Backyard BookFest
Hosted by Parnell Memorial Library Foundation — 90+ author vendors across all genres, featured speakers, and children's activities at Orr Park.
The Backyard BookFest is Montevallo’s annual literary celebration — a free author festival hosted by the Parnell Memorial Library Foundation at Orr Park’s Pecan Grove.
The Festival
With 90+ author vendors spanning all genres, the BookFest offers one of the most diverse literary marketplaces you’ll find at any community event in central Alabama:
- Author tables across all genres — fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, poetry, history, and more
- Featured speakers — author presentations and readings throughout the day
- Children’s activities — programming designed to connect young readers with books and authors
- Meet the authors — direct conversations and book signings with the writers themselves
Admission is free.
Supporting the Library
Proceeds from the BookFest support programming at Parnell Memorial Library, Montevallo’s public library. Attending — and buying books directly from authors — is a meaningful way to invest in the library’s future while enjoying a genuinely excellent event.
A Young Festival with Strong Roots
The 2nd annual Backyard BookFest was held in 2026, demonstrating strong community support in only its second year. The combination of Orr Park’s natural beauty, a free admission policy, and the range of authors present makes this one of the most distinctive events on the Montevallo calendar.
When
Held annually in March at Orr Park’s Pecan Grove, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.