Louisiana’s literary traditions runs deep. From celebrated playwrights like Tennessee Williams to early feminists like Kate Chopin, this state carries a unique history of the written word. This Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Louisiana Book Festival is celebrating that history and providing attendees the chance to meet and learn from contemporary local authors.

This year’s festival features almost 200 authors, panelists and participants selling their wares, signing their books, or lecturing on everything from cooking to politics. Events are to be held downtown on the grounds of the Louisiana State Capitol, the State Library of Louisiana and more. A detailed schedule of events is available online.

For a more hands-on experience, the festival will also host its “WordShops” writing workshops the day before the main events, led by celebrated author Gerard Collins, Pulitzer Prize winners Jericho Brown and Robert Olen Butler, and former Paris Review editor Emily Nemens. Tickets are available online through the Louisiana Book Festival website.

For more information and a complete list of exhibitors and authors, visit the organization’s website or Facebook page.