If you love books, history, or simply discovering unique events in Coastal Delaware, you'll want to mark your calendar for this one.
The History Book Festival returns to Lewes from September 25 through 27, 2026, celebrating its 10th anniversary with three days of conversations, bestselling authors, book signings, and community events.
A One-of-a-Kind Festival
The History Book Festival isn't just another literary event.
It's the first and only book festival in the United States dedicated entirely to history, bringing together authors of historical fiction and narrative nonfiction from across the country.
Every year, more than 5,000 attendees travel from over 30 states and abroad to experience the festival in historic Lewes, proving that this small coastal town has become a major destination for readers.
Throughout the weekend, you'll have the opportunity to hear directly from acclaimed authors as they share the stories behind their newest books, covering everything from ancient civilizations and world wars to civil rights, politics, espionage, and remarkable individuals who shaped history.
Spend the Weekend Exploring Lewes
One of the best parts of attending the festival is that it gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy everything else Lewes has to offer.
Presentation venues are located throughout the town's Historic District and are all within walking distance of one another.
If you'd rather not walk, a free shuttle runs throughout Saturday, connecting festival venues, downtown shops, restaurants, and the Festival Food Court.
Between sessions, you can:
- Browse local shops.
- Grab lunch from the festival food trucks.
- Enjoy one of Lewes' many restaurants or coffee shops.
- Explore the town's historic streets and waterfront.
- Pick up books and meet your favorite authors during book signings.
If you have more questions, you can check out their FAQ.
Image: iStock
Meet This Year's Authors
The 2026 festival features more than 20 presentations from bestselling, award-winning, and emerging authors exploring a wide range of historical topics through both nonfiction and historical fiction.
- Ifrah F. Ahmed - Soomaaliya
- Scott Anderson - King of Kings
- Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz - The Ballad of the Fugitive William Parker
- Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray - A Pair of Aces
- David Conrad-Pérez - Fire in the Heart of the City
- Eric Jay Dolin - The Wreck of the Mentor
- Ada Ferrer - Keeper of My Kin
- Wil Haygood - The War Within a War
- Samiha Hoque - Slums of Paradise
- Victoria Johnson - Glorious Country
- Denise Kiernan - Obstinate Daughters
- Michael Kimmel - Playmakers
- Ashton Lattimore - Runner
- Elizabeth Letts - Fallen for France
- Ben Macintyre - Redwood
- Susan Page - The Queen and Her Presidents
- Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor - Something We Said
- Shelley Puhak - The Blood Countess
- Shannon McKenna Schmidt - You Can't Catch Us
- Mayukh Sen - Love, Queenie
- Russell Shorto - Taking Manhattan
- Chris Sweeney - The Feather Detective
- Cheryl Thompson - Forgotten Souls
- Bo Wang - The Chinese Lady
Every presentation is followed by a book signing, giving attendees the chance to meet the authors, ask questions, and take home signed copies.
Friday's Keynote Opens the Festival
This year's keynote, Cold War Nexus: Iran, brings together internationally bestselling authors Ben Macintyre and Scott Anderson for a conversation moderated by historian and author Paul Sparrow.
Macintyre's newest book, Redwood: The Untold Story of the Cold War's Most Extraordinary Spy, tells the true story of a mysterious double agent whose intelligence helped expose secret Soviet plans during one of the Cold War's most dangerous moments.
Drawing on newly available archives and interviews with former intelligence officers from the CIA, MI5, MI6, and the KGB, the book explores an extraordinary chapter of modern history.
Anderson's King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation examines the dramatic fall of Iran's Shah and the revolution that transformed the Middle East.
Based on years of reporting and historical research, the book explores how political miscalculations reshaped global history and continue to influence international affairs today.
Together, the two authors will discuss espionage, international politics, intelligence operations, diplomacy, and the lasting impact of the Cold War in what promises to be one of the festival's most anticipated conversations.
Reservations are required for the keynote. Individual reservations include one general admission seat and a signed hardcover copy of Redwood.
Couples’ reservations include two seats, a signed hardcover copy of Redwood, and a signed paperback copy of King of Kings.
Saturday Is Mostly Free
More than 90% of the festival's programming is completely free and open to everyone, with no registration required.
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing you to build your own schedule throughout the day.
Book sales are available at every venue through Browseabout Books, the festival's official bookseller, and every author signs books immediately following their presentation.
When you need a break, stop by the Festival Food Court for lunch or a snack from one of the food trucks before heading back to the next session.
Once the presentations conclude, attendees are invited to the Spirited Discussion, an informal gathering where readers, authors, presenters, and volunteers come together to celebrate the day, continue conversations, and connect with fellow history lovers.
Image: Browseabout Books
The Festival Closes with Two Bestselling Authors
The closing event features Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, whose previous collaborations, The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, became New York Times bestsellers.
This year, they'll discuss their newest novel, A Pair of Aces, in conversation with Chanta Howard Wilkinson.
Inspired by true events, the novel tells the story of Eunice Carter, Manhattan's first Black female prosecutor, and Polly Adler, one of New York City's most famous madams.
Set during the 1930s, the story follows the unlikely partnership between the two women as they build the groundbreaking legal case that ultimately helped bring down notorious mob boss Lucky Luciano.
The discussion will explore the historical research behind the novel, the real women who inspired the story, and how history continues to shape compelling fiction today.
Reservations are required and include one general admission seat along with a signed hardcover copy of A Pair of Aces.
Help Keep the Festival Growing
The History Book Festival is more than a three-day event.
As a registered nonprofit organization, it depends on community support to continue bringing authors to Coastal Delaware while keeping more than 90% of its programming free and accessible.
Donations help fund the annual festival, year-round author visits to Delaware schools, books for libraries and community organizations, and educational outreach that encourages readers of all ages to engage with history.
If you'd like to get involved in another way, the festival also relies on more than 100 volunteers each year.
Volunteers help with everything from welcoming guests and assisting at presentation venues to supporting behind-the-scenes planning throughout the year.
Those interested in volunteering during the September festival can subscribe to the festival's newsletter to receive the volunteer call in August, while year-round volunteer opportunities are available through the organization's website.
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