Introducing the Inaugural Gorge Book Festival, an immersive celebration of writing and storytelling against the stunning backdrop of the Columbia Gorge.

Authors Talks and Readings

Meet bestselling authors, rising voices, and industry experts in intimate and thought-provoking conversations. From poetry and journalism to children’s literature and memoirs, we've got something for everyone.

Workshops

Take your creativity to the next level with workshops led by authors and publishers. Whether you're looking to self-publish or refine your craft, we'll provide some tools and inspiration to elevate your writing journey.

Special Events

Step beyond the pages with experiences that bring storytelling to life in unexpected ways: an interactive Murder Mystery, Comedy Night, and literary performances. We promise they'll be an unforgettable part of the festival experience.

Plus signings, activities, and more!

$25 Festival Pass includes all signings and readings, the Local Author and Small Press Fair, and more. Workshops and Special Events are ticketed separately.

Schedule of the Event:

March 6, 2025

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sleuth: An Interactive Mystery with Emmeline Duncan, Tina Connolly, and Tamara Berry - Special Event | Theatre

March 7, 2025

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM "Publish It Yourself" with Chris Vega - Workshop | Studio

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Writing Steady in Changing Times: A Workshop and Conversation with Kim Stafford - Workshop | Studio

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM First Friday: Festival and Exhibit Opening Reception and Book Signings with Fern Wexler, Kelsey Buzzell, Jonathan Hill, Mike Lawrence, Julie Beeler - Reception | Lobby

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM A Night of Laughs and Chats with comedian and author Taylor Wolfe and singer and comedian Molly Schwarz - Special Event | Theatre

March 8, 2025

12:00pm – 1:30pm The Power of Poetry in Difficult Times: Author Talk and Luncheon with Kim Stafford, Lydia Valentine - PanelSpecial Event | Columbia Center for the Arts

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Write Now: Reconnecting Parents with their Creativity with Chris Vega - Workshop | Studio

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Scott Nadelson discusses his novel Trust Me with Laura Stanfill - Panel | Gallery

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Headlines and Faultlines: Journalism in a Time of Deep Divides with journalists Michelle Nijhuis, Emma Pattee, and Emily Harris - Conversation | Theatre

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Author Signing Session 1: Laura Stanfill, Scott Nadelson, Emily Harris, Michelle Nijhuis, Emma Pattee - Signing | Lobby

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Author Panel with Lydia Valentine, Jessamyn Duckwall, Gabriel Urza, moderated by Tina Ontiveros - Panel | Theatre

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Simone Gorrindo discusses her memoir The Wives in conversation with Rob Kugler - Conversation | Gallery

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Author Signing Session 2: Simone Gorrindo, Rob Kugler, Lydia Valentine, Jessamyn Duckwall, Gabriel Urza, Tina Ontiveros - Signing | Lobby

2:00pm – 3:00pm Chris Vega discusses their poetry book Decay In Conversation with Tina Ontiveros - Conversation | Gallery

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Novel Paths: Join three authors who've written in multiple genres and for various age groups. Emmeline Duncan, Tina Connolly, and Tamara Berry / Lucy Gilmore. - Conversation | Theatre

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Author Signing Session 3: Chris Vega, Tina Ontiveros, Emmeline Duncan, Tina Connolly, and Tamara Berry / Lucy Gilmore. - Signing | Lobby

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Jonathan Hill and Mike Lawrence discuss their work as graphic novelists - Conversation | Gallery

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Audiobook Smart: Taylor Wolfe discusses parenting, publishing, and life in the Gorge in conversation with Rob Kugler - Conversation | Theatre

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Author Signing Session 4: Jonathan Hill, Mike Lawrence, Taylor Wolfe, Rob Kugler - Signing | Lobby

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM An Evening with Author/Musician Willy Vlautin and Poet Anis Mojgani - Special Event | Theatre

March 9, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Generative Poetry Workshop with Lydia Valentine (ages 14 and up) - Workshop | Studio

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM A Writer's Guide to Contentment with Laura Stanfill - Workshop | Studio

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Presentation: Julie Beeler, author of The Mushroom Color Atlas - Presentation | Theatre

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Local Author and Small Press Fair - Book and Press Fair | Gallery

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Poetry Open Mic hosted by Jessamyn Duckwall - Presentation | Theatre

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Howl Along Storytime - Children's author Rosanne Parry reads her picture book The Wolf Effect in this interactive story time (suggested for 1st to 4th graders) - Reading | Studio

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM Find Your Next Great Read: Publishers discuss books and why they love them. This session is for readers and book clubs who want book recommendations - Presentation | Theatre

Buy Tickets

Date: March 6-9, 2025

Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031

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