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.
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!
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!
Buy One Get One 50% Off Used Books & Golden Ticket Giveaway
Bigfoot Books & Brews will have all used books on sale Buy One, Get One 50% Off on Saturday for Independent Bookstore Day / First Annual McDowell Literary Festival day.
Want a chance to win a year of free audiobooks? Bigfoot Books & Brews is also partnering with Libro.FM to give one winner 12 free audiobooks on Independent Bookstore Day / First Annual McDowell Literary Festival Day.
Just visit Bigfoot Books & Brews on Saturday, April 25th (9am-6pm) and find the hidden Golden Ticket!
Makers Market at Main Season
The NEW Main Season Market on State Street in downtown Marion will be hosting a Makers Market from 12-4pm on Saturday, in conjunction with the First Annual McDowell Literary Festival!
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!
Get “The Secret Garden” Salad Special Saturday at Reese’s
Reese’s Delectables & Nourishments on Main Street in downtown Marion is offering their Nectar Garden salad (hearty spinach, walnut, cranberry & feta Tossed in balsamiq vinaigrette) on special this Saturday only in collaboration with the First Annual McDowell Literary Festival!
Just ask for “The Secret Garden” special when ordering on Saturday to receive a discount!
10% Off All New Books at B Side
B Side Bakery & Books in Old Fort—one of the three participating independent bookstores in McDowell County—will be having a special sale on Saturday: 10% OFF all new books on the day of the McDowell Literary Festival!
Little Switzerland Books and Beans
Little Switzerland Books and Beans (in Little Switzerland!)—one of the three participating independent bookstores in McDowell County—will be operating their usual hours (9am-5pm) on the day of the McDowell Literary Festival! Give them a visit and get your festival passport book stamped!!
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.