Authors on the Plaza

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.

In 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting Michael Connelly, Sal Khan, Wright Thompson, and Dr. Eric Topol.

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.

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.

2025 Authors On The Plaza Authors

Michael Connelly

Master of crime fiction has crafted some of the most memorable characters in literature, with 40 novels and 85 million copies sold.

Sal Khan

Trailblazing founder of Khan Academy, now pioneering the future of education across the world in the age of AI. With clarity and passion, Khan provides a roadmap for teachers, parents, and students, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the thrilling yet uncharted territory of AI.

Wright Thompson

Famed long-form journalist and bestselling author known for his timely and compelling insights on sports, culture, crime, and the American South.

Dr. Eric Topol

Pioneering cardiologist, geneticist, and digital health innovator Dr. Eric Topol has profoundly influenced the landscape of contemporary medicine. His groundbreaking new book, Super Agers, reveals a transformative revolution in human longevity.

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.