The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University brings the world’s leading authors to the university’s uptown campus for a multi-day celebration for book lovers of all ages. The festival features engaging conversations, readings and demonstrations that provide an opportunity for authors and readers to interact with each other in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the world.
The fourth annual festival will be held March 27-29, 2025. Events will commence with a kickoff keynote and welcome reception on Thursday and conclude with a New Orleans-style celebration on Saturday evening.
The lineup of authors for the 2025 festival is available here and the full schedule of sessions is available here. Major additions and changes to the schedule after the initial announcement will be logged on this page.
Please note, the following authors were announced and are no longer able to attend the 2025 festival: Hanif Abdurraqib, Elizabeth Beller, James Doty, Roxane Gay, Chris Hayes, Yuri Herrera, Arlie Hochschild, Gen. Mark A. Milley, Keith Payne, Joy-Ann Reid and Dan Stein.
New Session Added: Singing the Truth: Fiction, Identity and Community in Isaac’s Song
Join acclaimed author Daniel Black in conversation with scholar and cultural critic Corey J. Miles as they explore Isaac’s Song, a powerful work of fiction that weaves themes of identity, community and belonging. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, this follow up to Don't Cry for Me delves into the experience of being Black and queer during a turbulent era, offering a poignant and unflinching portrayal of love, loss and self-discovery. Through lyrical storytelling and rich character development, Black challenges readers to confront the intersections of race, sexuality and community.
MORE SESSION INFO
Session Change: Power and Principle: A Conversation with Anne Applebaum and Gen. Mark A. Milley
Please note, General Mark A. Milley is no longer able to attend the festival. This discussion with Anne Applebaum will change topic and date/time. More details will be posted and the schedule will be updated as those details are confirmed.
MORE SESSION INFO
Participant Change: Dan Stein/Richard Sutton
Please note, Dan Stein is no longer able to attend the festival. Richard Sutton, from St. James Cheese Company has been added to the session Making the Case for New Orleans as the Sandwich Capital.
MORE SESSION INFO
Updated as of: Thursday, March 20
