The Atlantic Across America Tour Heads to New Orleans

The Atlantic's editors and writers to participate in the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University from March 12-15.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Atlantic is bringing its Across America tour to New Orleans, with a lineup of events at the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University from March 12-15. Highlights include conversations with historian Ken Burns, author Walter Isaacson, Atlantic staff writers Clint Smith and George Packer, and newly elected New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno.

Why it matters

The Atlantic's Across America tour aims to explore the evolution of the American idea as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The New Orleans events will provide a platform for discussions on belonging, regional identity, leadership, and the preservation of civic institutions - all crucial topics as the country navigates complex social, political, and environmental challenges.

The details

The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg will lead a discussion on March 12 with Ken Burns, Walter Isaacson, Clint Smith, and Annette Gordon-Reed. On March 13, George Packer will speak with Salman Rushdie, and Clint Smith will join a panel with Annette Gordon-Reed, Charles Blow, and Imani Perry. Later that day, Evan Smith will interview David Rubenstein. On March 14, Evan Smith will interview newly elected New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno, and David Brooks will sit down with Walter Isaacson.

  • The Atlantic Across America tour events will take place at the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University from March 12-15, 2026.
  • The festival is free and open to the public.

The players

Jeffrey Goldberg

The editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

Ken Burns

A renowned historian and filmmaker.

Walter Isaacson

An author and journalist.

Clint Smith

A staff writer at The Atlantic.

Annette Gordon-Reed

A historian.

George Packer

A staff writer at The Atlantic.

Salman Rushdie

An author.

Evan Smith

The managing director of The Atlantic.

David Rubenstein

A businessman and philanthropist.

Daniel Kehlmann

An author.

Nathaniel Rich

An author.

Helena Moreno

The newly elected mayor of New Orleans.

David Brooks

A staff writer at The Atlantic.

Charles Blow

A journalist.

Imani Perry

A scholar.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

— Walter Isaacson (The Atlantic)

What’s next

The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University is free and open to the public. Attendees can register for more information at https://bookfest.tulane.edu/register.

The takeaway

The Atlantic's Across America tour is bringing crucial discussions on the state of the nation to New Orleans, providing a platform for leading thinkers to explore the evolution of American identity and the challenges facing the country as it approaches its 250th anniversary.