When people hear Southern Gothic, they often think of mid-20th century literary giants like Flannery O’Connor, whose stories are equal parts faith and unease, or Truman Capote, who helped define true crime with In Cold Blood. (Yes—true crime fans, we’ve got you covered, too.)
Southern Gothic carries serious literary prestige, but it also reflects the contradictions of the South—poverty and beauty, violence and tenderness, stereotypes and creativity. The subjects are dark, but never dull.
Love the classics? Don’t miss Flannery O’Connor | Seeing the Sacred in the Grotesque with Professor Abigail Smith.
Want something contemporary? Our headliner David Joy is not to be missed. A twelfth-generation Appalachian, Joy writes with raw authenticity about poverty, addiction, and violence—always with humanity. He’s every bit as compelling on stage as he is on the page.
Food, Funerals & the Macabre
Hungry for more? (We had to say it.)
Dr. Smith returns with Lay It All on the Table, exploring Southern funeral customs centered on food. Ever heard of corpse cakes or sin eaters? You will.
Historian Kim Poovey takes us further back with Victorian Mourning Practices. Think black veils, jet jewelry, and eerie rituals of the 19th century. If last year’s costumes were any clue, some of you are already prepared.
And don’t skip the vendor market! With over 10 vendors on site, you’ll find Gothic accessories, handcrafted goods, and of course, the official festival t-shirt.
Plan Your Festival
All events are free and ticketless, except for the ghost tours hosted by our friends at Historic Camden. Just show up, soak it all in, and let the Gothic goodness unfold.
Want to map out your weekend? Check the full schedule on our website and start planning your perfect festival experience.