4 Great American Summer Book Festivals

The AJC Decatur Book Festival, a three-day bash just outside Atlanta, features readings by high-profile authors, writer panels, and book signings. Interactive events include poetry slams, parades for kids, a scavenger hunt, music, a writers conference, and a street fair. Festivalgoers can wander among the 16 stages showcasing new genres and authors. Writers mingle at the author VIP lounge in the town square, but the writer-reader socializing happens after hours at Twain's, a local brewpub and billiard parlor. All events are free; tickets are required for venues that have limited capacity.

September 2–4, decaturbookfestival.com