We’ve been waiting and planning for the biggest literary week of the year in downtown Summerville… and it’s here!
Between our regular store events, the launch of the 2026 Summerville Book Festival, and our 7th Birthday Bash, this might just be the most exciting week we’ve ever had. Here’s what’s coming up — in order — so you can plan accordingly.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
✍️ Main Street Writes (Virtual) | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
For the writer in all of us, our weekly Monday writers group meets virtually. Whether you’re polishing a manuscript, drafting your first chapter, or just craving creative accountability, this welcoming group is for you.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Books & Banter Fiction Book Club | 6:30–8:00 p.m.
This month we’re discussing The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia. Books & Banter focuses on compelling fiction that sparks thoughtful conversation. New members are always welcome — just read the book and join us!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
🌈 Stories on the Square | 9:30 a.m.
Join us for our beloved weekly storytime adventure. Perfect for little readers (and their grown-ups), this joyful half hour of books and imagination is one of our favorite traditions.
THEN… FESTIVAL WEEKEND ARRIVES!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Thrill in the ’Ville
📍 Flowertown Players Theatre
🕕 Doors 6 p.m. | Talk 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Reception 7:30 p.m.
We kick off the 2026 Summerville Book Festival with a Friday night devoted entirely to suspense.
Headlining the evening is Yasmin Angoe, celebrating her TODAY Show–selected thriller Behind These Four Walls. She’s joined by local favorites Alex Lettau and Bob Spearman, moderated by Lorna Hollifield.
Both VIP and General Admission tickets include a signed copy of Angoe’s novel and entry to our exclusive Wine & Sign reception right here at Main Street Reads.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
And this is where things really get fun.
9:30 a.m. – Healing With Words (Studio Salon & Signing)
An intimate breakfast salon exploring resilience, hope, and storytelling as healing. Included with VIP passes or available individually.
11:00 a.m. – Free Stories on the Square
Hutchinson Square becomes festival central! Kids programming, vendors, food, crafts, and books galore. Free and open to all — and a portion of proceeds benefits the Timrod Library.
BESTSELLERS STAGE (Ticketed Programming at Flowertown Players Theatre)
1:00 p.m. – Kiss & Tell Romance
From cowboy to contemporary to romantasy, romance takes the stage. Authors include Savannah Reed, Catherine Mann, Marissa Hale, and more. Both GA and VIP ticket holders enjoy special book discounts during this session.
2:30 p.m. – Fabulous Fantasy
Magic, myth, and imagination — including a special early-release signed edition of She Drinks the Light from Yasmin Angoe (official release date: March 3!). This one is going to be epic.
4:00 p.m. – Strictly Southern
Southern fiction that sings. Featuring T.I. Lowe (with signed early-release copies of South of Somewhere), Catherine Mann, Gervais Hagerty, Carolyn Hooker, and Dan Leach.
The day concludes with our VIP Authors Reception at Main Street Reads at 6 p.m for All Access pass holders, authors and sponsors.
A QUICK TICKET NOTE
VIP All Access passes include:
• All Bestsellers Stage events (with included books)
• Priority seating
• 10% off panel authors’ books
• Entry to the private 6 p.m. Authors Reception
New this year: General Admission tickets are available for individual sessions. You can grab passes online or in-store — Tickets also available at the door, but books are not guaranteed at the door if sessions sell out.
AND THEN… OUR 7TH BIRTHDAY
SUNDAY, MARCH 1 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Main Street Reads turns SEVEN!
We’ll celebrate with cake, surprises, and the final prizes from our Mardi Gras Beads & Books Challenge. We cannot believe it’s been seven years of stories, community, and downtown Summerville magic.
And we wouldn’t be here without you.
One Week. So Many Stories.
From writers group to book club… from children’s storytime to thrillers, romance, fantasy, and Southern fiction… and finally, a birthday bash — this is what independent bookstores are made for.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you in the heart of historic downtown Summerville. Because on this week, more than any other week of the year…
Main Street really READS. 💛📚