Literary Indulgence Festival
Savor The Pleasure Of Every Word
At Literary Indulgence Festival of Jacksonville, every book opens a new world, and every story brings us together.
Learn more About Us
Welcome to the 2026 Literary Indulgence Event
The Literary Indulgence Book Festival returns for its third year, bringing together authors, educators, readers, and families for a powerful celebration of storytelling and community impact.
With an anticipated attendance of 500+ guests, this free public event continues to grow as one of Jacksonville’s premier literary experiences.
Third Annual Literary Indulgence Book Festival
Saturday, July 18, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
FSCJ Kent Campus
3939 Roosevelt Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32205
2026 THEME
The New Faces of Education: Where Learning and Literature Converge
This year’s programming will explore how education and literature shape voices, strengthen communities, and inspire lifelong engagement with the written word.
Get your free tickets today!
WHAT TO EXPECT
- 40 Featured Authors Across Multiple Genres
- Literary Youth Pavilion: Children’s Writing Workshop/Storytelling & Book Giveaway/Face Painting & Games
- Literary Master Classes
- Educators in Literature Panel Discussion
- Author & Poetry Readings
- Book Signings and Networking Opportunities
- DJ DreOne/Vendors/Food Truck/Raffles & Prizes
STAY CONNECTED
Be the first to receive festival updates and author announcements!
Follow us at:
- FB: @literaryindulgencebookishdelights
- Instagram: @literaryindulgencebookdelights
- Threads: @literaryindulgencebookdelights
- BlueSky: @literaryindulgence.bsky.social
- TikTok: @lits_indulgence
- YouTube: LiteraryIndulgence
“The Home(s) of the Literary Indulgence Book Festival”
In a special collaboration with Women Writing for (a) Change Jacksonville, join us as we close out the exhibit at the FSCJ Kent Campus Art Gallery. This showcase features various artists whose work appears in the (a) river rising: Anthology of Women’s Voices: Spaces and Places. The collection delves into the profound meanings of ‘place’ and ‘space,’ offering a beautiful interpretation of these themes through the eyes of each artist.
FEATURED AUTHOR:
Nikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer, award-winning author, and the voice behind the Black and Published podcast. A narrative strategist and journalist whose bylines appear in The Washington Post, Essence, and Vox, her work has been supported by the Kimbilio Fiction Fellowship, the Tin House Summer Workshop, and the DeGroot Foundation. A Chicago native and Florida State University graduate, she lives in Florida with her family.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree, published by Simon and Schuster, is a sweeping multi-generational epic spanning seven generations of Dupree women from 1917 to 1995, tracing love, loss, and an inherited legacy of secrets rooted in slavery. Narrated by Bahni Turpin, this feminist literary fiction weaves together generational trauma, resilience, and unbreakable family bonds. Praised alongside Homegoing and The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, it earned a 4.4-star rating with nearly 250 reviews on Amazon.
Please note that only books purchased through the Literary Indulgence Book Festival are eligible for author signings. Secure your copy ahead of time and use this link to purchase your book today: https://square.link/u/APfGnA45
Lit Indulgence will have something for everyone, including our youngest Book Lovers at the Literary Youth Pavilion. There will be a storytelling session with Rekia Beverly and our favorite teacher, Mrs. Ashbury.
Followed by a special treat as David L. Gillespie reads aloud from his international award-winning, lively, rhyming picture book, Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue.
Books & Bubbles giveaway, facepainting, and also a Super Story Writing Workshop with Ms. Brianna Ellis to spark creativity for aspiring writers ages 6-12. But all are welcome to attend!
Also enjoy raffles and prizes throughout the day, vendors, food trucks and music with DJ DreOne!
REGISTER Today for A “Free” Ticket! Why?
- Faster check-in
- VIP seating to panel discussion & other presentations
- Guaranteed entry to our Sip & Speak – an intimate Author Meet & Greet with our Festival Presenters
- Exclusive prize drawing entries




The Festival Playbook: Curated Fun & Interactive Zones
PRIZE DRAWING #1:First Coast Romance Writers Book Bundle Value – $150 Escape into an unforgettable literary getaway with a collection curated specifically for true story lovers! This spectacular basket features a treasure trove of captivating reads from the incredibly talented First Coast Romance Writers, alongside exclusive festival gear and cozy writing essentials.
