The fifth annual New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University has announced its 2026 author lineup, featuring over 100 bestselling and acclaimed authors. The festival will be held on Tulane’s uptown campus from March 12 to 15, 2026, and remains free and open to the public. Recognized as a premier literary event, the festival brings together readers of all ages for four days filled with stories, creativity, and discussion.
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Notable participants for the 2026 festival include Stacey Abrams, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ken Burns, Deepak Chopra, Roxane Gay, Salman Rushdie, and many others. Tulane President Michael A. Fitts highlighted the festival’s growth, stating it has become "one of the nation’s most dynamic and impactful celebrations of literature and ideas."
Walter Isaacson, festival co-chair, remarked that the lineup embodies the festival's mission to create a platform where ideas meet imagination. The event will feature author sessions, panels, and family programming, with more opportunities for attendee engagement.
This year, Family Day will take place on Sunday, March 15, shifting from its previous Saturday schedule. A dedicated day for children and families will include author readings, interactive performances, and crafts, all free to the public. The general festival schedule will still kick off with a keynote session on Thursday evening, followed by author discussions on Friday and Saturday.
The co-chairs for the 2026 festival are Cheryl Landrieu, author and former first lady of New Orleans, and Walter Isaacson, noted biographer and professor at Tulane. Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, returns as honorary co-chair, emphasizing her support for the festival’s community impact.
Landrieu expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “Because of their generosity, our programming remains free and accessible.” Isaacson added that the lineup showcases a forum for thinkers and storytellers to engage with readers. For more information about the festival and registration details, visit bookfest.tulane.edu.