FAQs
WHEN DO FESTIVAL REGISTRATION & TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC?
Public sale of the 2026 Festival Registration & Ticketed Events will begin on Thursday, July 16th at 9:00 a.m.
HOW DO I RECEIVE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE FESTIVAL INFORMATION?
For the latest up-to-date Festival information, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter.
WHO ARE THE 2026 PRESENTERS?
The 2026 confirmed presenters list can be viewed here.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL?
The 2026 registration fee is $25 per person, and free for all students with a valid ID. You do not need to purchase a registration to attend any of our ticketed events listed below.
WHAT ARE THIS YEAR’S TICKETED EVENTS?
Friday Keynote with Roz Chast will feature a 45-minute presentation on her life, work, artwork, and unique sense of humor, accompanied by projected images. The presentation will be followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A and a book signing.
Tickets: $100 and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of one of two books, selected at the time of purchase:
I Must Be Dreaming
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?
Friday Cookbook luncheon with Greta Podleski, featuring her cookbook Every Salad Ever: From Grains to Greens and Pasta to Beans Plus Every Salad in Between.
Tickets: $100 and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the cookbook and lunch. Books will be pre-signed. Personalization will be available.
Saturday Night Dinner with Scott Simon with a conversation about his book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known, with Austin Rowlander of Interlochen Public Radio. Book signing will follow.
Tickets: $100 and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the book and dinner,
Sunday Cookbook luncheon with Ham El-Waylly, Hello, Home Cooking: Do-Able Dishes for Every Day.
Tickets: $100 and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the cookbook and lunch. Books will be pre-signed. Personalization will be available.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS I CAN PURCHASE PER ORDER?
Four. A different name for each registration is required. A different email is helpful but not required.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TICKETS I CAN PURCHASE FOR EACH OF THE TICKETED EVENT LISTED ABOVE?
Two. A different name for each ticket is helpful but not required.
ARE THERE BENEFITS FOR BEING A FESTIVAL DONOR?
Yes, see the list of 2026 benefits here. Please note the deadline for early access is June 30, 2026.
WHAT ARE YOUR VENUES?
Our venues include the Performing Arts Center at Harbor Springs High School, Harbor Springs Library, History Museum, Lyric Theatre, Irish Boat Shop and tents in Marina, Shay and Zorn Parks. We also host food events at Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, The New York Restaurant, and The Highlands.
DO YOU USE VOLUNTEERS?
The Festival uses more than 150 volunteers throughout the event weekend. If you would like to volunteer your time, please use this link to find out more information and get on our Volunteer email list.
DO YOU PROVIDE SPACE FOR VENDORS?
At this time, we do not offer vendor or exhibit space to vendors.
ARE BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR SALE?
All Festival presenters’ books are available for sale at the Festival’s Pop-Up Bookstore during the Festival event and after each session. The bookstore vendor is Between the Covers, who donates 20% of all session and Pop-Up Bookstore book sales during the Festival weekend back to the Festival.
WHERE DO I PARK?
Parking is available throughout downtown Harbor Springs and at the Harbor Springs High School. The Festival offers a Saturday shuttle service from the high school parking lot to various venues.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT LODGING IN THE AREA?
It is never too early to confirm your accommodations. Visit PetoskeyArea.com for information about area lodging. The Highlands, located four miles north of downtown Harbor Springs, is offer a special rate on accomodations the weekend of the Festival. Use the code: BOOKLOVER to receive 10% off your two-night minimum stay! Dates: Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27. Click here or call 1-800-GOBOYNE & mention the promo code.
HOW DO I GET TO HARBOR SPRINGS?
Harbor Springs, Michigan, is a beautiful town on Highway 119—on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay, about 1.5 hours from Traverse City, 3 hours from Grand Rapids, and 4.5 hours from Detroit. Pellston Regional Airport, Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, and Chippewa County Airport in Kincheloe are the nearest airports.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY BOOK TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS FESTIVAL?
The submission deadline for the 2026 Festival was January 1 - 31, 2026. For 2027 submission guidelines, please review the Festival criteria here.
I’VE NEVER ATTENDED THE FESTIVAL. WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?
The 2025 Festival Program is available as a PDF here. If you have not attended a previous Festival, viewing the program will show you the Festival schedule and format.