The 2025 Morristown Festival Of Books: 7 Must-Know Details On The Star-Studded Lineup, Dates, And Venues

The Morristown Festival of Books (MFOB) is set to return in 2025, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier literary events in the Tri-State Area. This annual celebration of literature, which transforms historic downtown Morristown, New Jersey, into a vibrant hub for readers and world-class authors, has just unveiled its most exciting details yet for the upcoming season, promising an unforgettable two-day experience for book lovers of all ages.

Scheduled for the heart of the autumn, the 2025 festival is brimming with Pulitzer Prize-winning historians, chart-topping novelists, and beloved children's book creators. This year's lineup and schedule, which is now available, features dozens of acclaimed writers who will participate in intimate talks, lively discussions, and highly anticipated book signings across Morristown’s most iconic venues. The blend of high-profile names and diverse genres ensures that every attendee will find a fascinating conversation to join.

The Essential Guide to the 2025 Morristown Festival of Books (MFOB)

The Morristown Festival of Books is a carefully curated two-day event designed by and for people who love books. It serves as a destination for both emerging and established authors, offering readers a rare chance to connect with the literary minds behind their favorite works. Here is a breakdown of the most critical details for the 2025 season.

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Key Dates and Location

• Keynote Fundraiser Event: Friday, October 10, 2025. This ticketed event acts as the official kickoff to the weekend.
• Main Festival Day (Free Author Talks): Saturday, October 11, 2025. This is the main day featuring dozens of free author talks and the KidFest.
• Location: Historic downtown Morristown, New Jersey. All venues are within comfortable walking distance, making it easy to hop between sessions.

The Keynote and Closing Event Powerhouses

The 2025 MFOB is bookended by two of the most respected names in American non-fiction and journalism, setting a high bar for the festival's intellectual depth.

The Keynote: Rick Atkinson

The Keynote Fundraiser Event will feature two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Rick Atkinson.

• Topic: Atkinson will discuss his work, including his focus on "The Fate of the Day," a fitting discussion on the eve of America's 250th anniversary.
• Significance: Atkinson is renowned for his monumental World War II Liberation Trilogy, making his appearance a major draw for history buffs and fans of narrative non-fiction.
• Venue: The Keynote is a special, ticketed event held at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC).

The Closing Event: Jake Tapper

The festival will conclude with a special event featuring CNN's chief Washington correspondent and anchor, Jake Tapper.

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• Format: The event will include a talk and a Q&A session, offering attendees a chance to engage directly with the respected journalist and author.
• Details: Attendees can purchase pre-signed copies of Tapper’s newest work.
• Venue: Like the keynote, this special closing event will take place at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC).

A Deep Dive into the Diverse 2025 Author Lineup and Genres

The true strength of the Morristown Festival of Books lies in its commitment to genre diversity and literary excellence. The 2025 lineup spans everything from harrowing thrillers to celebrated memoirs and insightful historical analysis, ensuring broad topical authority across the event.

Fiction, Memoir, and Non-Fiction Stars

The main festival day (Saturday) features dozens of authors whose works cover the full gamut of literary fiction and non-fiction. This year’s roster is particularly strong, featuring a mix of established bestsellers and critically acclaimed new voices.

Notable authors confirmed for the 2025 MFOB include:

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• André Aciman: Celebrated novelist, known for works like Call Me By Your Name.
• Jeanine Cummins: A major force in contemporary fiction.
• Robin Cook: The master of the medical thriller genre.
• Lisa Scottoline: A perennial bestseller in the thriller and legal fiction categories, known for books such as The Unraveling of Julia.
• Marcy Dermansky: An acclaimed voice in literary fiction.
• Renée Ahdieh: A prominent author in the Young Adult (YA) fantasy genre.
• Bruce Holsinger: Known for his historical fiction and thrillers, including Culpability.
• Aleksandra Crapanzano: A food and culture writer offering unique non-fiction insights.

Other compelling voices rounding out the schedule include Jason Bailey, Brian Goldstone, Gabe Henry (author of Enough is Enuf), Corinne Low (author of Having It All), Jeff Hobbs (author of Seeking Shelter), Winter, Thomas Wolf, Wendy Xu, and science writer Carl Zimmer. The sheer volume of talent means attendees can craft a personalized schedule covering multiple genres, from historical fiction to contemporary social issues.

KidFest: A Literary Haven for Young Readers

A central pillar of the Morristown Festival of Books is the dedicated KidFest, a celebration that introduces young readers to the magic of storytelling. This component is crucial for fostering a love of reading in the next generation.

The 2025 KidFest features some of the biggest names in children's literature:

• Victoria Kann: Creator of the wildly popular Pinkalicious series. Her vibrant, imaginative stories are a highlight for younger attendees.
• Rosemary Wells: Author of the bestselling Max & Ruby series. Wells will be presenting her newest titles, such as Sharing.
• Ame Dyckman: A celebrated picture book author known for her witty and heartwarming stories.

KidFest events typically include read-aloud sessions, interactive activities, and book signings, ensuring a fun and engaging atmosphere for families. The focus on early literacy and high-quality children's books makes MFOB a true literary event for *all* ages.

The Historic Venues That Host the Festival

Part of the unique charm of the Morristown Festival of Books is its integration into the town's rich historical landscape. Instead of a single convention center, the festival utilizes several iconic, walkable venues, turning the entire downtown area into a literary campus.

The main center of the festival is often located on the lawn in front of the Vail Mansion on South Street, which serves as a central meeting point.

Author talks and discussions are hosted in various historic and community locations, including:

• The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), which hosts the high-profile Keynote and Closing Events.
• The Morristown & Morris Township Library, a natural setting for literary discussions.
• St. Peter's Episcopal Church, which provides a beautiful, historic backdrop for many of the author sessions.

The use of these diverse, historic settings—many of which are within Morristown’s vibrant and diverse downtown—enhances the overall experience, giving attendees a taste of the town's culture alongside their literary immersion.

How to Plan Your 2025 MFOB Experience

While the main author talks on Saturday are free and open to the public, the Keynote and Closing Events are ticketed fundraisers. Planning ahead is essential, especially for the high-demand special events.

Tickets and Registration: Tickets for the Rick Atkinson Keynote and the Jake Tapper Closing Event are sold separately and often sell out quickly. General admission tickets for the Keynote are typically priced around $68 (including service fees).

The Main Event: The vast majority of the main festival day on Saturday, October 11, including all author talks and KidFest sessions, is offered free of charge. This accessible structure is a core part of the festival's mission to promote literacy and a love of books across the community.

The 2025 Morristown Festival of Books promises to be a landmark event for New Jersey and the broader literary community. With a stellar lineup of authors like André Aciman, Lisa Scottoline, Robin Cook, and the compelling headliners Rick Atkinson and Jake Tapper, it is a must-attend event for anyone looking to connect with the world of books this fall.