About the Festival

The Morristown Festival of Books is where readers and authors meet.

What is the mission of the Festival?

The Morristown Festival of Books celebrates the power of the written word to challenge, transport, and transform us as individuals and to bring us together in conversation as a community.

 

What exactly is a festival of books?

Book festivals happen all over the world and can take many shapes and sizes. Our particular festival is wonderfully unique. A two-day event that takes place in the autumn, it features in-person talks by world-class authors across every genre for all ages. The opening night is a ticketed Keynote Event featuring an amazing headline speaker. The FREE Main Festival and KidFest take place on Saturday, rain or shine, at beautiful, historic locations in the heart of historic downtown Morristown, NJ. All events are open to the public, free of charge, and do not require reservations. 

We are thrilled to join together with our supporters and sponsors to present a two-day, multi-author, in-person event.

Please mark your calendar to save the dates for this year’s Festival: October 9 & 10, 2026.

Why Morristown?

Morristown is an ideal location for a Festival of Books. It is accessible for both authors and attendees throughout the NJ/NY/Pennsylvania area and beyond. It is easily reached by train via direct NJ Transit line from Penn Station in NYC, and the Festival center is just a short walk from the Morristown train station.

Several of Morristown’s iconic historic locations have embraced the Festival and opened their doors to host the author venues. Our vibrant and diverse community has a bustling town center, an active arts community, and avid readers from all walks of life. And finally, in Morristown and surrounding communities, we have an abundance of dedicated book lovers to volunteer, organize, and support this groundbreaking event.

 

Where will the authors speak?

For in-person events, Festival venues have included the Morristown & Morris Township Library, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s Parish Hall, the Parish House of the Presbyterian Church, Church of the Redeemer, and the lawn at Vail Mansion. 

These prominent local landmarks are located within a one-block area, making it easy to travel from venue to venue. The Festival center is on the lawn in front of the historic Vail Mansion (110 South Street, Morristown 07960). 

Please note, the festival is not held on the Morristown Green.

 

Who is the Festival for?

The Festival is for everyone! Our author selections are designed to appeal to a variety of ages and reading interests. Included in the line-up will be both fiction and non-fiction writers in various genres. Join us for one author, or make a day of it and listen to multiple authors. You may find your favorite author or have fun learning about others not as familiar to you.

 

How do I get involved?

We’d love your help! We welcome donors at any level. A number of area book clubs have pooled individual member donations in order to become sponsors. We also welcome volunteers with planning skills and those willing to work the day of the event. Please click here to let us know how you would like to help.

 

Anti-Harassment Policy

The Morristown Festival of Books is committed to creating a welcoming and safe experience, and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. In support of this commitment, the Festival prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, based on a protected classification, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.

Need special assistance?

MFOB is fully committed to providing equal access to all of its patrons. If you require an accommodation or service (i.e., ASL), please contact info@morristownbooks.org at least 4 weeks prior to the event to ensure appropriate arrangements. All venues are wheelchair accessible.

Still have questions?

Send us an email and we'll respond as quickly as we can!

  • THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

    Thank you to our 2026 Overall Festival Sponsor:

    Thank you to our 2026 Special Events Festival Sponsor:

    Thank you to our 2026 Keynote Sponsor:

  • BOOKSTORE PARTNERS

    We encourage you to support our indie bookseller partners:

    Official Festival Booksellers

    Sparta Books
    29 Theatre Center
    Sparta, NJ
    (973) 729-6200
    www.spartabooks.indielite.org

    indigo
    The Mall at Short Hills
    Short Hills, NJ
    (973) 729-6200
    www.indigo.ca/en-ca

    Local Bookstore Partners

    Chapter One Books
    84 East Main Street
    Mendham, NJ
    973-224-7858
    www.chapterbookstores.com

    The Book Nook
    Learning Express – Teaching Room
    158 South Street
    Morristown, NJ
    973-540-8358

    The Bookworm
    99 Claremont Road
    Bernardsville, NJ
    http://bookwormbernardsville.indielite.org

  • GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

    Please consider becoming a Festival Fellow or a Festival Friend. Your generosity makes the difference! Email us: sponsor@morristownbooks.org.