The Savannah Book Festival is an annual literary celebration founded in 2008 by Matt Prickett. What began as his dream has evolved into one of the nation's leading invitation-only book festivals, held each February in Savannah's stunning Historic District.
The festival's mission is to promote reading, writing, and civil conversation, bringing together book lovers from across the United States for an unforgettable weekend of literary discovery and dialogue.
Dates: February 6-9, 2025 (Recently Concluded)
The 2025 festival featured 45 acclaimed authors across multiple venues in downtown Savannah, continuing the tradition of bringing literary excellence to the Historic District.
Downtown Savannah venue for headline addresses
Museums, churches, and theaters around Telfair and Chippewa Squares
Celebrated Author Legacy
Over 600 authors have graced the Savannah Book Festival stages during its 17-year history, including many of literature's most celebrated voices:
"Publishers Weekly noted that the Savannah Book Festival 'is carving a space for itself among the book festival big leagues.'"
Historic Savannah Setting
The festival takes place against a backdrop of stunning historic buildings, cascading Spanish moss, and blooming azaleas in the heart of Savannah's Historic District.
Growing from its first venue at Trinity United Methodist Church, Festival Saturday now spans seven venues around three historic squares, creating an intimate literary experience unique to Savannah.
Primary Squares
- Telfair Square
- Chippewa Square
- Historic venues throughout downtown
Notable Venues
- Lucas Theater for headline events
- Historic churches and museums
- Intimate theater settings
Community Impact
Festival Saturday costs are underwritten by generous community support, with over 90% of funding coming from sponsorships and Literati memberships.
Attendance Growth
Each year, over 9,000 people join the festival from across the United States, making it a significant cultural and economic event for Savannah.
February 5-8, 2026
Full schedule and author lineup will be released closer to the festival date.
The festival continues its mission of promoting reading, writing, and civil conversation through the power of literature in one of America's most beautiful historic settings.
- Annual event every February
- Four-day festival weekend
- Festival Saturday is free and open to public
- Headliner events require tickets
Getting There
- Multiple venues throughout Historic District
- Walking distance between venues
- Public parking available downtown
- Savannah/Hilton Head Airport nearby
More Information
- Visit savannahbookfestival.org
- Follow social media for updates
- Sign up for author announcements
- Book signings at all events