Authors on the Plaza

Authors on the Plaza is a free, family-friendly special event for the Sonoma community hosted by the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival.

In 2023, we were delighted to have Stanford professor and award-winning author Abraham Verghese, current U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, and hilarious humorist Dave Barry speak at Authors on the Plaza.

In 2024, we welcomed the award-winning New Yorker staff writer and bestselling author David Grann, the celebrated Irish author Colm Tóibín and bestselling author Amy Tan. More than 1,000 attendees enjoyed the presentations, as well as author signings and book giveaways.

David Grann

Amy Tan

Colm Tóibín

Community Impact

4,200+ North Bay Residents have participated in Authors on the Plaza, our free, family-friendly, community event on the historic Sonoma town square.

3,630+ books have been given free to the attendees

Join us at the next Authors On The Plaza

This family-friendly free event promises you will laugh, be moved, gain insight, and be entertained while you relax on the lawn under the towering trees of the eight-acre historic Sonoma Plaza.

Bring a picnic or purchase food and beverages from the many restaurants that border the square. Don’t forget a blanket or beach chairs. A small number of folding chairs will be available on a first-come-first-served basis for those who sitting on the ground is too difficult.