Dean Thomas LaVeist, Associate Professor Melissa Fuster, and alumna Samantha Fleurinor to represent WSPH at Tulane's 2026 New Orleans Book Festival

The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University returns March 12–15 for its fifth chapter, bringing more than 250 acclaimed authors, artists and thought leaders to Tulane’s uptown campus. This year’s festival features 100-plus panels, book signings, the popular culinary symposium, an expanded Family Day, music performances throughout the event, including the closing musical celebration and free crawfish, in partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board. The book festival is free and open to the public.

Click on the links for the full schedule, author lineup and family day author lineup. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Authors and panelists representing the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine include Dean Thomas LaVeist, Melissa Fuster, associate professor of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, and alumna Samantha Fleurinor (MPH CHS ’20).

In partnership with The Atlantic, the festival will open on Thursday, March 12, with a special keynote evening honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The evening will bring together The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg (moderator), bestselling biographer Walter Isaacson, acclaimed filmmaker and storyteller Ken Burns, Atlantic Staff Writer and bestselling author Clint Smith and Annette Gordon-Reed, author and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian.

Together, these distinguished voices will examine the evolution of the American experience — our ideals, our challenges and our shared pursuit of progress — while reflecting on the enduring power of storytelling, history and journalism to define who we are and where we are headed.

LaVeist will moderate a discussion on Friday, March 13, with physician and public health expert Homer Venters, who will talk about his book Outbreak Behind Bars: Spider Bites, Human Rights, & the Unseen Danger to Public Health.

Fuster and Fleurinor will be part of an interactive experience hosted by the Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation and Design exploring the future of local food systems. The event scheduled for Friday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. will apply the principles of design thinking with local and international authors, scholars, and policy advocates. Participants will receive a tote featuring four free books and bookmarks while supplies last.

Also part of the crowd-pleasing culinary track will be panels featuring national and local chefs, writers and food leaders, including Edgar “Dook” Chase IV, John Currence, Kelly Jacques, Emeril Lagasse, E.J. Lagasse, Ti Martin, Ian McNulty, Jordan Salcito, Alon Shaya, Arvinder Vilkhu and Bronwen Wyatt, as well as restaurateur Cathy Whims.

Food offerings have expanded, with local favorites including Barracuda Taco Stand, Coops Burgers, Crepes à la Cart, Francolini’s, French Truck Coffee, PJ’s Coffee and Saba contributing to a lively and welcoming festival atmosphere.

Expanded programming in the Hyatt Regency Festival Tent will feature live music throughout Friday and Saturday, including Brooks Drost Band, Da Lovebirds with Robin Barnes and Pat Casey, Kristin Diable and Jon Cleary. Saturday’s festivities will conclude with a musical celebration featuring Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and the Wild Magnolias beginning at 5 p.m.

Family Day at the Fest now has its own day and will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, giving families dedicated time to enjoy the festival. In addition to the main stage at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse, Family Day will also feature programming in Tulane’s Navy ROTC Building and Author Alley, a new meet-and-greet area where children and families can interact with authors and discover new stories up close.

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore and his wife, Julie, will serve as co-chairs of Family Day, welcoming children and their families from the New Orleans area for a joyful day exploring the magic of books and stories. FOX 8 morning news anchor Kelsey Davis will emcee the day’s activities.

The official 2026 festival poster is an original work by renowned Louisiana artist Francis X. Pavy. Known for a vivid, narrative-driven style, Pavy is one of the region’s most celebrated visual storytellers. Posters and art prints will be available for purchase online and on-site during the festival. Posters are $45, and art prints are $15; proceeds support the festival’s free public programming, including literacy initiatives and Family Day activities.

Author book signings, merchandise and book sales will take place on the Berger Family Lawn. Author signings will follow the conclusion of most panel sessions.

For more information on the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, please visit bookfest.tulane.edu or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.