Decatur, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The 20th annual Decatur Book Festival will take place in downtown Decatur, featuring over 100 authors, engaging activities for all ages, and discussions with notable writers. The festival, free and open to the public, promises a vibrant atmosphere with author conversations, cooking demos, and family-friendly activities. Concurrently, visitors can enjoy the Atlanta Greek Festival and Gwinnett Balloon Glow, enhancing the cultural experience of the weekend.
Decatur
The 20th annual Decatur Book Festival is set to take place in downtown Decatur on October 3-4, 2024, celebrating a milestone with more than 100 authors in attendance. The festival, which is free and open to the public, promises a weekend filled with enriching activities including author conversations, book signings, cooking demonstrations, live performances, and children’s activities.
The festival will kick off on Friday evening, featuring a discussion by Angie Thomas at 6 p.m. and a keynote address by Saeed Jones at 7 p.m.. The following day, the downtown streets of Decatur will be transformed into a vibrant street fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., where attendees can engage with various literary activities and enjoy the festivities.
Notable authors participating in this year’s festival include bestsellers and influential figures like Saeed Jones, Angie Thomas, and Stacey Abrams. Visitors can look forward to insightful discussions and opportunities to meet these acclaimed writers in person.
Concurrent with the Decatur Book Festival, the Atlanta Greek Festival will celebrate Greek culture and cuisine. This family-friendly event promises to offer a taste of traditional Greek food, dance, and music, enhancing the weekend’s festive atmosphere.
On top of these literary and cultural events, the Gwinnett Balloon Glow will also take place this weekend. Attendees can participate in activities such as viewing hot air balloons and riding in a tethered balloon, alongside a laser and drone light show. Additional family-friendly activities in metro Atlanta will include park festivals, local food events, and various cultural celebrations.
Volunteers eager to contribute to the success of the Decatur Book Festival can sign up for various roles, and donations are welcomed to support the event’s goals. The festival aims to showcase diverse voices and make literature accessible for all segments of the community.
The Executive Director of the Decatur Book Festival expressed excitement about welcoming both longtime attendees and newcomers to the celebration as the festival reaches its two-decade milestone.
Overview of Events
The following chart summarizes the key features of the weekend’s events:
| Event | Date | Location | Activities | Notable Authors/Participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur Book Festival | October 3-4, 2024 | Downtown Decatur | Author conversations, book signings, cooking demonstrations, live performances, children’s activities | Saeed Jones, Angie Thomas, Stacey Abrams |
| Atlanta Greek Festival | October 3-4, 2024 | Atlanta | Greek food, dance performances, cultural exhibits | N/A |
| Gwinnett Balloon Glow | October 3-4, 2024 | Gwinnett | Hot air balloon viewing, tethered balloon rides, light shows | N/A |
FAQ
What are the dates of the Decatur Book Festival?
The 20th annual Decatur Book Festival will take place in downtown Decatur on October 3-4, 2024.
Is the Decatur Book Festival free to attend?
The festival is free and open to the public.
What types of activities can attendees expect at the festival?
Activities include author conversations, book signings, cooking demonstrations, live performances, and children’s activities.
Which notable authors will attend the Decatur Book Festival?
Notable authors attending include Saeed Jones, Angie Thomas, Stacey Abrams, and many others.
How can individuals get involved in the Decatur Book Festival?
Volunteers can sign up to help at the festival, which also welcomes donations.
What is the goal of the Decatur Book Festival?
The festival aims to showcase diverse voices and make literature accessible for all.
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Additional Resources
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Authors, Censorship & Free Expression
- Wikipedia: Book Festivals
- UATL: Going to Decatur Book Festival? Check Out UATL’s October Recommendations
- Google Search: Decatur Book Festival
- Patch: Discover Top Authors at Decatur Book Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literature
- Decaturish: Book Festival Reports Record Attendance
- Google News: Decatur Book Festival
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
