Santa Barbara’s premiere literary event has expanded to two days – the Festival begins at 8 pm on Friday evening, September 28 and continues all day on Saturday, September 29, starting at 10 am.

Here are a few highlights:

T.C. Boyle will receive the Ross Macdonald Literary Award at a special Friday evening event at the Victoria Hall Theater. Following the award ceremony T.C. Boyle will participate in an on-stage conversation with Macdonald biographer Tom Nolan.

UCSB Arts & Lectures joins with the Festival in a new collaboration at Victoria Hall Theater to present acclaimed authors Naomi Klein and Steven Pinker. 

Al Young, the Poet Laureate of the State of California, will receive the Glenna Luschei Distinguished Poet Fellowship and novelist Alejandro Morales to be honored with the prestigious Luis Leal Award for Distinction in Chicano/Latino Literature.

Eight terrific panels on Saturday on everything from Memoir to Mystery and Chix Mix to What’s Next for Newspapers.  More than 35 talented writers, journalists, scholars and comedians will participate.

The most comprehensive and exciting one-day poetry event on the Central Coast featuring readings by more than 20 poets plus two open microphone readings.

A special presentation by Santa Barbara’s popular Speaking of Stories ensemble plus programs on self-publishing and literary inspiration.

Plus over 50 exhibitor booths, author book signings, Santa Barbara Reads! announcement, special events for the entire family and much more!  All Festival events are FREE.

For more information, call Marcia Reed at the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce 965-3023, extension 103, marcia@sbchamber.org