Twentynine palms book festival returns november 8-9

The Twentynine Palms Book Festival (29PBF) is back for its second edition, bringing together over 90 established, emerging, and local authors and poets. Set for November 8 and 9 at the Twentynine Palms Community Center by Freedom Plaza, the festival promises two days of vibrant activities, discussions, and exclusive events. This year, the festival expands its focus to include the complexities of crime fiction while continuing to celebrate the literary richness of the Mojave Desert.

Twentynine Palms has a short but rugged history, shaped by pioneers, Indigenous communities, and a strong military presence. Central to the festival’s mission is honoring this legacy and establishing a cultural tradition that celebrates the area’s rich past and its pioneer spirit. In addition to literary activities, the festival embraces and showcases the town’s stories, aiming to create a lasting cultural footprint through its vibrant programs.

Festival Highlights

• Live Sessions & Meet the Authors: The festival features engaging panel discussions, presentations, workshops, and readings. Attendees can explore the Young Readers Zone, Meet the Authors and Book Signing area, independent authors’ showcase, Beer and Bagel Garden, and a multimedia stage for live sessions.
• Never Underestimate the Desert: A special program exploring desert literature, Indigenous storytelling, environmental preservation, and the impact of wildfires.
• Desert Literary Showcase & Happy Poetry Hour: Celebrating local and visiting writers and poets in informal and lively settings.
• Shoot in 29 Palms: Showcasing 19 stories from attending authors, ideal for filming in and around Twentynine Palms.
• Peripheral Events: Highlights include Noir in the Boneyard, Red Light Lit, and Mojave Noir, culminating in Hollywood Meets the Desert, a networking event for authors, filmmakers, and local production talent.
• The complete festival agenda is available on 29pbf.com.