About
Each year thousands of people converge on the annual South Dakota Festival of Books, a weekend-long event that features more than 40 well-known authors participating in book signings, presentations, panel discussions and readings. Author presentations are separated into six tracks: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s/youth, history/tribal, and writer’s support.
Over the course of six festivals, many distinguished authors and cultural figures have attended, such as Marilynne Robinson, Ted Kooser, Sonia Monzano, Annie Proulx, Quincy Troupe, Susan Power, Louise Erdrich, Pete Dexter, and Ivan Doig; NPR hosts Carl Kassel, Neal Conan, and Juan Williams; and publishing industry representatives including Judy Hottensen, John Glusman, and Paul Cirone.
Thank you sponsors!
Thanks to the dedicated support of several organizations, the vast majority of events at the festival are free and open to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to register in advance to attend the Festival of Books?
A: Yes! We'd like to know you. So please register early.
Q: Is the Festival outside?
A: Not really. You may spend time walking outside in between events but the majority of time will be spent in comfortable, air-conditioned buildings.
Q: Is the Festival of Books really FREE!?
A: Yes! Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors the majority of events at the Festival of Books are free.
Workshops and events that feature food or music require tickets. All in all, five events out of more than 50 at the Festival of Books require tickets.
Q: How can I support the Festival of Books?
A: You can support the Festival of Books in two important ways: By volunteering or by donating.
Q: Will books be sold at the Festival?
A: Yes. Two booksellers, Barnes & Noble and Zandbroz, will be selling books for all of the authors at the Festival of Books. Additionally, authors who are exhibiting will sell their books. All book sales are located in Festival Central.
Q: Is the Festival an all-ages event? Is it kid-friendly?
A: Yes. We have a number of events geared specifically for children and teenagers.
Q: What if I have a question that's not listed here?
A: You can e-mail us at info@sdhumanities.org
Q: Should I be worried about gunslinging?
A: Only when the event is in Deadwood. (The festival alternates locations each year)