A Booklover’s Guide to Texas

More on the state’s indie bookstores, storytelling champions, and literary destinations turning the page

Deep Vellum Music & Literature Festival
Dallas

Of July’s inaugural gathering, cofounder Will Evans welcomed “many neighbors and out-of-town readers for a celebration of literary Dallas and Deep Ellum.” Planning is underway for 2027. deepvellum.org/festival

VersoFrontera Literature and Arts Festival
San Antonio

Founder Octavio Quintanilla describes this event as an “independent, community-centered initiative designed to amplify diverse voices.” Thirty-two writers will be featured Nov. 13-14. Free. facebook.com/versofrontera

People’s Literary Festival
Corpus Christi

Every March, more than 70 writers gather over three days to participate in readings, panel discussions, workshops, and to present the Robb Jackson Award to high school poetry students. Free. peoplesliteraryfestival.com

Poetry at Round Top
Round Top

Festival director Katherine Durham Oldmixon Garza invites writers to “commune with poetry and the natural world” annually in April. Speakers have included celebrated San Antonio poet Naomi Shihab Nye. Registration required. poetryatroundtop.org

Lubbock Book Festival
Lubbock

In August, the nonprofit Literacy Lubbock hosts this annual gathering offering signings, panel discussions, writing workshops, and children’s activities. Children 12 and under are free; $5-$15 for students and adults.
lubbockbookfest.com

Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival
RGV

Festival founder Daniel García Ordaz says the annual April event is “truly international, with concurrent events in the U.S. and Mexico.” The $35 registration includes a ticket to Poetry Pachanga. valleypoetryfest.org