The 10th annual AJC Decatur Book Festival descends on Decatur Square for three days this Labor Day weekend, and we can’t get over how great the schedule looks. With hundreds of authors, panels and activities, DBF is the largest independent book festival in the country. Not only that, but local artists will be showing their works in the ART|DBF pavilion.
Here are five reasons why you should hop on MARTA and head to the festival this weekend.
- The keynote event is led by some serious power ladies. This year’s keynote features a conversation between famed authors Erica Jong and Roxane Gay (who will also be on a can’t-miss panel dubbed “The State of Publishing for People of Color” with Angela Flournoy, Roxane Gay, and BuzzFeed’s Saeed Jones) on Friday, Sept. 4 at 8p.m. The event is at Emory University and, if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, you’ll be treated with a presentation on women and feminism.
- art|DBF is back! Curated by AtlantaPlanIt, this year’s arts section is packed with installations, interactive art and performances that celebrate storytelling. Hop on over to the square as local artists and organizations promote upcoming events, including local favorite #weloveatl. There will also be music performances and site specific installations like Meg Mitchell’s live chalk art.
- Books, books and more books. The Georgia Book and Paper Fair will be at the First Baptist Church Gym all weekend selling first editions, rare books and interesting paper items that you can’t find anywhere else. Add a vintage hardback to your collection, source some interesting tomes for repurposing/crafting, whatever floats your boat!
- Discover your new favorite writer. The Emerging Writers Stage offers a unique glimpse into up-and-coming literary authors. More than 40 new writers from small presses will be present. Don’t miss the Local Poetry Stage with local favorites Amy McDaniel and Megan Volpert, plus the “This Women’s Work” talk with Ashley C. Ford, Randa Jarrar, Mari Naomi and Kirstin Valdez Quade.
- It’s free. As usual, we’re big proponents of free events around the city. Enjoy the last days of this scorching Atlanta summer walking around Decatur and supporting the city as well as the printed word. Of course, food and beer vendors will be on site to satisfy you after those cooking demonstrations.
Find the festival schedule and a full list of presenters on the DBF’s site.
