Festival Headliner, Jon Meacham
The Hoover Public Library is set to host the 2026 Southern Voices Festival, a celebration of Southern literature, art, and music that has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events.
Taking place in February, the festival draws together authors, visual artists, and musicians, offering audiences an immersive experience that spans genres and generations.
This year, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham headlines the festival with a keynote lecture on Feb. 27, providing historical insights from his latest book, American Struggle.
Festival organizers highlight the event’s inclusive approach: from mystery and horror to historical fiction, romantic comedy, and music inspired by Southern traditions, the lineup promises something for every attendee.
Beyond literature, the festival also spotlights visual arts and live music, reflecting the interconnected cultural heritage of the American South.
With a history dating back to 1993, the Southern Voices Festival continues to foster both established and emerging voices while engaging the wider community in meaningful cultural dialogue.
A Literary Lineup Across Genres
Jon Meacham – History in Perspective
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham headlines the festival on Friday, Feb. 27, delivering a keynote lecture at the Hoover Library Theatre.
Meacham is widely recognized for his biographies of American leaders, including American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, and Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George H.W. Bush.
His work has consistently appeared on The New York Times Best Sellers list, and he has been honored with awards such as the Pulitzer Prize for Biography and the Abraham Lincoln Institute Book Award.
Beyond his writing, Meacham is a respected lecturer, editor, and commentator, serving as a contributing editor at Time Magazine, a former executive editor at Random House, and the Carolyn T. and the Robert M. Rogers Chair in American Presidency at Vanderbilt University.
He frequently shares his insights on history, politics, and leadership through public speaking and media appearances, including MSNBC’s Morning Joe and major news publications.
At Southern Voices, attendees will hear from Meacham on themes from his upcoming book, American Struggle, which examines the challenges and resilience of the American political system.
This lecture offers a rare opportunity to engage with a historian whose work blends deep scholarship with accessible storytelling, providing context for today’s social and political conversations.
Hank Phillippi Ryan – Psychological Thrillers
Ryan, a USA Today bestselling author, will share insights from her celebrated psychological thrillers. Her work combines suspense and sharp character development, offering festival-goers a masterclass in crafting tension-driven narratives.
Megan Abbott – Mystery and Intrigue
Edgar Award winner Megan Abbott brings her expertise in mystery writing, discussing her novels and the process behind her critically acclaimed storytelling.
Ariel Lawhon – Historical Fiction
Historical fiction author Ariel Lawhon shares her experiences researching and writing novels that bring the past vividly to life, including her New York Times bestsellers.
Rickey Fayne & Robert Gwaltney – Emerging Southern Voices
Debut authors Rickey Fayne and Robert Gwaltney offer contemporary perspectives on Southern life, introducing new narratives while honoring the region’s literary heritage.
Lindy Ryan – Horror Writing
For the first time, horror is featured at Southern Voices. Lindy Ryan, an award-winning author and anthology curator, explores the genre’s unique role in Southern storytelling.
Katherine Center – Romantic Comedy
Best-selling romantic comedy author Katherine Center brings humor, warmth, and relatable life stories, rounding out a lineup that covers the full spectrum of literary tastes.
Art and Music Elevate Southern Culture
Christina Renfer Vogel – Painting the South
Tennessee-based painter Christina Renfer Vogel will present her artwork during a free artist talk and reception on Feb. 19. Her work reflects contemporary Southern life and identity, with exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally.
Marty Raybon, Linda Davis & Mitch Rossell – Country Songwriters Showcase
Grammy winners Marty Raybon and Linda Davis join rising star Mitch Rossell for a country music showcase on Feb. 25–26.
The lineup combines established hits with fresh songwriting, offering festival-goers a multi-generational celebration of Southern music and storytelling.
Access, Tickets, and Community Impact
The Southern Voices Festival demonstrates how communities come together around shared stories, ideas, and creativity.
In different parts of the world, like the Philippines, platforms like GameZone show that interactive spaces can also foster engagement and connection dito, giving people ways to explore shared interests and build networks around experiences they care about.
Tickets for festival events range from $40 to $45, depending on the program, while the artist reception is free, making portions of the festival accessible to the broader community.
Attendees of Meacham’s keynote will receive his new book, American Struggle, creating a tangible connection between author and audience.
Whether exploring Southern history, discovering new authors, or enjoying music and art, the festival cultivates appreciation for the region’s creative heritage.
With its combination of literary discussion and artistic showcases, the Southern Voices Festival 2026 reaffirms its position as a cornerstone of Southern culture, inspiring both established and emerging voices while inviting the community to engage with the arts.
FAQs
Q: When is the Southern Voices Festival happening?
A: From Feb. 19 (artist talk) to Feb. 28 (authors conference).
Q: Where is the festival located?
A: At the Hoover Public Library in Hoover, Alabama.
Q: Which authors will be featured at the festival?
A: Jon Meacham, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Megan Abbott, Ariel Lawhon, Rickey Fayne, Robert Gwaltney, Lindy Ryan, and Katherine Center.
Q: Which musicians will perform at the festival?
A: Marty Raybon, Linda Davis, and Mitch Rossell.
Q: How much are tickets, and is any part free?
A: Tickets range from $40 to $45; the artist reception is free.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Visit southernvoices.info.