North Dakota Book and Arts Festival Returns Sept. 20 With Local Leaders and New Creative Energy

Jamestown, North Dakota (08/20/2025) — The North Dakota Book and Arts Festival is set to return with a fresh burst of energy and creativity. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the University of Jamestown campus.

After a memorable run from 2017 to 2019, under the vibrant leadership of NDSU Press and the Ellendale Arts Council, the festival is back to shine a spotlight on local and regional writers, artists, and readers. This year's event is co-led by SamiJo McQuiston, Jamestown author; Jill Pfaff, assistant director of the James River Valley Library System; and Aaron Cloyd, faculty member at the University of Jamestown.

The festival will feature nearly 60 authors, three creative writing workshops, a panel on publishing and the much-anticipated release of Plainsong, the University of Jamestown's creative magazine.

The event is free and open to everyone. There will also be craft activities for kids and food trucks on site.

"The North Dakota Book and Arts Festival is all about bringing the community together around stories and ideas," Cloyd said.

McQuiston added, "We want this to be a place where anyone-whether you're a lifelong reader or just curious-can come, meet an author, try a workshop or just enjoy a good book."

Lisa Jackson, vice president for marketing and external relations at the University of Jamestown, praised the team's dedication.

"SamiJo's, Jill's and Aaron's enthusiasm is contagious. They've brought a spark to campus that reminds us how much the collaboration of a few people can inspire a whole community," Jackson said.

Cloyd said Plainsong will release its 38th issue at the festival, and he is grateful that it has become a gathering place for creativity at the university and in the wider region.

"With Plainsong, we want to make a home for all kinds of voices-students, faculty, alumni and folks from all around North Dakota," Cloyd said. "It's about discovering what we have to say, together. My hope is that people pick up the magazine and see themselves in it or find something that makes them think or smile."

For more information about the North Dakota Book and Arts Festival or Plainsong, contact SamiJo Wallace at samijo.wallace@uj.edu or Aaron Cloyd at aaron.cloyd@uj.edu.

To meet the authors and see spotlights leading up to the event, follow the festival on Facebook at North Dakota Book and Arts Festival.

About the North Dakota Book and Arts Festival:
The North Dakota Book and Arts Festival is an annual celebration of books, writers and creativity, bringing together authors, readers and artists from across the state and region. The festival offers a welcoming space for people of all ages to connect through author readings, workshops, panel discussions and interactive activities. With a focus on supporting local and regional talent, the North Dakota Book and Arts Festival highlights the stories and voices that shape our communities. The event is free and open to the public, fostering a love of reading and the arts while building connections among book lovers of all backgrounds. For more information and updates, visit the festival's Facebook page at North Dakota Book and Arts Festival.

About the University of Jamestown:
The University of Jamestown, located in Jamestown, North Dakota, is committed to supporting creativity, learning and community through a wide range of academic and cultural programs. The university provides a welcoming environment for students and residents alike, fostering connections and growth both on campus and throughout the Jamestown community. To learn more about its programing and events, visit www.uj.edu.

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