FREE STATE Book FEstival
Hosted by Lawrence Public Library in partnership with
Anamcara Press, Kansas Authors Club, and
the Raven Bookstore,
this brand-new community celebration brings together
books, brews, poetry,and live music
—all in one unforgettable day.
May 3, 2026
Join us for:
50 local and regional authors
20 poets + a lively open-mic
Keynote presentation at The Raven
Live musicians throughout the day
Children’s authors + hands-on activities in the LPL auditorium
Free State Brewing Company beer truck
. . . and more surprises to come!
Whether you’re a reader, writer, music lover, or just here for the beer and good vibes, this is your chance to celebrate Lawrence’s vibrant creative community.
Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and come raise a glass (and a book) with us!
Anamcara Press, Kansas Authors Club, and
the Raven Bookstore,
this brand-new community celebration brings together
books, brews, poetry,and live music
—all in one unforgettable day.
May 3, 2026
Join us for:
50 local and regional authors
20 poets + a lively open-mic
Keynote presentation at The Raven
Live musicians throughout the day
Children’s authors + hands-on activities in the LPL auditorium
Free State Brewing Company beer truck
. . . and more surprises to come!
Whether you’re a reader, writer, music lover, or just here for the beer and good vibes, this is your chance to celebrate Lawrence’s vibrant creative community.
Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and come raise a glass (and a book) with us!
IMPORTANT! As of 3/21/2026, all author tables are taken. But please feel free to fill out the form to be put on the list in case there is a cancellation.
AUTHOR REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Kansas Authors Club members are invited to register for a full table ($60) or a half table ($30).
Our deadline for submitting your application for the Free State Book Fest was March 15. Beginning on March 16, we invited submissions from those other than KAC members. We have a committee who are selecting authors from our submissions such that we have a mixture of book genres included at the festival. The committee should be finished with their selections before the end of March and we will send a pay link at that time.
Thank you for your patience!
Registration Form below. Once you get your acceptance letter (end of March) you will be directed where to pay.
AUTHOR REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Kansas Authors Club members are invited to register for a full table ($60) or a half table ($30).
Our deadline for submitting your application for the Free State Book Fest was March 15. Beginning on March 16, we invited submissions from those other than KAC members. We have a committee who are selecting authors from our submissions such that we have a mixture of book genres included at the festival. The committee should be finished with their selections before the end of March and we will send a pay link at that time.
Thank you for your patience!
Registration Form below. Once you get your acceptance letter (end of March) you will be directed where to pay.
Thank you to our 2026 Free State Book Festival Committee Members:
Maureen Carroll, Amber Fraley, Paul Lamb, Cheryl Heide, Kim Ashley, and Conlan Murphy