About TwainFest

TwainFest, a FREE celebration of the literature, culture and history of 19th Century America, has become a tradition for many San Diego families and provides something for everyone! Play a multitude of old-fashioned arcade-style games, enjoy all new literary performances at a variety of park venues and meet some of your favorite classic characters!

Meet Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and other literary greats at the Author’s Salon.

Paint a Fence with Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher, or have Tea with the Mad Hatter and Alice. Keep an eye out for Robin Hood – you may be recruited to join the Merry Band of Sherwood Forest!

FREE BOOKS are provided at the Book Emporium to all who participate in activities.

Sign up for our annual TwainFest


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TwainFest Videos

August 1 – Episode One
THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN

August 2 – Episode Two
TOYLAND

August 3 – Episode Three
ADVENTURE

August 4 – Author Salon
CHARLES DICKENS

August 5 – Episode Five
SUFFRAGE

August 6 – Author Salon
EMILY DICKINSON

August 7 – Episode Seven
HOW THE WORLD OUGHT TO WORK, ACCORDING TO MARK TWAIN

August 8 – Author Salon
EDGAR ALLAN POE

August 9 – Episode Nine
LOVE EVERLASTING

August 10 – Episode Ten
LESSONS TO LIVE BY

August 11 – Author Salon
HELEN HUNT JACKSON

August 12 – Episode Twelve
TALL TALES

August 13 – Episode Thirteen
MOTHERS AND FATHERS

August 14 – Author Salon
HENRY DAVID THOREAU

August 15 – Episode Fifteen
FROM AFAR

August 16 – Author Salon
MARK TWAIN