events in bookstores, libraries, theaters, schools, and other venues at the University of Virginia, and across greater Charlottesville and Albemarle County. With its inception in the mid-90's, the Festival is the largest community-based book event in the mid-Atlantic, with annual attendance exceeding 20,000 book lovers. 

Over the years, the Festival has hosted dozens of fascinating authors who speak about their craft or topical specialties in workshops and participate in book readings. Past participants have included David Baldacci, John Grisham, Jim Lehrer, Frances Mayes, Colum McCann, David McCullough, Alice McDermott, Pete Seeger, and Joseph Stiglitz. Most of the events during the Festival are free, though a few ticketed events are not. There are over 70 venues hosting various events throughout the week, from traditional author readings and book signings to hands-on workshops, so be sure to map your week out beforehand and purchase tickets when necessary. And keep in mind the there are lunch banquet events each day, so if you enjoy books AND food, then you'll want to be sure to sign up for those.

Check out The Virginia Festival of the Book website for dates, details, and ticket information for upcoming events. And when you're ready to curl up with one of the great books featured at the Festival, we have a comfy room waiting for you here at Afton Mountain B&B. We look forward to seeing you at the festival! Happy reading!