Amelia Island Book Festival kicks off its 25th anniversary with its annual fall literary luncheon

The Amelia Island Book Festival announces "A Southern Soiree," their annual fall literary luncheon — a fundraiser to support the Authors in Schools program. The Book Festival welcomes best-selling authors Martha Hall Kelly, Madeline Martin, and Victoria Benton Frank. In a nod to the festival’s history, this year’s event will be held at the GFWC Women’s Club of Fernandina Beach, a venue used in the festival’s early years. Taking place on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, the event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and includes a catered lunch by Beyond Horizons. This year's event, the festival's anniversary, will be held at the GFWC Women’s Club of Fernandina Beach, a cherished venue from the festival’s early years. This year’s event will feature auction items, including half-hour Zoom calls with each guest author, as well as other local items.

The Authors In Schools program provides a unique learning opportunity that most schools can not afford otherwise. Meeting an author and engaging with their book is more than just entertainment; it is a meaningful learning opportunity that can positively influence students both academically and personally. For 22 years, students in Nassau County have participated in the Authors in Schools program, which has enhanced their reading and writing skills as they advance academically.

The Amelia Island Book Festival was founded in 2001 by Don and Andrea Parker, along with Joe and Joani Selement. Twenty-five years later, the festival continues to uphold the original goal of bringing together people who love books. Over its history, the festival has welcomed authors including Jeff Shaara, Karin Slaughter, Mary Alice Monroe, Diana Galbaldon, Steve Berry, Kate Quinn, Mary Kay Andrews, Scott Turow, Patti Callahan Henry, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Kristin Harmel, S.A. Crosby, George Pelecanos, and local favorites David Baldacci and John Grisham. One memorable year, the festival welcomed Pat Conroy, his wife Cassandra King and daughter Melissa.

The Amelia Island Book Festival’s mission is to improve literacy skills in children and adults in Nassau County, Florida by cultivating an appreciation for reading. They do so through their fall literary luncheon, essay contests, the Authors in Schools program, their signature book festival and other projects.

A Southern Soiree
Literary Luncheon
Amelia Island Book Festival
Saturday, November 15 – 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
GFWC Women’s Club

Tickets