The 2026 Word of South Festival unfolded across Cascades Park over the weekend as a celebration of creativity and the arts across Tallahassee.
Blending music and literature through a mix of vendors and performers drew in crowds of all ages, reinforcing its reputation as one of the city’s most engaging annual events.
This year’s scheduled programming expanded beyond years past, placing stronger emphasis on storytelling across mediums and genres. Authors of Southern literature shared spaces with editorial writers, fantasy writers, illustrators, and creators.
Festival attendees were able to choose their own adventure, with more intimate author readings, large-scale lectures, and personal author and shop booths where they could mingle and network with owners and creatives.
“I love being here to support the Southeast Review, FSU’s literary journal, and all of the good work that we do, all of the good artists that we publish, and our other programming, as well, such as our Incarcerated Writing Program,” said Riley Richards.
Similarly, musical performances were set in small-scales scattered on different stages throughout the park, headliners performing at the main stage amphitheater, and a local marching band that played throughout different areas of the park throughout the morning.
“My favorite part of today has been meeting a community of really awesome people,” said Melina McGahey. “I feel all of the people have been really kind and interested and invested in the literary community. It’s a community very important to maintain and respect.”
The festival continues Sunday. Learn more about the lineup of events, authors and music at wordofsouthfestival.com/.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Word of South Festival brings music and literature to Tallahassee
Reporting by Chloe Harbin, Special to the Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
