2021 Events

Take a look at what we’re planning for the 2021 Kentucky Book Festival this November! We’ll continue to add events to this page through September 15, so check back often for updates. Want to revisit the 2020 KBF? Click HERE!

Registration and ticket information is now available for events occurring November 1-3! Details below.

A Note on Health & Wellness at the Kentucky Book Festival:

The Kentucky Book Festival is committed to the health and safety of our authors, attendees, staff, and volunteers. We will closely monitor the conditions and consult federal, state, and local guidance along with health experts and event partners to decide what, if any, changes or restrictions are needed this November. All authors, attendees, staff, and volunteers will be asked to wear masks while attending the Kentucky Book Festival and related events, and we will provide access to sanitizing stations. Visit this site often for updates.

Registration and ticket information is now available for events occurring November 1-3! Details below.

A Note on Health & Wellness at the Kentucky Book Festival:

November Events

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An Evening with Jason Reynolds

November 1, 2021

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

SPEAKERS:

Jason Reynolds | Court Stevens

VIRTUAL EVENT

Join Jason Reynolds, the National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature, as he discusses his writing career and latest book, “Stuntboy, in the Meantime,” with author Courtney “Court” Stevens. Tickets are $20.00 each and include tax, shipping, and handling, and a copy of “Stuntboy, in the Meantime” with a signed bookplate. Books will be shipped early November. This exclusive Kentucky Book Festival event will only be broadcast via Zoom webinar.

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Literary Luncheon with Ouita Michel

November 2, 2021

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT

SPEAKERS:

Ouita Michel

IN-PERSON EVENT

This is a one-of-a-kind experience combining elements of the literary and culinary worlds. Chef Ouita Michel will craft a special lunch menu from her first published cookbook, Just A Few Miles South. Ouita’s motto, “Food is Love,” is the perfect match for book-lovers too! Tickets are $55.00 and include tax, handling, and an autographed copy of Just A Few Miles South as well as an incredible dining experience at beautiful Fasig-Tipton (2400 Newtown Pike, Lexington) and remarks from Chef Ouita.

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Cocktails & Conversation with Margaret Verble

November 3, 2021

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm EDT

SPEAKERS:

Margaret Verble | Kim Edwards

IN-PERSON EVENT

Author Margaret Verble’s new book, When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky, is an unforgettable and irresistible tale of exotic animals, lingering spirits, and unexpected friendship. Tickets are $45.00 and include a signature cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, an autographed, hardcover copy of When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky, and all tax and handling fees. Margaret will be joined in conversation at Joseph-Beth Booksellers by bestselling author Kim Edwards.

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Virtual Events

An Evening with Crystal Wilkinson

August 26, 2021

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

SPEAKERS:

Crystal Wilkinson | Ronald W. Davis

Join authors Crystal Wilkinson and Ronald W. Davis as they discuss Crystal’s new book, Perfect Black, published by the University Press of Kentucky. Crystal Wilkinson combines a deep love for her rural roots with a passion for language and storytelling in this compelling collection of poetry and prose about girlhood, racism, and political awakening, imbued with vivid imagery of growing up in Southern Appalachia. In Perfect Black, the acclaimed writer muses on such topics as motherhood, the politics of her Black body, lost fathers, mental illness, sexual abuse, and religion. It is a captivating conversation about life, love, loss, and pain, interwoven with striking illustrations by her long-time partner, Ronald W. Davis.

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An Evening with David Bell

July 22, 2021

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

SPEAKERS:

David Bell | Gwenda Bond

Join authors David Bell and Gwenda Bond as they discuss David’s new book, Kill All Your Darlings, published July 6 by Berkley/Penguin Random House. A compelling thriller full of unexpected twists, Kill All Your Darlings showcases some of David Bell’s finest fiction yet, debuting just in time for you to add it to your summer reading list. Choose to participate in this event virtually OR as part of an in-person small audience! Click the yellow “Register” button for the Zoom event, or submit the contact form on this page to attend in-person at Studio46 in Lexington (limited seats are available; please register by July 22 at 3 p.m.).

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An Evening with Ouita Michel

May 6, 2021

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

SPEAKERS:

Ouita Michel | Susan Reigler

Join renowned Chef Ouita Michel and author Susan Reigler—two trailblazers in the food industry in Kentucky—as they discuss Ouita’s new cookbook, Just a Few Miles South, along with her restaurants, favorite recipes, and more. This program will be hosted on Zoom and will be simulcast to the Kentucky Humanities (@KYHumanites) Facebook page.

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An Evening with Silas House

March 25, 2021

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

SPEAKERS:

Silas House | Angela Correll

Join author Silas House as he discusses his debut novel, Clay’s Quilt, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Silas will be in conversation with author and business owner Angela Correll.

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