The Smoky Mountains are calling storytellers, written word lovers!

Appalachian WordFest returns this year to Sevierville, Tennessee, with youth poets, storytellers, and vendors.

Good news for those who love to read and write. Appalachian WordFest returns with more youth poets, storytellers, and vendors than ever before from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at The Ridge Events Center, 1250 Middle Creek Road in Sevierville, Tenn.

Appalachian WordFest is a free celebration of the stories and creativity emerging from the Appalachian Mountains with more than 80 local, regional, and national authors attending. Visitors have the unique opportunity to shop for hundreds of books from their favorite and emerging authors and browse curated bookish goods.

Attendees can also meet featured authors during special book signings throughout the day. Look for authors Kyle Grainger, Richie Owens and bestselling thriller author Mike Maden, among so many more.

Beyond the bookshelves, this year’s WordFest offers more than a dozen free presentations, including Rand Timmerman’s journey hiking the Appalachian Trail in his 70s and a deep dive into crafting sinister villains with Maden, author of Clive Cussler’s The Oregon Files series. We’re especially intrigued to see Lynn Cahoon present “Killing Me Softly—When Hallmark Meets Murder.” The day also features publisher-led workshops, a live youth poetry slam, food trucks, and more.

“Appalachian WordFest is more than a book festival—it’s a celebration of the written and spoken word that makes the Smoky Mountains sing,” said Amanda Marr, communications and marketing director for the Sevierville Chamber. “Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a budding writer, or just someone who loves a good story, WordFest is your front porch invitation to connect, create, and be inspired.”

Admission is free and open to the public. For the full schedule, including vendor lineup and list of presenters, visit www.appalachianwordfest.com.

This announcement is provided from the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.

Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by food and travel writer Cheré Coen who's also a published and independent author. She writes nonfiction under her real name and novels under her pen name of Cherie Claire.