From page to stage, poetry to performance, HOMEGROWN celebrates all the ways stories are told, and you’re invited to be a part of it!
Gather on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to share, connect, and be inspired by a literary landscape alive with character.
HOMEGROWN is free and open to the public and runs from January 29 through February 1, 2026.
New for 2026: HOMEGROWN Expands to 4-Day Event
Thacker Mountain Radio Hour kicks off this year’s event with a live show at historic 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis on Thursday, January 29. Thacker Mountain Radio Hour will be in conversation with author W. Ralph Eubanks, legendary Blues musician Corky Siegel, and very special guests, gospel singers, The Veal Brothers.
Gulf Coast students and teachers will hear from acclaimed authors Jason Reynolds and Jesmyn Ward as part of a full day of youth programming presented by University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Humanities Live Oak Writing Project.
Friday, January 30, join fellow HOMEGROWN 2026 attendees for refreshments and an author talk at Pass Christian Books.
Hear W. Ralph Eubanks discuss his latest book, When It's Darkness on the Delta, in conversation with Mississippi Museum of Art Director Betsy Bradley. Eubanks delivers a powerful and insightful examination of how racism and economic instability have shaped life in the Mississippi Delta.
Saturday, January 31 marks the main event at the USM Gulf Park Campus!
Choose from panels in Southern Noir, Poetry, Food, Memoirs, and more.
See authors in conversation, join in Q&As, take part in a hands-on creative writing workshop, have your books signed, and screen films inspired by life and literature from the South.
You can even sign up to pitch your work to a publisher.
Bookend your HOMEGROWN 2026 experience on Sunday, February 1, at a live-mic Story Slam at 100 Men Hall.
Plan Your Visit
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HOMEGROWN 2026 events will be held at beautiful locations across the MS Gulf Coast, giving attendees ample opportunity to explore the literary community and more. Scope out our host sites:
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Trains are back in coastal Mississippi! See how to get around during your HOMEGROWN visit.
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HOMEGROWN attendees can settle in at many picturesque locations, but these are some of our favorites. (Tell them we sent you!)
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You can’t go wrong with Southern cooking, but we scouted a few locations close to our HOMEGROWN venues, so you have options when hunger strikes!
Thank You to Our Partners
