Twainfest is a FREE celebration of Mark Twain and other writers of the 19th century. Great fun for all ages.

August 18, 2018

11:00 – 4:30pm

Hear works by Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and others, read aloud by San Diego actors.

Puppets, Music, Stories, Games Enjoy a FREE fun-filled day in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Play unique games designed especially for TwainFest. Take home FREE books. Enter the Literary Costume Contest. Hear tall tales, stories and poetry. Visit Dr. Frankenstein’s Laboratory. Delight in Giant Puppets. Learn to play the Fife and Drum. Vote in the Election of 1872. Play Croquet with the Red Queen. And so much more. Volunteer for TwainFest (volunteers needed beforehand for planning, setup, etc. and during the actual event)–Click Here

Enjoy this video of a previous TwainFest

to get an idea of what is in store for you!

Don’t miss the sack races, ring toss, marbles and other games of the period that will be played on the green.

Launch a Calaveras jumping frog (bean bag, of course) with our Catapult or make a contribution to the Never Ending Story, to which anyone who wishes may contribute.

TwainFest is produced by Write Out Loud, Fiesta De Reyes and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with additional partners: Cygnet Theatre, Lamb’s Players Theatre, Playwrights Project, San Diego Writers INK and Maritime Museum of San Diego. Funding provided by The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, County of San Diego.The Heller Foundation at Union Bank, The Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation and The Arthur & Jeanette Pratt Memorial Fund.