The 10th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival Oct 23rd-26th

Mark your calendars: it’s time again for the annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival honoring the Lowcountry’s favorite son. This year’s event runs October 23–26. Fittingly, October 26 would have been Conroy’s 80th birthday. It is also the 10th anniversary of this popular three-day festival, held each year in Beaufort—the city Conroy said he fell in love with at first sight.

Conroy authored 12 books, including reader favorites The Lords of Discipline, inspired by his time at The Citadel; The Prince of Tides, which was adapted into an acclaimed film; and Beach Music, are considered among his most memorable novels.

Festival events will include book signings, a chance to hear popular published authors talk about books and writing. There will be readings and exhibits as well as tours and gatherings, refreshment concessions and friendly folks available to point you in the right direction, if needed.

Attendees will have the chance to meet bestselling authors including Adriana Trigiani (The View from Lake Como), Mary Alice Monroe (Where the Rivers Merge), Patti Callahan Henry (The Story She Left Behind), Chris Whitaker (All the Colors of the Dark) and Jason Mott (People Like Us, National Book Award winner), among others.

Free guided tours will be offered on Thursday, October 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen St. in Beaufort. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Center’s exhibits, which include photos, memorabilia, and even furniture from Conroy’s home.

In addition to festival events, visitors may want to stop by local bookstores such as McIntosh Book Shoppe, Nevermore Books and Beaufort Bookstore, where signed copies may be found.

Although born in Atlanta, Conroy famously fell in love with the Lowcountry when he first set eyes upon it as he rode over a bridge and into Beaufort with his mother. Throughout the Lowcountry, he met warm, friendly people and was amazed at the beauty of the town, the water and natural surroundings. He vowed he would never leave this place…and he didn’t. He made his home on St. Helena Island with his wife, writer Cassandra King. He died on March 4, 2016, and is buried at Beaufort’s Memorial Gardens on St. Helena.

The 10th Annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival promises to be a fitting celebration of his life and work—and of the Lowcountry he so deeply loved. Surely, the weather will cooperate and we will have a lovely day.

A former Bluffton resident, Glenda finds stories everywhere and writes about nature, travel, healthy living and books.