Photo recap: Look back at the fifth annual NOLA Book Fest at Tulane University

Tulane News staff today@tulane.edu

Literature came to life at the fifth annual New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, held March 12 to 15. This year's festival included special programming tied to America's 250th anniversary, along with more than 250 writers, chefs and thought leaders who connected with attendees at more than 100 sessions and book signings. Fresh culinary offerings and musical performances kept up the lively atmosphere, while an expanded Family Day drew plenty of young readers.

The festival began Thursday night with standing-room only crowds gathered to see The Atlantic's Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg moderate a discussion between Ken Burns, Walter Isaacson, Clint Smith and Annette Gordon-Reed on the evolution of the American experience. Goldberg also rounded out the evening with a second panel on conflicts shaping the global future, featuring Gen. Stanley McChrystal and George Packer.

Festival-goers returned bright and early Friday morning to enjoy conversations between renowned panelists, including Stacey Abrams, Salman Rushdie, Anderson Cooper, Clint Smith, Kenny Chesney, Gary Hoover, Kara Swisher, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Emeril and E.J. Lagasse, Jon Meacham, Oren Cass, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Imani Perry.

After a packed Saturday, guests were treated to free crawfish and an energetic performance from Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and the Wild Magnolias. Sunday saw a bigger Family Day lineup than ever before, with an entire day dedicated to engaging, educational activities, readings by authors and panels for children of all ages.

Relive the literary celebration through these photos and check out Tulane's Instagram for even more.

Photos by Kenny Lass and Ameliah Kolp.

Five speakers on stage at a book festival panel, facing a large audience.
(Left to right) The Atlantic kicked off the opening night as an official media partner of the festival with a special keynote discussion, moderated by Jeffrey Goldberg, among Ken Burns, Walter Isaacson, Clint Smith and Annette Gordon-Reed. The panel was part of programming at this year's festival honoring the 250th anniversary of America.
Young person in green hat engrossed in reading a book at a bustling outdoor book fair.
Book lovers perused a wide variety of books from panelists and guests in the Literary Lounge bookstore tent.
Panel discussion at The New Orleans Book Festival with four speakers and an audience.
(Left to right) On Friday, President Michael A. Fitts moderated a discussion with Carol Graham, Douglas Harris and Gary Hoover on the findings of Harris' bipartisan State of the Nation report viewed through the lens of Graham and Hoover's work.
Clint Smith signs at a table, a person with a backpack observes.
Author and poet Clint Smith was one of many authors and thought leaders who met with fans and autographed their books at the festival.
Two people smiling, talking on stage with a 'New Orleans Book Festival' banner.
In a panel on Saturday called "How to Break Up With Your Phone and Come Back to Life," President Michael A. Fitts held a lively discussion with Catherine Price, bestselling author and expert in technology and child development.
Smiling man and woman talk at a blue table in front of a bookshelf graphic.
Fans had the chance to connect with great minds at signing tables, including Maya Shankar (right), cognitive scientist and host of the podcast "A Slight Change of Plans."
Three women speak on a panel stage with a bookshelf backdrop, facing an audience.
(Left to right) The Burgundy Room was a favorite gathering spot for fest-goers to enjoy nuanced chats and cultural conversations, including a discussion between baker Bronwen Wyatt, radio host Poppy Tooker and pastry chef Kelly Jacques.
Large audience gathered in a theater watching two speakers on stage with red curtains.
Crowds packed Dixon Hall to see a conversation between Sen. John Kennedy and Walter Isaacson on Saturday.
Three smiling people hold burgers and fries from a light blue food truck.
A slew of dining options from vendors, including Francolini's, Saba, French Truck and Barracuda, enticed visitors to pause for a moment during all the excitement and enjoy a delicious meal.
Three smiling people at a table with crawfish and drinks under a tent.
Book lovers closed out the festivities on Saturday with a party, connecting over crawfish and conversations.
Mardi Gras Indian in yellow suit performs with a singer and musicians at New Orleans Book Festival.
Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and the Wild Magnolias were among numerous musical acts who contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Two smiling girls read books intently, surrounded by more books on display.
Children of all ages enjoyed picking out new books and listening to their favorite authors read at an expanded Family Day, which included a full day of programming on Sunday.
Crowd gathered in an indoor arena with green seats and large display screens.
The biggest Family Day yet closed out this year's festival and marked it as one for the books. See you next year!

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