New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University Announces 2024 Schedule

The third annual New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University has unveiled its full 2024 schedule, which features more than 150 acclaimed authors and thought leaders, 90+ panels, book signings, a culinary symposium, Family Day festivities and a closing musical celebration. A festival of literature and culture, the free event takes place March 14-16 on Tulane University’s uptown campus. The festival welcomes all on a first-come, first-seated basis. Registration is encouraged but not required for admission.

Renowned authors, journalists and thought leaders Stacey Abrams, Kwame Alexander, Ken Burns, Liz Cheney, Steve Gleason, Maggie Haberman, Sal Khan, Terry McMillan, Gen. David Petraeus, Jake Tapper, Amor Towles, Jesmyn Ward and many others will participate in the festival, ensuring a diverse and intellectually stimulating experience.

Click here to view the complete festival schedule.

“Our aspiration is for attendees to engage deeply in the diverse, innovative discussions, and spark an intellectual curiosity that extends well beyond the boundaries of New Orleans.”

- Walter Isaacson, festival co-chair

This unique festival immerses attendees in the rich tapestry of New Orleans, featuring live music, alongside thought-provoking conversations with bestselling authors and influential voices who are shaping tomorrow’s narratives. Each day will be filled with lively discussions and book signings with top authors, storytellers and artists across all genres.

“The convergence of literary, culinary, and artistic brilliance at this event transcends mere celebration; it's a symphony of creativity and a feast for the senses,” said Festival Co-Chair and Tulane professor Walter Isaacson. “Our aspiration is for attendees to engage deeply in the diverse, innovative discussions and spark an intellectual curiosity that extends well beyond the boundaries of New Orleans.”

The festival kicks off with a star-studded lineup on Thursday at 5 p.m. in collaboration with The Atlantic. The session will feature a captivating discussion announcing its editorial initiative focused on the great novels of the last 100 years. Editors will dive into the process behind selecting these literary masterpieces while exploring their enduring impact and cultural significance.

The festival will also include a crossover day of programming with New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) on Thursday as well as several NOEW co-branded sessions throughout the schedule, spotlighting discussions on entrepreneurship and innovation.

For the first time, the festival will feature a session presented in Spanish. In collaboration with the Stone Center for Latin American Studies, the conversation will feature authors Yuri Herrera and Gabriela Alemán discussing Latin Americans in New Orleans in the 19th and 20th Centuries.

Family Day at the Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 and will feature children’s and family programming that includes 18 talented and award-winning local and national authors. Fox 8 anchor Kelsey Davis will again serve as the emcee for the event. Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company will host three of their national authors, a special screening of a new puppet musical and a free book giveaway. Local independent bookstore, Garden District Book Shop, will sell books by Family Day authors on site and attendees can meet the authors and have their books signed.

The festival will close with a musical performance by the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas, showcasing New Orleans' rich musical heritage.

“We’ve been working diligently since last year’s festival to intentionally curate a schedule that will appeal to a wide range of tastes,” said Cheryl Landrieu, festival co-chair. “Our festival lineup promises something for every book lover, regardless of age and we hope to ignite a love for reading in the hearts of all attendees.”

Author book signings will follow panel sessions, with books available for purchase in the Hyatt Regency Festival Tent, where Baldwin & Co. and Octavia Books have partnered to host the official festival bookstore.

The 2024 festival poster, created by local artist Brandan “BMIKE” Odums will also be available for purchase at the festival or online in the festival’s store.

All events will take place across Tulane's uptown campus, promising a dynamic and enriching experience for all attendees.

For more information on the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, please visit bookfest.tulane.edu or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.