Today's Read Contributor The JAX Urban Book Festival opened its doors on January 22, 2026, in downtown Jacksonville, marking the start of a vibrant three-day celebration of literature, storytelling, and community connection. As a prominent feature of Jacksonville’s broader DREAMWEEK JAX cultural initiative, the festival has evolved into a key event that draws authors, readers, literary professionals, and aspiring writers to engage in meaningful conversations about books and their impact on society. Over the weekend, attendees have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich program of panels, workshops, book signings, and author talks, highlighting both emerging voices and well-established authors in American literature.
The festival was founded by Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar, a notable author who recognized the power of literature to shape cultural expression and civic life. Dr. Dunbar’s vision for the festival has grown over the years, creating a space for people to come together and explore the ways in which stories can shape personal and communal identities. One of the central goals of the festival is to provide opportunities for dialogue across genres and audiences, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of diverse literary traditions. By connecting writers with their readers, the festival serves as a vital platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences that transcend borders and build bridges between cultures.
This year’s festival features an impressive lineup of events, designed to inspire and engage attendees in various aspects of the literary world. One of the most anticipated segments is the series of panel discussions focusing on themes of identity narratives, where authors share their unique perspectives on how stories can explore the complexities of race, culture, and personal identity. These discussions offer attendees a chance to reflect on how literature can mirror, challenge, or even redefine societal norms and individual experiences.
Another key highlight of the festival is the workshops dedicated to the craft of writing. Aspiring authors and seasoned writers alike can learn valuable insights from established authors about the process of writing, from generating ideas to refining drafts and overcoming creative blocks. These workshops provide practical tools for navigating the writing process, whether someone is working on their first novel or seeking to improve their writing skills. Additionally, there will be sessions dedicated to the publishing process, offering attendees important information about how to get their work published, market their books, and build a successful writing career in today’s ever-changing literary landscape.
In addition to its literary focus, the JAX Urban Book Festival is a celebration of community. The festival creates spaces where readers and writers can engage directly with one another, allowing for the exchange of ideas in an informal and inclusive setting. Whether it’s through author meet-and-greets, book signings, or informal conversations, the festival emphasizes the importance of building connections and fostering a sense of belonging within the literary world. The event serves as a reminder that books are not only a source of entertainment and education but also a powerful tool for uniting people from all walks of life.
As the festival continues to grow each year, it has become a key event in Jacksonville’s cultural calendar. It plays an essential role in promoting literacy and encouraging a deeper engagement with the world of books and storytelling. The integration of the JAX Urban Book Festival into DREAMWEEK JAX further strengthens the city’s commitment to celebrating diversity and cultural expression through the arts. The festival has earned a reputation as a dynamic event that brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate literature in its many forms, from poetry and fiction to nonfiction and memoir.
For both longtime book lovers and those attending the festival for the first time, the JAX Urban Book Festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the literary world in an exciting and inclusive environment. As Jacksonville continues to position itself as a hub for cultural and artistic events, the festival plays an important role in showcasing the city’s rich literary scene. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of books and the stories they tell—stories that connect us all, regardless of our background, and help shape the world around us. Whether you are an avid reader, a budding writer, or someone simply looking to explore new literary voices, the JAX Urban Book Festival offers something for everyone, making it an essential stop on Jacksonville’s cultural calendar each year.
