For three days each September, bibliophiles — a person who collects or has a great love of books — gather in northern Michigan to celebrate mutual literary interests at the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book. This year’s event takes place September 27-29, at several venues throughout town.
First held in 2016, this is the only annual multi-day, multi-genre book festival in the state. Over the course of three days, a series of lectures, panel discussions and book signings are offered in eight genres: fiction, nonfiction, mystery/thriller, poetry, cookbook, young adult, middle grade and picture book/early reader – making the festival ideal for families.
An author signs a copy of their book during the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book. Photo credit Harbor Springs Festival of the Book.
According to festival chair, retired teacher and local writer Glen Young, the appeal is the picturesque locale of this small waterfront community woven together with the caliber of authors who are brought here to present and moderate lectures.
“There is absolutely a vibe in Harbor Springs that you don’t get elsewhere, along with the cultural aspects of all these writers in a single place for a shared purpose. There is nothing else like it in terms of size and scope.”
Planning for the event begins in November when the selection committee meets to review submissions from nationally published authors and illustrators who either self-nominate or are recommended by their publishers or others within the literary world. Some are returning authors with new works, but many are first-timers hoping to connect with passionate readers and other writers. Those interested in submitting their works for consideration for future festivals can find all the criteria here.
Over the course of the next 10 months, the dedicated staff pulls together an impressive schedule of individual and group discussions that take place in a variety of venues including the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center, Harbor Springs Library, Lyric Theatre, and in large tents set up in Zorn Park, Shay Park and Marina Park. This year, 43 unique panels or sessions are planned, featuring nearly 50 authors – some taking part in more than one discussion.
Festival tickets go on sale to the public in mid-July, which is important to know since this year all 1,400 were sold out within a month – a record, according to Young, who also notes sponsors and donors can purchase tickets early as part of a pre-sale. While registration has closed, interested parties can add their name to a waitlist in case any spots open up. Volunteer opportunities may also be available, as an event of this magnitude takes between 125 and 150 individuals before, during and after.
Most festival attendees (47%) are from Emmet County, but it also draws from around Michigan (33%) with the remaining 20% coming from around the country – from California to D.C. and everything in between, as well as parts of Canada. This means that hotels and resorts in Harbor Springs, Petoskey and the surrounding area are garnering weekend bookings, while restaurants, shops and other attractions also see increased visits from attendees looking to explore during the festival’s down-time.
Meet and chat with your favorite authors during the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book. Photo credit to Harbor Springs Festival of the Book.
For those looking to purchase books by featured authors – but who find themselves without a ticket to attend the festival – Between the Covers in downtown Harbor Springs and McLean & Eakin in downtown Petoskey should be stocked and ready to assist. If the titles aren’t readily available, they can be ordered for pickup at a later date.
Whether attending the festival or not, book lovers and budding writers may also enjoy Novel Destinations in the Petoskey Area, where well-known scenic settings jump off the pages and inspire further exploration.
Other local literary events of interest:
August 29-September 2
24th Annual Bear River Writer’s Conference
Camp Michigania on Walloon Lake
https://lsa.umich.edu/bearriver
September 13-15
Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor
https://www.cslewisfestival.org/
September 18 – October 23 (Wednesdays)
Turning Memories into Memoirs Class
North Central Michigan College Lifelong Learning Club
https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/
About the Author: Dianna Stampfler is the president of Promote Michigan and the author of the best-selling books “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses” and “Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes.” She loves traveling around the Great Lakes state, with Hemingway country being among her favorite destinations.