4th Annual HOMEGROWN: A STORIED EXCHANGE ~ Coastal Mississippi’s Premiere Literary Arts Event ~ January 29 through January 31, 2026 ~ FREE & Open to the Public

Join Us! … for HOMEGROWN 2026 … Coastal Mississippi's Premiere Literary Arts Events, produced annually in partnership with the four library systems serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast region, from Slidell (LA) to Mobile (AL). Extraordinary Oxford-based Thacker Mountain Radio Hour (TMRH) live on-stage show kicks off our HOMEGROWN schedule Thursday, January 29th, with music from the house band The Yallobushwackers, a strong dose of humor, entertainment & Southern Culture, plus added musical guests & authors … A rousing good time from this highly popular Mississippi Public Broadcasting talent.

Friday, January 30th features a full day of specially designed programs for area teachers and students from Gulf Coast area middle and high schools. A series of hands-on creative writing sessions, plus interviews and presentations by leading authors make this a truly unique creative, educational, & literary learning experience. Advanced Registration is Required for Friday's programs presented through the LIVE OAK WRITING PROJECT at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach. ** CEU's for teachers are available.

Our featured programs on Saturday, January 31st run from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and include multiple panel discussions, interviews, & presentations by more than 30 acclaimed and award-winning writers/authors. Guests can purchase their favorite books by the authors and have them signed onsite. This event is FREE and Open to the Public. Food & Refreshments are available, with free parking.

ALL PROGRAMS PRESENTED AS PART OF HOMEGROWN ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, WITH CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS FOR SOME PROGRAMS DUE TO AVAILABLE SEATING. INDIVIDUALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER ONLINE IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT DATES. [ www.homegrownms.com ]