FAQs
WHEN DO FESTIVAL REGISTRATION & TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC?
Public sale of the 2026 Festival Registration & Ticketed Events began on Thursday, July 16, 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.
WHO ARE THE 2026 PRESENTERS?
The confirmed list of 2026 presenters list can be viewed here.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL?
The 2026 registration fee is $25 per person, and students with a valid ID are free.
Registration has sold out. Our waitlist is available here. If you are a student, please contact us here.
This registration allows you to attend all the Festival’s general sessions. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so you do not need to sign up for each session.
You do not need to purchase a registration if you are only attending ticketed events.
WHAT ARE THIS YEAR’S TICKETED EVENTS?
SOLD OUT Friday Keynote with Roz Chast will feature a 45-minute presentation on her life, work, artwork, and unique sense of humor, accompanied by projected images. A 15-minute Q&A and a book signing will follow the presentation. Location: Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center. You will select your seat for this event at the time of purchase.
Tickets: $100, and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of one of two books, selected at the time of purchase:
I Must Be Dreaming
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?
SOLD OUT Friday Cookbook luncheon with Greta Podleski, featuring her cookbook Every Salad Ever: From Grains to Greens and Pasta to Beans Plus Every Salad in Between.
Tickets: $100, and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the cookbook and lunch. Books will be pre-signed. Personalization will be available. Location: Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club. If you purchase a ticket for this event, we will reach out later this summer regarding your seating and menu preference.
Saturday Night Dinner with Scott Simon, with a conversation about his book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known, with Austin Rowlander of Interlochen Public Radio. Book signing will follow. Location: The Highlands. If you purchase a ticket for this event, we will reach out later this summer regarding your seating preference.
Tickets: $100, and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the book and dinner,
Sunday Cookbook luncheon with Ham El-Waylly, Hello, Home Cooking: Do-Able Dishes for Every Day.
Tickets: $100, and each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the cookbook and lunch. Books will be pre-signed. Personalization will be available. Location: Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club. If you purchase a ticket for this event, we will reach out later this summer regarding your seating and menu preference.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS I CAN PURCHASE PER ORDER?
Four. A different name for each registration is required. A different email is helpful but not required.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TICKETS I CAN PURCHASE FOR EACH OF THE TICKETED EVENT LISTED ABOVE?
Two. A different name for each ticket is helpful but not required.
ARE THERE OTHER THINGS TO PURCHASE FOR THE FESTIVAL?
BAG LUNCH (sandwich, chip, apple, cookie) is available for purchase for Friday, September 25, and and Saturday, September 26. At checkout, you’ll select either a Turkey, Veggie, or Gluten Free option. The cost is $17.50 per lunch per day.
HAPPY HOUR DRINK TICKETS Cost: $5/$2.50
IS THERE A MOVIE OR ILLUSTRATOR WORKSHOPS THIS YEAR?
Yes, they will be announced at a later date.
WILL THERE BE A WAITLIST FOR REGISTRATION & TICKETED EVENT?
Yes, as soon as registration or an event sells out, we will begin a waitlist.
DO YOU HAVE A REFUND OR TRANSFER TICKET POLICY?
Full Refund: Refunds will be issued in full for requests received on or before FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026. No refunds will be issued after AUGUST 14, 2026. If the event is canceled, all registration and ticket purchases will be refunded in full. After submitting your refund request in writing by email to registration@hsfotb.org, please allow up to five (5) business days for your refund request to be processed.
Transfer to Another Person: You may transfer your registration and ticket(s) to another person. Please submit your request for transfer to registration@hsfotb.org by Friday, August 28, 2026. No transfers will be accepted after August 28, 2026.
Donation: If you are unable to use or transfer your registration or individual event tickets, you may donate them to the Festival. Please submit your request to registration@hsfotb.org by FRIDAY, August 28, 2026.
DO YOU PROVIDE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ATTENDEES? We strive to host an inclusive and accessible Festival. If you require accommodations to fully participate, please contact Jess and let us know how we can support your experience.
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 and The Highlands.
DO YOU USE VOLUNTEERS?
The Festival uses more than 150 volunteers throughout the event weekend. If you would like to volunteer, please use this link to find more and get on our Volunteer email list.
DO YOU PROVIDE SPACE FOR VENDORS?
At this time, we do not offer vendor spaces 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. The Highlands, located four miles north of downtown Harbor Springs, is offering a special rate on accommodations the weekend of the Festival. Use the code: BOOKLOVER to receive 10% off your two-night minimum stay! Dates: Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27. Click here or call 1-800-GOBOYNE & mention the promo code.
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. Pellston Regional Airport, Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, and Chippewa County Airport in Kincheloe are the nearest airports.
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.
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.