The Walker Percy Weekend

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Photo by Christopher R. Harris. All Rights Reserved.

Walker Percy in study

"Bourbon does for me what the piece of cake did for Proust," wrote iconic Southern author Walker Percy in 1975. There won't be any tea and cake served at the eighth annual Walker Percy Weekend, but with delicious Southern savories by the hundredweight and bourbon cocktails served throughout St. Francisville's historic district, no one will be starved for sustenance—literary or otherwise. 

Beloved for blending spirited literary discussion with spectacular social events, the Walker Percy Weekend fortifies attendees for a series of literary lectures and panel discussions with the finest Louisiana food and beverages. The festival invites fans of Southern literature to explore Percy's thought and writing through presentations by renowned scholars, panel discussions, and social and culinary events inspired by the author's most famous works. Events take place in atmospheric locations around St. Francisville's historic district. Highlights include: A Friday evening Welcome Reception at Conundrum Bookstore with a bar, hors d'oeuvres, and light entertainment; a Saturday series of Lectures and Panel Discussions on themes explored in Percy's books ($100), followed by the traditional Saturday-afternoon Progressive Front-Porch Tour and Bourbon Tasting with readings inspired by Percy's essay on drinking "Bourbon, Neat" at several private porches in St. Francisville's historic district. (5:30 pm–7:30 pm); a Saturday evening "Taste of Louisiana" Southern supper, presented with a selection of local craft beers and served on Prosperity Street under the stars (7:30 pm–10:30 pm; $145 for the Stroll and Supper). This year's featured presenters include writers and thinkers Randy Boyagoda, Bryan Giemza, Michael Kobre, Read Mercer Schuchardt, Susan Cushman, Jennifer Davis, Brannon Costello, and Maurice Ruffin. 

Festival proceeds support the Julius Freyhan Foundation—an organization dedicated to restoring St. Francisville's historic Freyhan School building to serve as a community and cultural center for West Feliciana Parish. For more details and accommodation information, visit walkerpercyweekend.org.

$245 for all access ticket at bontempstix.com.