Bookmarks began as an annual book festival in 2004 and has since grown to be the largest annual book festival in the Carolinas. This year the Opening Keynote will be Hoda Kotb; the Festival Closing Keynote will feature Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro. Check the website for complete schedule of events, locations and any ticket information.

After several years as a volunteer-run book festival, Bookmarks has grown to be a 501(c)(3) literary arts nonprofit organization and independent bookstore in downtown Winston-Salem with year-round programming and outreach. All of Bookmarks' programming, including the Festival of Books & Authors, is part of the organization's mission to cultivate community by bringing people of all ages together with books and authors that educate, inspire, challenge, and entertain.

Dates & Times

September 25, 2025 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
Opening Keynote with Hoda Kotb; ticketed event

September 27, 2025 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Free sessions of numerous author events at several sites with presentations highlighting different themes and genres.

September 26, 2025 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Enjoy first access to Festival authors an early book signings. Gather with fellow readers and authors in an intimate indoor setting during this ticketed fundraising event.

September 28, 2025
Closing Keynote: Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro; ticketed event

Location

634 W. 4th Street
Winston Salem, NC 27101

Cost

Visit the website, as some events require tickets