First Annual McDowell Literary Festival

The First Annual McDowell Literary Festival is a collaboration between three of the independent bookstores in McDowell County! Taking place on Independent Bookstore Day 2026 (the last Saturday in April), the festival includes a local authors book fair, special author events and book signings, book sales and promotions, and other related events to celebrate authors and books.

The Literary Festival Passport encourages you to travel to three of McDowell's independent book stores to collect stamps. All completed passports will be entered into a raffle for a grand prize. Meet Marion's local bookstore owners, hang out with Bigfoot, and get your books signed by local and regional authors!