Knoxville Book Festival 2026
May 2nd – 3rd — Knoxville Convention Center
The Knoxville Book Festival is a two-day celebration of literature, creativity, and community, created specifically for adult readers and writers. It’s a welcoming gathering place for book lovers of all kinds, where attendees meet favorite authors, discover new voices, and add plenty to their TBR lists while browsing a lively marketplace filled with books, reading accessories, and literary finds. It’s the kind of event where you can wander, explore, and stumble into something unexpected, the book festival you didn’t know you were missing.
Now in its second year, the festival builds on a strong debut that brought thousands of adult readers to downtown Knoxville. The 2026 event expands in every direction, offering a packed weekend of panels, workshops, signings, and interactive experiences designed with grown-up readers in mind and enjoyed at your own pace. From well-known authors to emerging voices, guests can freely engage, ask questions, and connect, with many authors offering signings and conversations included with admission.
Throughout the weekend, readers can drop into inspiring conversations on writing and creativity, participate in hands-on workshops, and connect with fellow book lovers in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite author, joining a spontaneous discussion, or simply soaking in the joy of being surrounded by books, there’s always something happening, and most of it is included with your ticket.
It’s a weekend full of books, conversation, and imagination, your new favorite book festival, happening right here in Knoxville.
The Knoxville Book Festival is a two-day celebration of literature, creativity, and community, created specifically for adult readers and writers. It’s a welcoming gathering place for book lovers of all kinds, where attendees meet favorite authors, discover new voices, and add plenty to their TBR lists while browsing a lively marketplace filled with books, reading accessories, and literary finds. It’s the kind of event where you can wander, explore, and stumble into something unexpected, the book festival you didn’t know you were missing.
Now in its second year, the festival builds on a strong debut that brought thousands of adult readers to downtown Knoxville. The 2026 event expands in every direction, offering a packed weekend of panels, workshops, signings, and interactive experiences designed with grown-up readers in mind and enjoyed at your own pace. From well-known authors to emerging voices, guests can freely engage, ask questions, and connect, with many authors offering signings and conversations included with admission.
Throughout the weekend, readers can drop into inspiring conversations on writing and creativity, participate in hands-on workshops, and connect with fellow book lovers in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite author, joining a spontaneous discussion, or simply soaking in the joy of being surrounded by books, there’s always something happening, and most of it is included with your ticket.
It’s a weekend full of books, conversation, and imagination, your new favorite book festival, happening right here in Knoxville.
Special guests
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Meet Sherrilyn Kenyon! #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dark-Hunter paranormal series that redefined urban fantasy. She’s also known for the Chronicles of Nick, The League sci-fi series, Deadman’s Cross, Lords of Avalon—and more!
James Dashner
Meet James Dashner! #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner and Maze Cutter series, including the recently released The Godhead Complex. He’s also known for The 13th Reality and Mortality Doctrine series—and more!
Featured Authors
Jordan Ritter Conn
Christy Cashman
Dona Minton
Piper Leigh Ion
Michael Evanichko
Judy Balloff
David Crownson
A.G. Mock
El Canney
Kenyon Henry
Ana K. Wrenn
Attending Authors
Patricia Gilliam
Brad Hylton
Bill Keyes
KC Hampton
C. L. Ledrod
jeri weems
Georgia Blake
Andrew Najberg
Alecia B. Kirby
Erin Chesnut
john holley
Lanie Boruff
Julie Nelson
The Smoking Gun
Sarah Wyland
Diane Kann
E.L. Reed
Cyndie Stocks
Tony Evans
n.s. anderson
Ronda Blevins
Path for Words
Chauncey McCormick
David L Preston
Dr. Charlene L. Lewis
Taila Cantrell
Blair Ryker
Christine Marshall
Ashley Tweed
Piper Leigh Ion
Pebbles Wireman
James E. Puckett Sr.
Aurelia Yates
Haley Athern
Marty Cosby
A. E. Engine
Suzanne Dana
Jadyn Lucas
a.n. anderson
Kenyon Henry
Katarina D’Beers
Stephanie Edwards
keith robinson
J.K Thomas
Jacques Mersereau
leslie jordan henry
Burkshelf
Sarah Elizabeth
elizabeth rammel
K.R. Gadeken
Elizabeth Horton-Newton
Lili Vincent
Kimberly Collins
Michelle Bennington
Haley Anna Marie
R. Barry Andrews
Kathy Clark
J. Michael Vagott
T.D. Bohanan
David L. Page
Christopher Loric
Tristiny Bell
E. L. Canney
Ransom D. Coslett
Joe Egan
L.M. Dodds
emily kackert
C. S. Devereaux
Hannah Lindsey
brian radford
Laurie Herlich
shannon collins
Barking Cur
Destiny A. W.
Alexandra Armstong
Robert Essig
J. B. Stephens
jj park
Summer S. Ritz
Nancy E. Dunne
Lyndie Ferguson
L.P. Brooks
Erika Kathryn
Sage Kafsky
Dr. Yanique Rolingson
CL Monroe
Seth Tucker
Judy Balloff
Jim Christopher
Julia Fisher
Krysti Gardner
Kaylin Render
Michael Evanichko
Alex Gordon
Maya Fisher
allen sircy
Nikki Jefford
Josephine Chappell
E.N. Laurier
Jessi Waters
amy curry
Sylver Michaela
Pepper Phoenix
Rachel Enriquez
Link Rayburn
Nikki Harlow
Ana K. Wrenn
Alfred Muller
Samantha Hickey
JL-Lawrence
Janet Walden-West
C.L. Thomas
Tocker Joneson
Richard C. White
Rebecca Johnson
michaella harris
Publishers
Vendors
KBF Has expanded its vendor floor to offer even more shopping experiences! There’s truly something for everyone at your new favorite book festival!
Panels, Workshops, & Classes
Knoxville Book Festival has expanded our things-to-do lineup more than four times over. This year features five classroom areas offering everything from author talks to hands-on workshops where you can create unique, book-inspired items.
Check back soon for more announcements!
We’ve got a lot of exciting things in the works for 2026, and we’re expanding to make the Knoxville Book Festival even bigger and better than last year. Stay tuned for announcements on special guests, new events, and more surprises coming soon!
In the meantime, check out last year’s show!
