The First Annual McDowell Literary Festival is a collaboration between three of the independent bookstores in McDowell County, NC! Taking place on Independent Bookstore Day 2026 (the last Saturday in April, April 25), the festival will include a local authors book fair, special author events and book signings, book sales and promotions, and other related events to celebrate authors and books in McDowell County, NC.
Watch this page for specific events to be posted below as they are confirmed.
Local Authors Book Fair
The First Annual McDowell Literary Festival is a collaboration between three of the independent bookstores in McDowell County, NC! Watch for specific events to be posted here on this calendar page as they are confirmed.
10% Off Local Author Books at MACA
The McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) is a non-profit organization established in 1972 to promote local art and cultural enrichment in the community.
SPECIAL SALE: You can get 10% OFF books by local authors on the day of the McDowell Literary Festival!
John Pavlovitz Author Talk and Book Signing
Best-selling North Carolina author, pastor, and activist John Pavlovitz closes out the First Annual McDowell Literary Festival with a reading of his brand-new children’s book Here and Now and Small and Close!
Epilogue: The Official McDowell Literary Festival After Party!
Wrap up the McDowell Literary Festival with an after party at The High Dive, upstairs at Mica Town Brewing in Marion. Enjoy book and author inspired drink specials and a laid-back space to connect after a full day of events!