Vampires, Gothic Novels & Scary Good Recipes

Celebrate Halloween at the Louisiana Book Festival in Downtown Baton Rouge on October 31.

Brush up on your Louisiana literature and take another look at Anne Rice’s classic Interview With the Vampire! For this year’s One Book, One Festival discussion at the Louisiana Book Festival, Interview with the Vampire is the literary selection. Not only is it the novel’s 50th anniversary, but you’ll get the chance to celebrate it on Halloween with other enthusiasts. The discussion of this classic Southern Gothic novel will be led by Dr. Gary Richards, an expert in Southern literature and culture.

Another highlight of this year’s book festival is the page to plate: cooking demos, as four cookbook authors demonstrate recipes from their latest books in the Cooking Demonstration Tent. Along with demonstrations for budding and experienced cooks, they also have a section of the festival dedicated toward activities for young readers with face painting, related crafts, and talks and appearances from over 20 writers.

Some Louisiana writers to look forward to this year include Emily Carpenter with her new Southern Gothic book A Spell for Saints and Sinners, David Armand with both of his novels, The Roads We Travel: A Memoir on the Craft of Writing & Living and Walk the Night: A Novel, and Vicki Salloum’s A Gathering Place. These authors not only focus on the Southern experience, but also tell exciting tales from horror to murder mystery to romance that take place in the South. With such a diverse selection of books to choose from, there’s something for every person’s taste.

Many other authors on Deep South Magazine‘s past reading lists will be making an appearance at the festival, as well. Make sure to keep a look out for Amena Brown, Ashley Elston, Robert Gwaltney, T. Geronimo Johnson and many more as you make your way through the festival. Deep South has a deep love for these writers, and you can find their work in our spring and summer book recommendations.

If you’re interested in celebrating being a writer or an aspiring one, there is a series of “wordshops” that take place on October 30. From beginner to experienced, there’s a place for you at the table. Three workshops are available: a 9 a.m.-noon one focusing on strengthening prose with Donna Everhart and two 1-4 p.m. sessions focusing on writing and publishing mini essays and writing better friendships. Make sure to sign up here and purchase tickets to these exciting writing enrichment experiences before time runs out.

Whether you have a Halloween costume or not, plan to attend this year’s Louisiana Book Festival and celebrate the rich world of Louisiana literature!

Deep South Magazine is a media sponsor of the 2026 Louisiana Book Festival.

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