Festival runs August 25-27 in Washington, Mo.

This article is presented in partnership with the Missouri Book Festival.

The first-ever Missouri Book Festival will celebrate the best of regional life, culture, and history with an array of dynamic programming meant to promote literacy and encourage reading. Events will take place August 25–27 in Washington, the quintessential Missouri town.

The main event takes place on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here, books that feature stories on the Show-Me State will come to life in food demonstrations, sports exhibitions, myriad forms of performance, and lively author talks and discussions. Missourians of all ages will hear from regional authors while gaining insight into the content they produce and the writing process.

Not only will attendees enjoy festivities that truly reflect our state, they’ll also have the opportunity to browse for their next favorite book!

The Missouri Book Festival will be filled with activities for all ages. Planned activities include:

  • Soapbox derby and car show celebrating local automotive history
  • Circus performance featuring regional performers
  • Wrestling at the Chase tribute
  • Food demos: sausage-making, baking, beer sampling
  • The Purina Incredible Dog Team
  • Historical scavenger hunt featuring local architecture
  • Irish music and dancing
  • StL Black authors program
  • Katy Trail and/or state parks program

A literary event like no other, the Missouri Book Festival will spark passion for reading while inspiring future generations of Missourians to become lifelong learners.

The Missouri Book Festival is hosted by Reedy Press, Missouri Humanities, and the Library of Congress’s Center for the Book, and sponsored by Washington Public Library, Neighborhood Reads, Scenic Regional Library, and Friends of Washington Public Library. Missouri Life magazine is also a presenting sponsor.

Photo at top of page courtesy of Jeanne Miller-Wood