FAQs
WHEN DO FESTIVAL REGISTRATION & TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC?
Public sale of the 2026 Festival Registration & Ticketed Events will begin on Thursday, July 16th at 9:00 a.m.
HOW DO I RECEIVE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE FESTIVAL INFORMATION?
For the latest up-to-date Festival information, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY BOOK TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS FESTIVAL?
The submission deadline for the 2026 Festival was January 1 - 31, 2026. For 2027 submission guidelines, please review the Festival criteria here.
ARE THERE BENEFITS FOR BEING A FESTIVAL DONOR?
Yes, see the list of 2026 benefits here. Please note the deadline for early access is June 30, 2026.
WHO ARE THE 2026 PRESENTERS?
The 2026 presenters will be announced in mid May. The 2025 list of presenters is available here.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THE FESTIVAL?
The registration fee for 2026 is $25 per person, and free for all students with a valid ID.
WHAT ARE YOUR VENUES?
Our venues include the Performing Arts Center at Harbor Springs High School, Harbor Springs Library, History Museum, Lyric Theatre, Irish Boat Shop and tents in Marina, Shay and Zorn Parks. We also host food events at Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, The New York Restaurant, and The Highlands.
DO YOU USE VOLUNTEERS?
The Festival uses more than 150 volunteers throughout the event weekend. If you would like to volunteer your time, please use this link to find out more information and get on our Volunteer email list.
DO YOU PROVIDE SPACE FOR VENDORS?
At this time, we do not offer vendor or exhibit space to vendors.
ARE BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR SALE?
All Festival presenters’ books are available for sale at the Festival’s Pop-Up Bookstore during the Festival event and after each session. The bookstore vendor is Between the Covers, who donates 20% of all session and Pop-Up Bookstore book sales during the Festival weekend back to the Festival.
WHERE DO I PARK?
Parking is available throughout downtown Harbor Springs and at the Harbor Springs High School. The Festival offers a Saturday shuttle service from the high school parking lot to various venues.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT LODGING IN THE AREA?
It is never too early to confirm your accommodations. Visit PetoskeyArea.com for information about area lodging.
HOW DO I GET TO HARBOR SPRINGS?
Harbor Springs, Michigan, is a beautiful town on Highway 119—on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay, about 1.5 hours from Traverse City, 3 hours from Grand Rapids, and 4.5 hours from Detroit.
Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City and Pellston Regional Airport are the nearest airports.
I’VE NEVER ATTENDED THE FESTIVAL. WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?
The 2025 Festival Program is available as a PDF here. If you have not attended a previous Festival, viewing the program will show you the Festival schedule and format.