Join the 3rd Annual Literary Indulgence Book Festival for a day of inspiration and creative discovery as the festival returns on July 18, 2026. Coordinated by Literary Indulgence of Jacksonville, LLC, this vibrant event will be held at the Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Kent Campus from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The festival is free to the general public, offering an expansive showcase of multi-genre authors and serving as a premier hub for connecting readers with the voices shaping today’s literary landscape.
Under the 2026 theme, “The New Faces of Education: Where Learning and Literature Converge,” the festival features a powerhouse session moderated by educator and author Rekia Beverly. This distinguished panel includes current and former educators, notably two Duval County Public School Teacher of the Year Finalists, Michelle Flores and Petika Tave. Joining them are S.E. Smith, Frank Goodin II, and Mariah Jones, who have successfully bridged classroom expertise with careers as international best-selling authors, filmmakers, and bookstore owners. Additionally, the Amelia Island Writers will lead a session titled “Demystifying Today’s Publishing Options,” offering vital insights into traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing paths.
In a special collaboration with Women Writing for (a) Change Jacksonville, attendees are invited to the closing of a compelling art exhibit at the FSCJ Kent Campus Art Gallery. The showcase features artists from the anthology (a) river rising: Anthology of Women’s Voices: Spaces and Places, highlighting the intersection of visual art and the written word. For aspiring young writers ages 6 –12, Ms. Brianna Ellis will host a Super Story Writing Workshop designed to spark creativity, complemented by the Books & Bubbles giveaway and face painting for the young attendees.
Community support is a festival priority, featuring a Bookbag and School Supply giveaway in partnership with the Green Sims Williams Family Foundation (while supplies last). Attendees will also enjoy local food trucks, vendors, raffles, and music by Andre Griffin, DJ DreOne.
“This year’s programming explores how the foundations of education shaped creative paths and professional journeys,” says Marie Morton, founder of Literary Indulgence of Jacksonville. By bringing together local Jacksonville award-winning keynote author Nikesha Elise Williams (The Seven Daughters of Dupree) with educators and students, the event fosters lifelong engagement with literature. Register and find full event details at www.literaryindulgence.com.