Decatur Book Festival announces 2025 Keynote and Kidnote speakers for 20th anniversary celebration.
By Michael J. Pallerino
Connect. Challenge. Celebrate. For two decades, the Decatur Book Festival has been more than a gathering of authors and readers—a cultural cornerstone and beloved fall tradition where stories do more than entertain. Returning October 3-4, the Festival will once again pay homage to people who make Decatur one of the most vibrant literary communities in the country.
This time around is a milestone, as the Festival returns for its 20th anniversary celebration backed by a slate of programming that reflects both its roots and its future. Leading the charge are two powerhouse voices: award-winning poet and cultural critic Saeed Jones and bestselling YA author Angie Thomas, whose presence signals a powerful and intentional evolution in the Festival’s direction.
“Celebrating our 20th anniversary with Saeed Jones and Angie Thomas at the forefront is both meaningful and intentional,” says Leslie Wingate, Executive Director. “From the beginning, we’ve been committed to amplifying a wide range of voices, genres and lived experiences. This year, we’re especially focused on highlighting writers from historically marginalized communities and engaging a younger, more diverse audience.”
That focus comes to life on Friday, Oct. 3, when Thomas takes the stage at Agnes Scott College’s Presser Hall as the 2025 Kidnote speaker. Thomas, whose breakout novel, “The Hate U Give,” became a cultural touchstone, returns with her highly anticipated sequel to “Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi.” The story is a magical, folklore-infused adventure that blends mythology with themes of identity, belonging and bravery—all written to spark imaginations and carry the weight of deeper conversations.
Later that evening, Jones will present the Festival’s Keynote Address in the historic Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Decatur. Jones—whose past works include “Prelude to Bruise” and “How We Fight for Our Lives”—will spotlight his newest anthology, “The People’s Project: Poems, Essays, and Art for Looking Forward,” which he curated in collaboration with poet Maggie Smith.
With contributors Victoria Chang, Tiana Clark and Aruni Kashyap joining him onstage, the discussion promises to be an emotional and thought-provoking meditation on liberation, creativity, and collective healing. “I’m honored to be participating in this anniversary milestone,” Jones says. “Now more than ever, it is important to come together and discuss the art that moves and activates us. Let’s get free together.”
Hope. Identity. Intergenerational.
Themes of hope, identity and intergenerational storytelling are at the heart of this year’s lineup, which Wingate says was an intentional addition to the festivities. “We aim to create a space where everyone, regardless of background, identity, or perspective, can feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether you’re trans, LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous or simply seeking stories that reflect your truth, this year’s programming was designed with you in mind.”
And while the author lineup always draws attention, Wingate says that what’s planned in between the readings and signings will help further deliver on the Festival’s mission. “Our children’s programming is expanding in exciting new ways, including a collaboration with the Woodruff Arts Center. Our culinary lineup is stronger than ever, and we’re bringing more live music and exhibitors to energize the square all weekend long.”
This year, the Decatur Book Festival is partnering with local booksellers—Brave + Kind Bookshop, Charis Books and More, Eagle Eye Books and Little Shop of Stories. And while the full lineup is still to come, festival goers can expect a diverse mix of national, regional and local voices, alongside cooking demonstrations, performances, family-friendly activities, and more.
While all events are free and open to the public, advance registration is encouraged for both the keynote and kidnote sessions. For those who’ve been part of the journey since the early days—or are discovering the festival for the first time—this year’s event aims to deliver on the same promises that made DBF a favorite from the start: access, inclusion and inspiration.
“As we look toward the future,” we’re leaning into what makes the festival so beloved: that sense of community, the celebration of ideas, and its power to inspire across generations,” Wingate says.
For more information on registration, programming or sponsorship opportunities, visit decaturbookfestival.com or contact Wingate at leslie@decaturbookfestival.com.
