NewsVirginia Humanities Hosts Bestselling Author Matthew Quick in Alexandria
Alexandria—Virginia Humanities, the state humanities council, is hosting a talk by bestselling author Matthew Quick in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. The event is presented …
NewsWhat Tastes Like Home?
“What tastes like home?” That simple prompt at the 26th annual National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., got people talking and writing— sharing their own home-inspired foods. We asked attendees …
NewsLt. Governor & Virginia Humanities Launch Student Poetry Contest
RICHMOND, VA — Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi today announced the launch of the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Poetry Contest, a statewide opportunity inviting students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to …
NewsAnnouncing Virginia’s 2026 Great Reads From Great Places Selections
We are thrilled to announce the two books that will represent the Commonwealth of Virginia at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, on August 22, 2026! The Center for …
NewsWe’re Hiring!
We’re seeking a Virginia Festival of the Book manager who will develop and deliver high quality literary programming to the Virginia Festival of the Book and other Festival lead-up initiatives including statewide events throughout the year, as well as the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.
NewsThe Monsters Among Us
A cold, dark summer in 1816 brought an extraordinary group of young writers together on the shores of Lake Geneva—including an eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley. Andrew Stauffer (University of Virginia) tells the story of that summer and the conversations, dreams, and climate catastrophe that created Frankenstein’s magic.
NewsWhat Air is to Fire
A life steeped in literature fueled the rise of the nation’s first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office.
NewsThis Message is Late: But Thanks for Making the 2026 Festival Great!
On March 22, 2026, Virginia Humanities’ Virginia Festival of the Book closed on another successful year. It was a year of nearly 100 programs and almost 150 authors and special guests, and thousands of attendees converging in Charlottesville. With the focus on “Revolutions,” we gave our Festival a new spin, taking up a greater footprint along Charlottesville’s downtown mall, Main Street area, and points beyond.
NewsKnow Before You Go
Register for the Fest! This year, festival attendees must register for the Fest. Most events are free, but registering in advance gets you into your venue seamlessly and quickly. *Some …
News2026 Print Program
Preview and download the 2026 print program. You can also view the full schedule, purchase tickets, and register for events online. 2026 Print Program
