Florence's 5th Annual Festival Books Opens New Pages to Oregon Coast This Weekend

Published 09/22/2026 at 5:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Whatever floats your boat, goes the saying. And in this case, if you're a bookworm or bibliophage of any kind, your rudder should be pointed to the south central Oregon coast this weekend.

Florence’s literary community will take center stage on Saturday, September 26, as the 5th Annual Florence Festival of Books returns to the Florence Events Center. Hosted by the nonprofit Florence Arts, Culture and Entertainment Team (FACE), the daylong gathering will feature more than 40 exhibitors, including regional authors, publishers, editors, first-time writers, and veteran authors with dozens of titles to their name.

Visitors will find an eclectic mix of genres: memoir, children’s literature, history, historical fiction, poetry, journaling prompts, fantasy (including the spicy kind), and even books “written” by cats.

“You'll discover new genres, learn about hybrid/ indie/ DIY publishing, record and take home your own two-minute audio reading, and become part of Florence’s vibrant coastal writing community,” organizers said.

Levin - courtesy photo

The festival takes place at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince Street, just south of Highway 126. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Admission is $3 for Exhibit Hall access and $5 for All Access; students 18 and under are free. The venue offers free on-site parking and is fully ADA accessible. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Speaker & Workshop Schedule

9:30 am – 10:30 am: Keynoter: Melissa Hart: “The World Needs Your Story”
10:30 am: Exhibit Hall opens to the public
10:30 am – 4:00 pm: Eric Alan: “In Your Own Words” Audio Recordings
11:00 – 11:45 am: Workshop #1 - Ned Hickson: “Creating Believable Characters”
12:00 pm: Student Presentation: Siuslaw Students et al., Original Stories
1:00 pm: Workshop #2 - Rose Estes: “Dungeons & Dragons® … and ME”
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: Workshop #3 - Big Wave Spoken Word: “Poetry Every Day”
3:00 – 3:45 pm: Workshop #4 - Luminare Press: “Your Book -- Your Way!”
4:00 pm: Exhibit Hall Closes
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Author Conversation: Jorah LaFleur and Rick Levin

Rose Estes - courtesy photo

Organizers say the famed Oregon coast festival is “chockablock” with writers, artists, and readers who will inspire attendees throughout the day. Highlights include the Student Zone, featuring Siuslaw Middle School’s “Tale Spinners,” and a rare appearance by Rose Estes, author of the first nine books in the Dungeons & Dragons® Endless Quest series.

The event also brings notable voices from Eugene, including Melissa Hart, Jorah LaFleur, and Rick Levin. Workshops, audio recording sessions, and direct conversations with exhibitors round out a full day of literary exploration.

The FACE Festival of Books Team encourages community members and visitors to join in celebrating Florence’s vibrant writing culture. See http://www.FACEfestivalofbooks.org/

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