8th Annual Winnsboro Festival of Books

Start: Friday, May 1, 2026 6:00PM
End: Saturday, May 2, 2026 3:00PM

A new chapter begins when the 8th Annual Festival of Books returns to downtown Winnsboro on Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2. Hosted by Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA), this FREE event turns the streets of downtown into a celebration of stories and storytellers, allowing guests to meet and mingle with authors from all over Texas and enjoy a variety of literary activities for all ages. The event takes place on The Bowery in downtown Winnsboro, where guests can stroll the town’s storybook-like streets and pop in and out of charming shops and eateries. This year’s event includes two very special guests: Bob Livingston, the event’s featured author, is a pioneering Texas singer-songwriter and member of the legendary Lost Gonzo Band, a group that helped shape the sound of progressive country in the 1970s. Livingston is author of “Gypsy Alibi: A Gonzo Memoir,” winner of the Best First Book of Nonfiction by the Texas Institute of Letters for its colorful tales about the untamed world of Texas music. He has also served as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, taking his music to 30-plus countries and collaborating with musicians from around the world. Corduroy is a beloved storybook character who has been entertaining young readers with his adventures since the 1960s. Guests can get hugs, high-fives and photos with Corduroy at the event! FRIDAY, MAY 1, 6 – 9 p.m.: Kick off the festival with a literal celebration! The evening features: • A Meet & Greet with the festival’s celebrated Texas authors from 6 – 7 p.m. • An evening of stories and music with the legendary Bob Livingston on The Bowery Stage from 7:30 – 9 p.m. (a ticketed event). SATURDAY, MAY 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Bookmark it in your calendar: • Opening Chapter – Performing artist Michael Guinn, a two-time National Poetry Slam finalist, five-time Austin Poetry Slam winner and six-time Fort Worth Poetry Slam winner returns to emcee the festival which will include recitations by the Fort Worth Poetry Society, author book readings and spoken word open mic. • Soundtrack of the Page: Livingston is an open book in this special performance as he shares excerpts from his wild and storied life. • Books on The Bowery – Browse, buy and have your favorite books signed by Texas authors. • Storybook Fun for Kids – Kids of all ages will enjoy interactive art & literacy activities, storytelling hugs and high-fives from Corduroy. “Our annual Festival of Books gives voice to local talent, inspires lifelong readers and creates a shared space where imagination and connection flourish,” said Mary White, WCA executive director. “Every year, this event brings people together and ensures that the stories shaping our community, region and state are told, heard, and celebrated.” WCA plays a key role in bringing cultural programming, exhibitions and entertainment to Winnsboro and East Texas. WCA is supported in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Wood County EDC, Winnsboro EDC and Christus Mother Frances Health Systems. Winnsboro’s Cultural District is recognized by Texas Commission on the Arts for its vibrant arts scene. Winnsboro is recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Texas Main Street Community and an accredited member of Main Street America for its successful downtown revitalization. For updated schedules, artist announcements, ticket information and additional details, visit the Festival of Books page on the WCA website. The Bowery is located at 200 Market St. in Downtown Winnsboro. ABOUT WINNSBORO CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Winnsboro Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Winnsboro, Texas. As a multi-disciplinary arts center, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas, engaging people in educational programming, cultural experiences, and entertainment. All scheduled programs are subject to change.