What’s Inside:
- The Headliners: An award-winning three-book series by acclaimed author Maggie Fitzroy.
- The Writer’s Circle Collection: A diverse library of romance, mystery, and destiny featuring:
- A Rose By Any Other Name & Haunt Me Still by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer
- Stealing Mercury by Charlee Allden
- Moonshine & Magnolias by Abigail Sharpe
- Aura of Destiny by Leah Miles
- The Grumpy Guardian’s Redemption by Sara J. Walker
- The Model, The Author, His Wife, The Artist & The Producer by CS Bennett
- Double the Anthologies: Dive into Romancing the Tropics and For the Love of Winter—featuring an exclusive short story by our very own Marie Morton!
- Sip & Create Essentials: Unwind while you read (or write!) with a bottle of 2022 Dark Horse Pinot Grigio, a stunning magenta sphere wine glass, a premium journal for your own prose, a handy stress ball for when inspiration strikes, and a sturdy tote bag perfect for hauling your massive new book haul.
PRIZE DRAWING #2: Beach Reads & Poolside Vibes Raffle Basket Value – $175 Escape into your next great read with the ultimate Book Lover’s Beach & Poolside Retreat Basket! Beautifully arranged inside a stylish oversized pink EVA tote, this basket is overflowing with everything you need for the perfect day of relaxation. When it’s time to soak up the sun, you’ll be ready with a soft beach/pool towel, oversized hair ties, a refreshing Ocean Spray Paradise Splash, Barefoot Moscato, Acqua Panna Tuscany water, a portable electric blender bottle, delicious Late July Cool Ranch and Jalapeño Lime chips, Tate’s Bake Shop Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and luxurious Be Enchanted Body Cream from Bath & Body Works.
One lucky winner will take home this reader’s paradise—don’t miss your chance to make it yours!
PRIZE DRAWING #3: Barnes and Noble Gift Card Value – $200
Imagine having a $200 passport to any world, era, or obsession you choose! Winning this Barnes & Noble e-gift card puts a magnificent library of captivating reads right at your fingertips. You can instantly clear out your entire “Want to Read” list, splurge on those gorgeous, leather-bound collector’s editions you’ve been eyeing, or stock up on the latest chart-topping romance paperbacks and gripping mysteries. Beyond the books, this card unlocks a world of cozy possibilities—from premium journals and luxury reading accessories to the latest bookish tote bags, games, and even your favorite café treats. Whether you choose to curate a stunning new bookshelf or indulge in a year’s worth of late-night digital reads, this is the ultimate hall pass for your inner bookworm.
- Purchase tickets at the festival registration table or get tickets in advance on our website literaryindulgence.com/workshops-and-raffle-tickets/
- $5 per ticket or 3 tickets for $10
- Must be present to win!
- All drawings will be held at 2:30 PM.
- Get your tickets today!
FESTIVAL PASSPORT CHALLENGE
Complete activities to win prizes:
- Obtain a Passport form at the registration table or from a festival volunteer
- Visit 10 different author tables – win a festival tote bag
- Attend 3 workshop sessions – earn a raffle ticket & tote bag
FAMILY FUN ZONE (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Writing workshop & storytelling session
- Oversized floor games (ages 6-12)
- Face painting
- Free books & bubbles for children (while supplies last)
- Bookbag with supplies giveaway (until they’re gone!)
- The child must be present to receive the giveaway item.
SOCIAL MEDIA WALL
- Use our Hashtags in all your social media posts! #LitIndulge2026 #JaxReads #YouthLiteracy #LearnAndRead
- On the day of the festival, make sure to post festival photos and/or videos using our hashtags #LitIndulge2026 – win a bookmark set/LI pen
- Grab some friends and bring them along to share your festival moments!







