HOMEGROWN
A Storied Exchange
Presented by:
MS Gulf Coast Libraries
HOMEGROWN is Coastal Mississippi’s annual literary arts festival designed to engage residents and visitors with a landscape rich in character and stories to be told across all modalities.
Hear from acclaimed Southern authors through live conversations, interviews, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and more.
HOMEGROWN is free and open to the public and runs from January 29 through January 31, 2026.
Start planning your festival experience today!
Just Announced
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.
Based in Oxford and in its 28th year, Thacker Mountain Radio Hour broadcasts statewide through Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB). Catch their author readings, musical performances, and distinctly Southern storytelling Saturdays at 7PM on WMAH-FM radio (90.3) in Biloxi.
The HOMEGROWN Story
HOMEGROWN was born in November 2019 from the desire to highlight and elevate the significant contributions Gulf Coast storytellers have made to the literary world.
That year, Hancock County Library System presented the first day-long literary arts program in partnership with The Arts Hancock County. Noted author and Mississippi native Jesmyn Ward capped the event off with a powerful closing address.
In January 2024, HOMEGROWN returned from a post-pandemic pause, spotlighting 23 authors, six curated panels, and attracting an audience of 398 people from eight states.
HOMEGROWN 2025 moved to a larger venue on the lovely Gulf Park Campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.
An audience of 435 people enjoyed 28 authors — including New York Times best-seller Lisa Genova — with 14 stellar programs during its two-day schedule.
In January 2026, HOMEGROWN will once again gather a community steeped in stories, stretching from New Orleans, LA to Mobile, AL, on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi for THREE days of free sessions and workshops that shine a light on the talent produced and opportunities abound right here in our own backyard.
Apply to Present at HOMEGROWN 2026
We’re currently seeking authors, publishers, and moderators who have deep ties to the Gulf Coast to round out our lineup.
Give us your best pitch and let’s see if it’s a good fit!
You’re Invited
HOMEGROWN is a free event that has a little something for everyone who is fascinated by how stories get told.
It’s a place to engage with award-winning writers in panels and breakout sessions to hear about how they bring their characters to life, research their subjects for cultural and historical accuracy, and navigate the publishing world.
It’s a place to learn about and practice innovative writing techniques and maybe even bend a publisher’s ear in your very own pitch session.
HOMEGROWN is a celebration of and an invitation into the rich literary community that’s otherwise one of the Gulf Coast’s best kept secrets.
A true exchange, it’s a place to ask what’s possible for Southern storytelling—and create answers.
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!
Our Partners
