The annual Southern Festival of Books is widely known for its interesting author talks, powerful readings, and provocative panel discussions.

But the free festival, which annually attracts about 25,000 people, is even broader in its appeal, offering an array of children's programs, three days of live music, a "Handmade & Bound" festival organized by Watkins College of Art, along with food trucks and several good used book sales.

It may sound strange, but you don't even have to be a book lover to enjoy this wonderful downtown weekend.

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The Youth Stage on War Memorial Plaza has a fun Saturday and Sunday lineup that includes: The Ukedelics, a Nashville Zoo program, children's music creator Emily Arrow, Bill Crosby and his Bahama Llama Orchestra, author/illustrator Erin McGill, children's musician Jamison Sevits, Silly Grandpa, author illustrator Mark Wayne Adams, an Adventure Science Center program, and two big birthday parties — one for Skippyjon Jones on Saturday and one for Wild Thing on Sunday. And yes, there will be birthday cake at both parties!

The music stage, also at War Memorial Plaza, will be hopping all three days of the festival with the likes of Jon Byrd, Tom House, Les Kerr and his Bayou Band, John Fabke, Shelby Bottom Duo, Bark, Ava Davis, and Angela Easterling and Brandon Turner.

And, for me, the used book possibilities are another big attraction. Used book dealers including McKay's Used Books, Kubik Fine Books Ltd., Out-Of-The-Way Books, Reading Rock Books, and Books for Sale, will have books for sale.

And the Friends of the Nashville Public Library will have its big book sale Friday and Saturday in the lobby of the main library at 615 Church St. About 7,000 items will be included in the library sale, including adult and teen books ($2), children's books (50 cents - $1), plus CDs and DVDs for $1 and $2.

The food truck lineup looks good too, with Bolton's Spicy Chicken and Fish, Jeni's Ice Cream and Paradise Ridge Barbecue to name a few.

Yes the Southern Festival of Books is all things books, plus a whole lot more!

Stay cheap!

The 29th Annual Southern Festival of Books is Oct.13-15 in downtown Nashville, with an impressive roster of authors including Al Gore, Jami Attenberg, Ann Beattie, Wiley Cash, Ron Rash, Chris Bohjalian, Nicole Krauss, and Clyde Edgerton, along with notable locals like Peter Cooper, Carabel Shofner, and Andy Hardin.

The festival takes place on and around War Memorial Plaza and the Downtown Library and admission is free. Details: www.humanitiestennessee.org