The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts invites published authors from across South Georgia and North Florida to participate in the 2026 Turner Center Literary Fair, to be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Turner Center Galleries, 527 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta.

The annual Literary Fair celebrates the written word by bringing together authors and readers for a day of literary discovery, book sales, networking, and community engagement. Authors are encouraged to register for a vendor booth to showcase and sell their published works, connect with readers, and engage with fellow writers from across the region.

"The Literary Fair has become one of the premier literary events in South Georgia, providing authors with an opportunity to share their stories while inspiring the next generation of writers," said Turner Center Executive Director Sementha Mathews, Ph.D. "We invite authors of every genre to join us for this exciting celebration of literature and creativity."

The Literary Fair is free and open to the public and will feature:

• Author booths with books available for purchase and signing
• Featured presentations by distinguished regional authors
• Opportunities for aspiring writers to learn from published authors
• The official launch of the 7th Annual Art of Writing Contest, which encourages creative writing among area middle and high school students
• Information about the Turner Center's ongoing literary programs, including the Young Writers League and Writers League

Food vendors will be on site throughout the day for the convenience of authors and visitors.

Published authors interested in participating are encouraged to register early, as booth space is limited. Registration is available now, and the application deadline is August 21, 2026.

The Literary Fair is part of the Turner Center’s America250 calendar of events, demonstrating the Center’s commitment to fostering literacy, creativity, and lifelong learning while connecting readers with talented authors from throughout the region.

For author registration or additional information, please call the Turner Center at 229-247-2787 or visit www.turnercenter.org