What can you expect when you attend the Morristown Festival of Books? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

When is the Festival?

Our next Festival will take place on Friday, October 6 & Saturday, October 7, 2023.

The Festival begins on Friday evening with a Keynote Event. This is a ticketed event, and tickets are available online or by phone at 973-539-8008. Tickets are also available at the door on the night of the event, as availability allows.

The Main Festival, including KidFest, happens on Saturday and runs from 10am – 5pm. Authors give in-person talks and hold Q&A sessions at venues along South Street. Other than select special events, these sessions are free, no tickets required; general seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can visit the Information Tent on the Vail Mansion lawn (use 110 South Street, Morristown 07960 for GPS) to pick up a Festival program and plan your day once you arrive!

What is the Festival’s COVID-19 Policy?

Morristown Festival of Books is committed to following safety protocols in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Current CDC guidelines help us determine our policies. For the 2022 Festival, masks are not required but are recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated and/or have had a recent COVID-19 exposure. We ask that those with an active COVID-19 infection refrain from attending.

Where is the Festival? 

The Festival center is on the lawn in front of the historic Vail Mansion (110 South Street, Morristown 07960). Here you will find an Information Tent staffed with volunteers who can direct you to event venues, Book Tents where we will be selling copies of our visiting authors’ books, and Signing Tents where authors will greet visitors and sign books. All venues are within walking distance of the Festival center. Session locations will be announced ahead of event dates.

Click here for venue map. Please note, the festival is not held on the Morristown Green.

What happens at the Festival?

On Friday evening, there is a ticketed Keynote Event. Attendees will enjoy a presentation by a Keynote Speaker, followed by a short Q&A session. 

On Saturday, the main Festival takes place from 10am – 5pm. Authors will speak and hold Q&A sessions in our festival venues (see listing above). Other than select special event sessions, these author talks are free, no tickets required. 

Following their talks, each author will proceed to the Vail Mansion lawn to sign books under the Book Tent. Books will be for sale throughout the day at the Book Tent on the lawn.

Where can I find the schedule of events?

All event times are posted on our website: see Main Festival schedule here and KidFest schedule here. A printed program will be also available at the Information Tent on the Vail Mansion lawn and at each of the Festival venues on the day of the Festival. A large print version of our event schedule will be available upon request.

Can I meet the authors and have my books signed?

Yes! Authors will be speaking and answering questions in very informal one-hour sessions at festival venues throughout the day. Immediately following his or her talk, each author will proceed directly to their designated signing area. You will have the opportunity to speak with your favorite authors and have your books personalized.

What if it rains?

The Festival will be held rain or shine! Outdoor author sessions will be tented, but please dress accordingly and bring
an umbrella if it rains.

Where should I park?

There are several public parking garages within easy walking distance of the Festival center (the Vail Mansion lawn) and five Festival venues. The DeHart Street Parking Garage offers 800 parking spaces and can be entered from either DeHart or Maple Streets. For more information about parking options, click here. Handicapped accessible parking is available in several places around the Vail Mansion. 

Where can I get lunch or other refreshments while attending the Festival?

Downtown Morristown offers a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and takeout eateries within easy walking distance of the Festival center at 100 South Street, Morristown. A list created by the Morristown Partnership will be available at our Information Tents for easy reference.

Are there public bathrooms available?

Festival staff will direct attendees to bathrooms open for public use, such as at the library.

Are there activities for children?

Absolutely! In fact KidFest includes author talks, signings, and fun activities all day for children and young adults!

Visit our KidFest event page for details on when you can hear your favorite authors speak, get your books signed, participate in arts and crafts, hear live music, and much more!

What should I wear?

Our festival is a casual event. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for cool weather. It is a rain or shine event, so please bring an umbrella if the day’s weather warrants it.