Tulane University hosted the New Orleans Book Festival last weekend, attracting a record 20,000 visitors. This free event, described by President Michael A. Fitts as a "Mardi Gras for the Mind," ran over four days and featured discussions with prominent authors, historians, and cultural figures on contemporary issues.
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Celebrating its fifth year, the festival has become a significant literary event in the U.S., drawing crowds from New Orleans and beyond. Fitts highlighted that the festival engages a range of topics while also providing a fun atmosphere. "This is what great universities do: they serve as places where big ideas are shared, debated, and brought to life through meaningful conversation," he said.
The festival hosted over 250 authors and artists, including Tulane historian and co-chair Walter Isaacson. Co-chair Cheryl Landrieu noted the event's growth and its strong community impact, emphasizing the importance of keeping it free and accessible.
Opening night included significant discussions such as a dialogue on leadership featuring retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who shared insights from his military career, and an exploration of American history and future led by filmmaker Ken Burns and others with The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.
Panels covered topics ranging from cultural identity to the creative processes behind various literary works. Popular sessions included conversations with authors like Salman Rushdie, Dax Shepard, Michael Pollan, and Michael Lewis, drawing large audiences eager to engage with their favorite writers.
The festival created an environment for connecting over literature and discussing pressing issues. Attendee Karen Strouse from Miami expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "It gets better every year," highlighting the quality and variety of speakers.
Students participated actively, with one sophomore, Will Tutwiler, calling it his favorite event at Tulane for the chance to interact with authors. A Saturday celebration featured crawfish and music, enhancing the lively atmosphere.
Family Day, dedicated to children's literature, was a first for the festival, offering interactive activities and major author events. Special recognition went to Kellen and Julie Moore for their contributions, with Kellen sharing reading recommendations with young attendees, emphasizing the importance of literacy.