New Orleans Book Festival opens its third chapter March 14-16 with John Barry

The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, one of the nation’s newest and thought-provoking literary celebrations, returns March 14-16 for its third chapter. The 2024 fête features more than 150 acclaimed authors and thought leaders, 90+ panels, book signings, a culinary symposium, Family Day festivities and a closing musical celebration.

A festival of literature and culture, this free, three-day event takes place on Tulane University’s uptown campus and welcomes all on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is encouraged but not required for admission.

Click the links for the author lineup and daily schedule. 

John M. Barry will represent the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

This unique festival immerses attendees in the rich tapestry of New Orleans, featuring live music alongside stimulating conversations with bestselling authors and influential voices who are shaping tomorrow’s narratives. Each day will be filled with lively discussions and book signings with top authors, storytellers and artists across all genres.

The festival kicks off with a star-studded lineup on Thursday at 5 p.m. in collaboration with The Atlantic. The session will feature a captivating discussion announcing its editorial initiative focused on the great novels of the last 100 years. Editors will dive into the process behind selecting these literary masterpieces while exploring their enduring impact and cultural significance.

The festival will feature a session presented in Spanish for the first time. In collaboration with the Stone Center for Latin American Studies, the conversation will feature authors Yuri Herrera and Gabriela Alemán discussing Latin Americans in New Orleans in the 19th and 20th Centuries.

The event proudly features a distinct New Orleans flavor on Friday with culinary presentations and samplings from seven of the city’s top chefs.

Family Day at the Fest will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. It will feature children’s and family programming, including 19 talented and award-winning local and national authors. Fox 8 anchor Kelsey Davis will again serve as the emcee for the event. Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, will host three national authors, a special screening of a new puppet musical and a free book giveaway. The local independent bookstore, Garden District Book Shop, will sell books by Family Day authors on-site and attendees can meet the authors and have their books signed.

The festival will close on Saturday with a musical performance by the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” Irma Thomas, showcasing New Orleans' rich musical heritage.

Author book signings will follow panel sessions, with books available for purchase in the Hyatt Regency Festival Tent, where Baldwin & Co. and Octavia Books have partnered to host the official festival bookstore.

The 2024 festival poster, created by local artist Brandan “BMIKE” Odums will also be available for purchase at the festival or online in the festival’s store.

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.