Save the date for our 21st Annual Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors
September 24-27, 2026
Author Submissions
If you are a traditional publisher or publicist who has worked with Bookmarks before, please contact Festival Director Beth Seufer Buss directly regarding Festival submissions.
Are you an independently published author or small press ready to be considered for a featured spot at the Festival? Submissions are now open for the 2026 Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors! Each year, the Festival brings together nationally recognized writers, emerging voices, and passionate readers for a full day celebrating the power of books and storytelling. We welcome submissions from independently published authors and small presses for consideration as part of our highly competitive Festival selection process.
Click here to review the guidelines for submission. If you would like to be an author vendor, please complete the vendor & exhibitor guide.
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Vendors
Join us in downtown Winston-Salem for one of the region’s largest celebrations of books, authors, and community! Applications are now open for vendors and exhibitors for the 2026 Festival of Books & Authors. Each year, thousands of attendees gather for a full day of nationally recognized authors, engaging conversations, family programming, and vibrant street-level activity — and our vendors play a key role in creating that experience. You can review our full vendor & exhibitor guide here.
Exhibitors: We welcome author vendors, nonprofits, community organizations, educational groups, and literary-focused businesses whose work aligns with our mission and enhances the Festival experience for attendees. Click here to learn more and complete your exhibitor application.
Food Vendors: We are seeking a diverse mix of food trucks to serve our enthusiastic, all-day crowd. If you offer high-quality food, efficient service, and a great customer experience, we encourage you to apply. This is a high-traffic, high-energy event — and a great opportunity to introduce your business to thousands of festivalgoers. Click here to review details and submit your food truck application.
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Sponsorship
CHAMPION STORIES. CHAMPION COMMUNITY.
For more than two decades, the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors has brought acclaimed writers and tens of thousands of readers together in the heart of Winston-Salem each year — making it a nationally recognized cultural cornerstone and the largest literary festival in the Carolinas.
The Festival is more than a weekend event. It’s a shared belief that access to stories, ideas, and thoughtful dialogue should belong to everyone — from a student meeting a favorite author for the first time to a lifelong reader discovering their next great book.
When you sponsor the Festival, you’re not just supporting an event. You’re investing in a stronger, more connected community built around literacy, creativity, and conversation.
- REACH AN ENGAGED, PASSIONATE AUDIENCE. Connect with 30,000+ curious readers from across the Triad, North Carolina, and beyond — individuals and families who care deeply about ideas, education, and culture.
- CREATE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES We partner with sponsors to design customized engagement opportunities during Festival weekend that align with your goals.
- AMPLIFY YOUR COMMITMENT Through coordinated marketing across social media, email, print, and on-site signage, sponsors have visibility across a broad regional audience — and become associated with one of Winston-Salem’s most beloved annual events.
- ENGAGE CLIENTS, EMPLOYEES, AND STAKEHOLDERS Exclusive author receptions, VIP access, reserved seating, and behind-the-scenes opportunities create memorable experiences for your team and guests.
- SUPPORT LITERACY YEAR-ROUND Festival sponsorship directly fuels Bookmarks’ ongoing literacy initiatives, including Authors in Schools, which serves more than 8,000 students annually across the region.
JOIN US IN WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTER
Your partnership helps keep the Festival free, accessible, and community-centered. Let’s build something meaningful together.
Become a sponsor today. Click here to explore sponsorship opportunities.
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Volunteers
Festival is our largest service event of the year — and we simply couldn’t do it without our incredible volunteers.
Each year, hundreds of community members come together to help us create an unforgettable celebration of books, authors, and ideas. From welcoming guests at check-in and assisting with book sales to supporting author hospitality, managing venues, guiding attendees, and helping in the children’s area, there are a wide variety of roles to match every interest, skill set, and comfort level.
And the fun doesn’t start on Festival day! In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers help with important behind-the-scenes projects — organizing materials, prepping books, assembling supplies, and supporting logistics that make the day run smoothly.
New to volunteering with us? That’s perfectly okay. You do not need prior experience or previous volunteer service to participate in Festival. The only requirements are completing a background check and attending a brief Festival training to make sure everyone feels prepared and confident in their role. You can create your volunteer profile today on our volunteer page and be ready when Festival opportunities open. Be sure to look out for Festival training sessions scheduled for late summer and early fall.
Whether you can give a few hours on Festival day or lend a hand in advance, your time makes a meaningful impact. Join us in bringing stories to life for our community — we can’t wait to serve alongside you!
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Plan Your Stay in Winston-Salem
Each year, we look forward to welcoming readers from across the country to the 21st annual Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors. Whether you’re coming for the day or making a weekend of it, we encourage you to stay here in Winston-Salem and enjoy everything our city has to offer — big-city amenities with small-town charm.
From award-winning restaurants and local breweries to vibrant arts and historic neighborhoods, there’s so much to explore beyond Festival weekend. Start planning your visit at Visit Winston-Salem.
Festival Room Blocks
Several area hotels have provided special Festival room blocks for our guests. We’re grateful for their partnership and encourage you to book early to secure your preferred accommodations. Check back soon for booking links!