From page to stage, poetry to performance, HOMEGROWN celebrates all the ways stories are told, and you’re invited to be a part of it!
Gather on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to share, connect, and be inspired by a literary landscape alive with character.
HOMEGROWN is free and open to the public and runs from January 29 through February 1, 2026.
Just Announced
HOMEGROWN Expands to 4-Day Event
Legendary Blues musician Corky Siegel kicks off this year’s event with a live show alongside author W. Ralph Eubanks at historic 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis on Thursday, January 29.
Gulf Coast students and teachers will hear from acclaimed authors Jason Reynolds and Jesmyn Ward as part of a full day of youth programming presented by University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Humanities Live Oak Writing Project.
Friday, January 30, join fellow HOMEGROWN 2026 attendees for refreshments and an author talk at Pass Christian Books.
Hear W. Ralph Eubanks discuss his latest book, When It's Darkness on the Delta, in conversation with Mississippi Museum of Art Director Betsy Bradley. Eubanks delivers a powerful and insightful examination of how racism and economic instability have shaped life in the Mississippi Delta.
Saturday, January 31 marks the main event at the USM Gulf Park Campus!
Choose from panels in Southern Noir, Poetry, Food, Memoirs, and more.
See authors in conversation, join in Q&As, take part in a hands-on creative writing workshop, have your books signed, and screen films inspired by life and literature from the South.
You can even sign up to pitch your work to a publisher.
Bookend your HOMEGROWN 2026 experience on Sunday, February 1, at a live-mic Story Slam at 100 Men Hall.
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. Tell our partners we sent you!
Our partners at Coastal Mississippi can also help you find your perfect coastal retreat with their easy-to-use guide.
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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!
Shaggy’s, Pass Christian
Trax Bar and Grill, Long Beach
Our partners at Coastal Mississippi can also help you savor the flavor of the Gulf Coast with their easy-to-use guide.
Buy the Book
Pass Christian Books will have copies of featured work at the main event for purchase and signing.
Thank You to Our Partners
