Columbia Arts & Waucoma Books present
March 6 - 9, 2025
Supported By
Introducing the Inaugural Gorge Book Festival, an immersive celebration of
writing and storytelling against the stunning backdrop of the Columbia Gorge.
Authors Talks & Readings
Meet bestselling authors, rising voices, and industry experts in intimate and thought-provoking conversations. From poetry and journalism to children’s literature and memoirs, we've got something for everyone.
Workshops
Take your creativity to the next level with workshops led by authors and publishers. Whether you're looking to self-publish or refine your craft, we'll provide some tools and inspiration to elevate your writing journey.
Special Events
Step beyond the pages with experiences that bring storytelling to life in unexpected ways: an interactive Murder Mystery, Comedy Night, and literary performances. We promise they'll be an unforgettable part of the festival experience.
Plus signings, activities, and more!
$25 Festival Pass includes all signings and readings, the Local Author & Small Press Fair, and more.
Workshops & Special Events are ticketed separately.
AUTHOR LINEUP
Taylor Wolfe Molly Schwarz Willy Vlautin Emmeline Duncan Tina Connolly
Tamara Berry/Lucy Gilmore Kim Stafford Chris Vega Lydia Valentine Tina Ontiveros
Jessamyn Duckwall Gabriel Urza Emily Harris of Uplift Local Michelle Nijhuis Simone Gorrindo
Rob Kugler Laura Stanfill Jonathan Hill Mike Lawrence Julie Beeler Anis Mojgani Emma Pattee
Julie Beeler Fern Wexler Kelsey Buzzell Roseanne Parry
MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON!
THU, MAR 6
Schedule Subject To Change
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sleuth: An Interactive Mystery with Emmeline Duncan, Tina Connolly, and Tamara Berry
Special Event | Theatre
FRI, MAR 7
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
"Publish It Yourself" with Chris Vega
Workshop | Studio
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Writing Steady in Changing Times: A Workshop and Conversation with Kim Stafford
Workshop | Studio
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
First Friday: Festival & Exhibit Opening Reception and Book Signings with Fern Wexler, Kelsey Buzzell, Jonathan Hill, Mike Lawrence, Julie Beeler
Reception | Lobby
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
A Night of Laughs and Chats with comedian and author Taylor Wolfe and singer & comedian Molly Schwarz
Special Event | Theatre
SAT, MAR 8
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Scott Nadelson discusses his novel Trust Me with Laura Stanfill
Panel | Gallery
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Headlines and Faultlines: Journalism in a Time of Deep Divides with journalists Michelle Nijhuis, Emma Pattee, and Emily Harris
Conversation | Theatre
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Write Now: Reconnecting Parents with their Creativity with Chris Vega
Workshop | Studio
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Author Signing Session 1: Laura Stanfill, Scott Nadelson, Emily Harris, Michelle Nijhuis, Emma Pattee
Signing | Lobby
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Simone Gorrindo discusses her memoir The Wives in conversation with Rob Kugler
Conversation | Gallery
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Author Panel with Lydia Valentine, Jessamyn Duckwall, Gabriel Urza, moderated by Tina Ontiveros
Panel | Theatre
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Author Signing Session 2: Simone Gorrindo, Rob Kugler, Lydia Valentine, Jessamyn Duckwall, Gabriel Urza, Tina Ontiveros
Signing | Lobby
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
The Power of Poetry in Difficult Times: Author Talk & Luncheon with Kim Stafford, Lydia Valentine
PanelSpecial Event | Columbia Center for the Arts
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Novel Paths: Join three authors who've written in multiple genres and for various age groups. Emmeline Duncan, Tina Connolly, & Tamara Berry / Lucy Gilmore.
Conversation | Theatre
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Chris Vega discusses their poetry book Decay In Conversation with Tina Ontiveros
Conversation | Gallery
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Author Signing Session 3: Chris Vega, Tina Ontiveros, Emmeline Duncan, Tina Connolly, & Tamara Berry / Lucy Gilmore.
Signing | Lobby
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Jonathan Hill and Mike Lawrence discuss their work as graphic novelists
Conversation | Gallery
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Audiobook Smart: Taylor Wolfe discusses parenting, publishing, and life in the Gorge in conversation with Rob Kugler
Conversation | Theatre
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Author Signing Session 4: Jonathan Hill, Mike Lawrence, Taylor Wolfe, Rob Kugler
Signing | Lobby
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
An Evening with Author/Musician Willy Vlautin & Poet Anis Mojgani
Special Event | Theatre
SUN, MAR 9
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Generative Poetry Workshop with Lydia Valentine (ages 14 and up)
Workshop | Studio
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
A Writer's Guide to Contentment with Laura Stanfill
Workshop | Studio
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Presentation: Julie Beeler, author of The Mushroom Color Atlas
Presentation | Theatre
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Local Author & Small Press Fair
Book & Press Fair | Gallery
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Poetry Open Mic hosted by Jessamyn Duckwall
Presentation | Theatre
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Howl Along Storytime - Children's author Rosanne Parry reads her picture book The Wolf Effect in this interactive story time (suggested for 1st to 4th graders)
Reading | Studio
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Find Your Next Great Read: Publishers discuss books and why they love them. This session is for readers and book clubs who want book recommendations
Presentation | Theatre
TRAVEL
HOTEL
We have secured a special hotel discount for festival attendees at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn.
FESTIVAL LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
The Gorge Book Festival will be held at:
Columbia Center for the Arts
215 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031
Directions from I-84 East:
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Take Exit 63 for Hood River
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Turn right onto 2nd Street
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Turn left onto Cascade Avenue
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Columbia Center for the Arts will be on your left
Directions from I-84 West:
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Take Exit 63 for Hood River
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Turn left onto 2nd Street
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Turn left onto Cascade Avenue
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Columbia Center for the Arts will be on your left
Parking
Street parking is available nearby, but space may be limited. Pay for street parking at the parking kiosks in Downtown Hood River. Street parking is free on Sundays. We encourage carpooling or walking from your hotel if possible.
For more details on things to do, dining, and outdoor activities in Hood River, go to Visit Hood River.
We look forward to seeing you at the festival!