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 young adult/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 young adult/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
Kenyon Henry
Michael Evanichko
Judy Balloff
David Crownson
El Canney
Piper Leigh Ion
A.G. Mock
Jordan Ritter Conn
Ana K. Wrenn
Dona Minton
Attending Authors
Andrew Najberg
Ana K. Wrenn
a.n. anderson
Dr. Yanique Rolingson
Joe Egan
Jadyn Lucas
Sarah Wyland
Nancy E. Dunne
Kaylin Render
Barking Cur
Josephine Chappell
CL Monroe
L.P. Brooks
Diane Kann
Elizabeth Horton-Newton
shannon collins
jj park
Path for Words
E.L. Reed
Rebecca Johnson
michaella harris
Michael Evanichko
Jacques Mersereau
Samantha Hickey
KC Hampton
leslie jordan henry
J.K Thomas
allen sircy
Erin Chesnut
Krysti Gardner
Ronda Blevins
Chauncey McCormick
Stephanie Edwards
Summer S. Ritz
C.L. Thomas
Aurelia Yates
Ashley Tweed
marie lestrange
Tristiny Bell
Georgia Blake
Haley Athern
L.M. Dodds
Jim Christopher
Marty Cosby
Dr. Charlene L. Lewis
emily kackert
David L. Page
Julie Nelson
amy curry
Sarah Elizabeth
Ransom D. Coslett
Cyndie Stocks
Tony Evans
T.D. Bohanan
Robert Essig
Laurie Herlich
Alfred Muller
K.R. Gadeken
elizabeth rammel
Kathy Clark
R. Barry Andrews
J. Michael Vagott
Alecia B. Kirby
Piper Leigh Ion
Maya Fisher
Christine Marshall
Katarina D’Beers
eva gibson
Marie & Bert Lestrange
Lanie Boruff
Pebbles Wireman
Rachel Enriquez
Alex Gordon
Sage Kafsky
brian radford
jeri weems
rachel clift
David L Preston
C. S. Devereaux
Jessi Waters
Lyndie Ferguson
Pepper Phoenix
Julia Fisher
JL-Lawrence
Hannah Lindsey
Nikki Jefford
Taila Cantrell
Blair Ryker
Michelle Bennington
C. L. Ledrod
Kimberly Collins
Christopher Loric
Erika Kathryn
Patricia Gilliam
Judy Balloff
J. B. Stephens
Tocker Joneson
n.s. anderson
A. E. Engine
Kenyon Henry
Alexandra Armstong
Burkshelf
Richard C. White
john holley
Brad Hylton
Suzanne Dana
Link Rayburn
Lili Vincent
keith robinson
Seth Tucker
Sylver Michaela
E. L. Canney
Destiny A. W.
Janet Walden-West
Nikki Harlow
Haley Anna Marie
The Smoking Gun
catherine yael serota
James E. Puckett Sr.
john st james
E.N. Laurier
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
KBF Schedule!
Event Hours
Saturday, May 2nd: 10:00am - 5:00pm (VIPs enter at 9:30am)
Sunday, May 3rd: 10:00am - 4:00pm (VIPs enter at 9:30am)
Saturday, May 2nd
Main Stage
Dark Romance Author Panel
Free
Horror Author Panel
Free
One-on-One with James Dashner
Moderated by author Jordan St. James
Free
Romance / Romantasy Author Panel
Free
General Fiction Author Panel
Free
Rotunda
Classroom 301A
Judy Balloff
Imagination Council. Judy uses AI to ask questions from some of the greatest leaders of our time.
Free
Reserve Free SeatAllen Sircy
Selling & marketing self-published books. Turning a manuscript into a sustainable business.
Free
Reserve Free SeatClassroom 301B
Classroom 301C
Janet Walden-West
Creating a query packet: letter, synopsis, and chapters for writers intending to query agents or editors.
Free
Reserve Free SeatSunday, May 3rd
Main Stage
Sci-Fi / Fantasy Author Panel
Free
Historical Novel Author Panel
Free
One-on-One with Sherrilyn Kenyon
Moderated by author Alex Gordon
Free
Mystery / Suspense Author Panel
Free
Rotunda
Classroom 301A
A.G. Mock
You’ve written your book...now what? The road to self-publishing a best seller.
Free
Reserve Free SeatClassroom 301B
Richard White
Writer beware: how to recognize and avoid less-than-helpful agents / publishers / editors.
Free
Reserve Free SeatClassroom 301C
Patricia Gilliam
Character development and world building. Practical tips and techniques for bringing your characters and settings to life across long-term projects. All genres welcome.
Free
Reserve Free SeatWe’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!