In a city known for its joie de vivre, the New Orleans Book Festival is quickly building a reputation as a destination for joie de lire, too. The fifth annual New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University hosted its largest gathering to date, welcoming an estimated 20,000 attendees and showcasing the vibrant and growing literary community that has taken root in the city. From March 12–15, 2026, the festival cultivated a spectacular atmosphere that celebrated a love for books alongside the culture that defines New Orleans—food, art, music, and lively conversation.
Visitors enjoyed sunny spring weather while strolling between book talks across Tulane University’s Uptown campus, where blooming trees and warm breezes created the perfect setting for a weekend devoted to sharing ideas. The Berger Family Lawn buzzed with activity as people of all ages gathered on benches and picnic blankets, enjoying food and live music just steps away from a bustling book-signing tent filled with readers eager to meet their favorite authors.
Elsewhere on campus, festivalgoers browsed the bookstore or stopped into the Burgundy Room, a lounge-like space designed for reflection and connection. There, Cleo Wade and Nicole Richie hosted a series of intimate conversations with authors, offering audiences a chance to engage with writers in a relaxed and personal setting.
Opening night set the tone for a weekend of big ideas and spirited discussion. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, told the packed audience:
“This has become one of the best book festivals and ideas festivals in the country.”
Goldberg moderated a timely discussion on foreign policy with Stanley McChrystal and George Packer, followed by a wide-ranging conversation on America’s 250th anniversary featuring Walter Isaacson, Ken Burns, Clint Smith, and Annette Gordon-Reed. After the thought-provoking discussions, the Black Magic Drumline brought the energy of the room to a new level, getting the crowd out of their seats and dancing.
Throughout the weekend, the festival explored a wide range of topics—from history and politics to culture, economics, and storytelling.
One of the most anticipated moments came Friday morning when acclaimed author Salman Rushdie received a standing ovation as he walked on stage to discuss his latest book, The Eleventh Hour. Long lines began forming early outside Devlin Fieldhouse, where eager readers gathered to hear Rushdie speak. The line moved quickly as the large venue filled with hundreds of attendees ready to kick off a full day of programming.
The addition of Devlin Fieldhouse as a venue marked a significant expansion for the festival, allowing organizers to accommodate even larger audiences. With three venues now capable of seating more than 1,000 people each, the festival was able to welcome bigger crowds drawn by an impressive lineup of internationally recognized authors and thinkers.
A powerful conversation on feminism and culture brought together Roxane Gay and Imani Perry, who explored the evolving role of feminist thought in today’s world. Gay reflected on the progress feminism has made while acknowledging the challenges that remain.
“As grim as things can seem,” she said during the discussion, “we have made progress.”
She also emphasized the importance of reading and intellectual curiosity in shaping the future.
“There is no computer, there is no technology more powerful than your mind,” Gay told the audience. “And one of the most important things you can do is make sure that you are well read.”
Meanwhile, a line wrapped around Dixon Hall as visitors waited to hear Quint Davis, founder of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, discuss what it took to build the world-famous music festival during a lively conversation with Mitch Landrieu.
Filmmaker Ken Burns also drew large crowds throughout the weekend, appearing on three panels to discuss his latest documentary project about the American Revolution. While on stage, Burns reflected on the enduring importance of books even in a visual medium.
“We’re coming together realizing that the greatest mechanical invention,” he said, “is still the book.”
Saturday brought even more star power to campus, with packed audiences gathering to hear from speakers including Don Lemon, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Kenny Chesney, Tayari Jones, Dax Shepard and Anderson Cooper.
For many authors, the festival experience was unforgettable. First-time festival participant Jedidiah Jenkins summed up the atmosphere:
“Book Fest was the best of humanity all on one campus. I’ve never seen so many A-list minds strung together one after the other. It was an abundance of inspiration. It was my first time, and now I’ll be going every year until I’m in the grave.”
The weekend concluded with Family Day at the Fest, one of the event’s most joyful traditions and now a growing centerpiece of the festival. With Sunday dedicated entirely to family programming, the celebration expanded this year with two stages of events and new opportunities designed especially for young readers. Children and families enjoyed author readings, crafts, performances, and the debut of the Family Day Writing Contest, recognizing the creativity of young storytellers from across the region.
Former NFL player and author Malcolm Mitchell also spoke with families about overcoming reading challenges and discovering the power of books. More than 5,000 free books were distributed to children through the festival’s partnership with Scholastic, ensuring many young readers left with a story of their own to take home.
With conversations that challenged ideas, performances that energized crowds, and programming that welcomed readers of all ages, the festival offered a true celebration of literature and intellectual curiosity.
In a city famous for its festivals, the New Orleans Book Festival is carving out its own unique place—proving that books can inspire just as much joy as music, food, and celebration.
For thousands of attendees this year, it was truly Mardi Gras for the mind.
