The festival is free and open to the public. No advance registration or tickets are required. All seating is on a first-come basis.

The Festival has always been a free event that offers readers and writers an opportunity to interact, to create a public community around a festival that promotes and celebrates the joy of reading and of lifelong learning. Each year the Festival brings to Nashville approximately 200 of the nation's and region's most prominent authors, from legendary mystery writers to critically acclaimed debut novelists, from poets to biographers, from chefs to children's authors. Every author on the program takes part in a session, either a solo reading or a panel discussion, followed by a book signing in our Book Signing Tent. Books by all the participating authors are available for sale at Festival book sales area where proceeds support the Festival.

In addition, the Festival hosts popular book exhibitors and programs three performance stages throughout the event. The Performing Arts Stage highlights readings and other dramatic literary performances. The Music Stage features music by some of the area's most talented songwriters and poets. Special events for children take place on the Youth Stage including appearances by favorite characters, musicians, artists, and storytellers.