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2026 Rocktown Author Festival Now Accepting Applications

Massanutten Regional Library is pleased to announce that local authors may now apply to be a featured exhibitor at the 2026 Rocktown Author Festival (RAF), held at Central Library in Downtown Harrisonburg April 25 from 10am to 3pm.

MRL is seeking applicants that are published local authors, with a recent publication within the last two years. Authors should be from MRL's service area - defined as City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham and Page Counties - as well as bordering counties - Augusta, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren counties in Virginia and Hardy and Pendleton counties in West Virginia. To ensure opportunities for our vibrant local author community in this area, exhibitors from the 2025 RAF are asked not to apply. Traditionally and self-published authors of all genres are encouraged to apply.

"This year marks our 6th annual Rocktown Author Festival, and we couldn't be more thrilled!" said co-organizer Allison Brueckner. "RAF is one of my favorite days of the year because it brings our community together to celebrate stories and the people who tell them. Each year, the festival grows, and it's inspiring to see so many talented local authors sharing their work and connecting with readers. It's a beautiful reminder of how rich and creative our Valley truly is." 

"RAF is such an excellent opportunity to showcase the amazing authors we have right here in the Shenandoah Valley," Director of Advancement Megan Medeiros said. "There's something special about watching emerging authors, promising writers, and readers engaging and supporting one another in one space. This is just one more way that we can help our community inform, inspire, and connect with each other." 

Since its inception in 2019, the Rocktown Author Festival has been free and open to anyone in our service area who has an interest in writing, becoming published, or who would like to meet and support local authors; the festival reached record author participation in 2025. MRL is pleased to be the gathering place to support and celebrate current local authors, as well as a hub of information and resources for those just getting started in the industry. 

Authors can apply here, now through October 31, 2026.

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