Key School Announces Lineup for 23rd Annapolis Book Festival

Renowned authors and public figures to headline annual literary event.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:32am

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A bold, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring a repeating pattern of brightly colored book spines in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying the energy and creativity of the Annapolis Book Festival.The Annapolis Book Festival celebrates the joy of reading with a vibrant showcase of literary talent and community spirit.Baltimore Today

The Key School in Annapolis, Maryland has unveiled the lineup for its 23rd annual Annapolis Book Festival, set to take place on May 2nd. The daylong event will feature panel discussions, author talks, and book signings with a diverse array of notable guests, including U.S. Representative James Clyburn, sports columnist Christine Brennan, and 'This Old House' host Steve Thomas.

Why it matters

The Annapolis Book Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that draws thousands of book lovers from across the region to celebrate literature, ideas, and community. As one of the largest literary festivals in the Mid-Atlantic, it provides a platform for renowned authors, public figures, and up-and-coming writers to engage with readers and share their work.

The details

The 23rd Annapolis Book Festival will take place on May 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Key School campus. In addition to the featured speakers, the festival will include a variety of panel discussions, author talks, and book signings covering a wide range of genres and topics. Organizers expect more than 4,000 people to attend the festival, making it one of the largest literary events in the region.

  • The 23rd Annapolis Book Festival will be held on May 2, 2026.
  • The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the event.

The players

U.S. Representative James Clyburn

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing South Carolina's 6th congressional district.

Christine Brennan

An award-winning sports columnist and author who has covered numerous Olympic Games and other major sporting events.

Steve Thomas

The longtime host of the popular home improvement television series 'This Old House'.

Key School

A private, co-educational day school located in Annapolis, Maryland that has hosted the Annapolis Book Festival for the past 23 years.

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What they’re saying

“The Annapolis Book Festival is a beloved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the power of the written word.”

— James Clyburn, U.S. Representative

“I'm thrilled to be a part of this year's Annapolis Book Festival and to engage with readers from across the region.”

— Christine Brennan, Sports Columnist

What’s next

Tickets for the 23rd Annapolis Book Festival are now on sale through the Key School website. Organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee entry, as the event is expected to sell out.

The takeaway

The Annapolis Book Festival has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the power of literature and ideas. By bringing together renowned authors, public figures, and passionate readers, the festival continues to foster a vibrant literary community in the region and inspire a love of reading among attendees of all ages.