When you hear that there is a book festival in a town as tiny as Lewes, Delaware — home to just 3,000 people — you wouldn’t be blamed for underestimating it. However, the History Book Festival attracts more than 4,000 attendees each year.
Lewes, Delaware
Lewes — the first town in the first state — is a town with unexpectedly rich history and architecture, graced with beautiful bay and ocean beaches, two lighthouses, and a famous ferry. The History Book Festival draws an audience of people from up and down the East Coast. The Festival schedule ensures there’s time for attendees to enjoy Lewes’ historical, dining and shopping district and other attractions.
Book sales and signings
All books are available for purchase at the Festival, at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth, and at biblion in Lewes. The ticketed keynote and closing addresses also include a signed book with the price of admission. Want to read a Festival author’s book in advance? The History Book Festival buys all Festival books for the Delaware Public Library System.
Save the dates
Three days of history: September 27, 28 & 29, 2024! We begin with a ticketed keynote on Friday evening, followed by a full-day of free programming on Saturday, and a ticketed closing address on Sunday afternoon.
It’s an easy drive
Lewes is a comfortably short drive from D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. It’s also within 90-minutes of the Wilmington AMTRAK station as well as both BWI and PHI airports.
21 presentations
In 2023, the Festival had 21 author presentations covering a broad range of historical fiction and narrative nonfiction by both well-known and emerging authors. Check back in the summer to learn about this year’s authors and their books.
Spirited Discussion
After Saturday sessions, our Spirited Discussion is an informal, festive gathering for audience members, volunteers, and presenters to mingle, celebrate, and discuss their day at the festival.
Logistics are easy
Events take place in the Historic District of Lewes, Delaware, at venues that are within walking distance of each other. The Festival also has a free, dedicated shuttle bus to transport attendees between all Saturday venues, the Festival Food Court, local restaurants, and nearby shopping.
Festival Food Court
For a drink, snack, or lunch between sessions, attendees can visit one of the food trucks at the Festival Food Court for a variety of options to choose from.