In May 2018, 550 readers took a chance on a brand‑new festival in Sonoma. Nine festivals later, 227 authors, journalists, poets, scientists, and historians have taken our stage. Here is a look back at the nine years that brought us here, and an invitation to join us for the Tenth Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival.
Join our mailing list for 2027 Festival announcements. Sponsorship packages and hotel reservations will be available on November 1.
We are assembling a remarkable roster for the Tenth Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival. More are on the way: watch this space as we confirm authors and speakers.
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Bonnie Garmus
#1 New York Times bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry
David Grann
#1 New York Times bestselling author and New Yorker staff writer
Lauren Groff
Three-time National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author
Patrick Radden Keefe
Award-winning New Yorker staff writer and #1 New York Times bestselling author
Min Jin Lee
National Book Award finalist and bestselling author of Pachinko
Sebastian Mallaby
Two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and CFR senior fellow
Dr. Robert Wachter
UCSF Chair of Medicine, father of the hospitalist movement, and national bestselling author
Tara Westover
#1 New York Times bestselling author of Educated, returning with Brothers and Sisters
Liaquat Ahamed
Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Lords of Finance and 1873
Javier Zamora
American Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author of Solito
The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival brings people together to hear authors from a variety of literary genres and speakers who discuss advances being made in science, technology, and medicine.
Ten years of bringing people together to explore a variety of literary genres, discover the advances being made in science, technology, and medicine, and forge genuine connections with one another.
Pulitzer winners, poets laureate, admirals, physicians, novelists, and reporters. Great minds, gathered together, with you.
“At a time when the art of listening seems to be disappearing, the need for civil discourse has never been greater.”
After long corporate careers, Ginny and David Freeman decided to build a festival in honor of their mothers, both lifelong readers and learners. Living in a region known for its beauty, wine and food, they set out to make an experience that celebrates the magic of the Sonoma Valley, enhanced by the power of ideas and conversation fueled by reading. Ten years on, the mission has not moved: stimulating the minds and nurturing the souls of readers.
The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival is also proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide free books to VA facilities.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors. Thank you!
Extending the Festival to Sonoma Valley residents, Authors on the Plaza is a free, family-friendly special event for the Sonoma community, hosted by the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival.
Authors on the Plaza is made possible by the gracious support of Cathy and Chuck Williamson.
Learn more about Authors on the PlazaWithout you, there is no Festival. Sponsors, donors, book partners, community partners, volunteers, and every attendee who has filled the seats and kept the questions coming carried it from the first season. Many of you said yes before there was much to say yes to.
Thank you for the books in students’ hands, for Students Day, and for keeping Authors on the Plaza free to the whole community. The next decade is yours too.
“There are many events in the Sonoma area and this is by far the best. We plan our travel so that we will not miss the author’s festival.”
“A truly life-affirming gathering of those who value and openly appreciate the written word.”
“It’s a weekend filled with intellectual stimulation, thoughtful enjoyment and joyful audiences.”
“Attending the SVAF is a weekend well-spent! I always come away with new knowledge and optimism for the future.”
“Without a doubt one of the best book festivals in the world. I’d go every year if they let me.”
Join our mailing list to be the first to hear when attendance opens. Sponsors and donors make every one of these ten years possible. Please consider joining our circle of donors today.
The historic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has a reputation for delivering excellent food and attentive guest service. A five-star hotel, it is ranked among Travel + Leisure’s top 25 spas, offering 40,000 sq. ft. of spa and exercise space. We are excited to bring the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival back to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.
* Festival attendees receive a special rate
Sonoma Valley Authors Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID 84-4846165
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