After the successful debut of its inaugural festival last October, the Twentynine Palms Book Festival is back. The 2024 edition will take place in four locations in downtown Twentynine Palms over two days, on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9.
Situated near one of the largest Marine Bases in the United States and drawing a burgeoning population of post-Covid transplants, Twentynine Palms is a quaint rural town adjacent to the breathtaking Joshua Tree National Park.
The festival caters to a wide audience, serving residents and neighboring community members and a growing influx of tourists exploring the wonders of California’s Mojave Desert. We anticipate 500 visitors, including reading enthusiasts, acclaimed authors, guest speakers, and journalists.
Highlights of the 2024 Twentynine Palms Book Festival:
Diverse Author Showcase: The festival will feature a diverse lineup of 29 authors, including both established names and up-and-coming talents. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with authors.
Bookfair: The festival will showcase various literary works from fiction to non-fiction, poetry, and more. A special zone will be dedicated to young readers. Additionally, a photo expo inspired by U2's iconic album cover, The Joshua Tree, will add a visual dimension to the book fair.
Live Sessions: Engaging panel discussions will cover diverse themes, providing insights into various aspects of literature and culture. Topics will include Native American Narratives, Eco and UFO literature, and Inspirational storytelling.
Talk Sessions: The diverse and rich history of Twentynine Palms will take center stage during our talk sessions. Led by both established and amateur writers, these talks will uncover hidden stories and untold anecdotes about the city’s past.
Special Events: Special events will include (1) a focus on Romance Fiction, offering unique opportunities for fans of the genre to connect with authors and explore new releases; (2) a tribute to the audacious women behind “Wimmen’s Comix”, a 70s groundbreaking publication that had a lasting impact on the comics world and the Women Liberation Movement; (3) an evening dedicated to crime fiction readings; and (4) a closing party in collaboration with Mas O Menos and Red Light Lit, providing guests with a wide range of cultural experiences to enjoy.
Additionally, the festival will source books with potential for screen adaptation, ideal for filming in and around Twentynine Palms. Throughout the event, selected stories and their authors will be paired with producers who are invited to the festival and seeking projects for swift development into feature films and documentaries.
