WOODSTOCK—This year Woodstock’s Village Green will again come alive with stories, music, and local spirit as Bookstock returns May 16 through 18. This popular three-day festival welcomes book lovers, poets, and curious minds for a vibrant weekend of author talks, poetry readings, hands-on workshops, music, children’s activities, food vendors, and more.
Events kick off Friday with workshops at Artistree in South Pomfret, including book-crafting with Carolyn Shattuck and a storytelling session with Joni B. Cole. The evening includes the UNBOUND Book Art Exhibit and a special opening night panel featuring local authors. Saturday offers the heart of the festival, with author talks by Marjan Kamali, Peter Canellos, Alison Espach, and Kevin Fedarko, a poetry reading by Robert Pinsky, and a full schedule of live music and activities on The Green. The acclaimed film “American Fiction” screens that evening. Sunday includes poetry readings, a memoir workshop, and a guided walk-and-talk with author Steve Kemp at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
Activities on The Green are free and open to the public. They include a used book sale, a children’s tent, food and exhibitor tents, and live music throughout the weekend. Registration is required for workshops and author events.
Dining & shopping in Woodstock
Visitors will find plenty of dining options during the festival. Grab lunch or a snack at Mon Vert Mini, The Village Butcher, Splendid Bakes, or The Green Bunny on or near The Green. Sit-down options include The Red Rooster, Coburn’s Tonic, and The White Cottage Snack Bar. Consider The Prince and the Pauper, Melaza, Santé, or Worthy Kitchen for dinner. You can explore even more eateries — and places to stay — at woodstockvt.com.
Festival-goers can enjoy Woodstock’s sidewalk sale on May 16–17 and browse locally owned shops and galleries throughout town. The Mt. Tom Farmers’ Market opens Saturday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Saskadena Six in South Pomfret.
Parking is free at Woodstock Union High School and Woodstock Elementary School, with metered parking available downtown.
For more information, visit: bookstockvt.org.
