The last authors to appear at 2017’s BookFest St. Louis in the Central West End had just packed their bags and headed for the airport when organizers, thrilled with the success of the inaugural event, started planning for 2018’s BookFest. The organizing team, including staff from Left Bank Books, the Left Bank Books Foundation and the Central West End Community Improvement District, the event producer, have been hard at work ever since.
Now, in what seems like the mere turning of a page, 2018’s BookFest St. Louis is less than a month away. This year’s line-up features an exciting mix of 40-plus locally and internationally renowned authors highlighting the best of contemporary literary fiction, poetry, memoir, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery and history. A variety of events will be held at venues throughout the neighborhood, and there will be book-related vendors under tents in the festival zone on McPherson at Euclid. There will be live music throughout the day.
I’ve singled out several author events to bring to your attention, including the appearance of headliner actor Sally Field at The Chase Park-Plaza on Friday evening, September 21.
The entire schedule is here, and while you’re on the website be sure to check out “News & Updates.”
Kick off BookFest St. Louis with three-time Emmy Award winner Sally Field.
LOCATION: The Chase Park Plaza (212 N Kingshighway Blvd.)
DATE/TIME: Friday, September 21, 7 to 9 p.m.
The prolific actor will discuss her new book, In Pieces, a deeply searing memoir about being a woman – a famous woman – in the last half of the 20th century.
A $37 general admission ticket admits one person to the keynote event and includes one hardcover copy of In Pieces. A $50 VIP ticket admits one person to the keynote event and includes one hardcover copy of In Pieces, preferred seating, admission to the post-event cash bar reception and meet & greet with Saturday BookFest authors, and 10% off all featured titles purchased at BookFest St. Louis on Saturday.
To purchase tickets, click here.
BookFest St. Louis welcomes bestselling, award-winning author Gary Shteyngart for an afternoon of wit, wine and a discussion of his new novel, Lake Success!
LOCATION: Bar Italia, 13 Maryland Plaza
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 22 at 3 p.m.
-A $31 ticket admits one person and includes one pre-signed hardcover copy of Lake Success.
-A $36 ticket admits two people and includes one pre-signed hardcover copy of Lake Success, plus a $5 rebate towards the purchase of a second copy of Lake Success at the event.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Please note: Gary Shteyngart WILL personalize your copies of Lake Success and take photos with attendees. Bar Italia will offer a cash bar at this event.
Have a question for the panel? Submit it here and we may ask it during the book festival!
LOCATION: McPherson Tent
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 22, 6 to 7 p.m.
Volunteers are needed, click here to find out what’s involved. You’ll receive a BookFest St. Louis t-shirt and have a great time too.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have BookFest St. Louis in the neighborhood, so be sure to save the dates and take part. There is something for everyone, including kids’ events at Schlafly Library.
BookFest St. Louis, September 21 and 22, in the Central West End. Left Bank Books, located at 399 N. Euclid, is action central.