The 2026 Indie Author and Artisan Festival will be held Sept. 26-27 at the historic Kister Mill, 3596 Kister Road, Shreve.

The two-day event will feature approximately 42 authors and vendors offering fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, romance, children’s books, historical works, science fiction and locally made artisan goods. The festival also is being held as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary observance.

Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 26 and noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 27. Admission is free, and free field parking will be available. Limited handicap-accessible parking also will be available.

Featured authors will include M.A. Frick on the first day and Mindy McGinnis on both days.

Activities will include book signings, guided mill tours and acoustic guitar music by Sophia Klingerman.

Food vendors will include Tommy’s Smash Burgers, Korasada’s Korean Cuisine, Mr. Bill’s Pizza, Yummy Pita, Oak Chapel United Methodist Church coffee and desserts, and BSA Troop 65 beverages.

The event is family friendly, though no children’s activities are scheduled. Outside food and pets are not permitted, with the exception of service animals.

Guided tours of the Kister Mill will be available by presale only for $20 per ticket. Advance purchases include a special gift. No tickets will be sold on-site. Tickets are available through the Western Reserve Land Conservancy website at connect.wrlandconservancy.org/kistermilltours.

Western Reserve Land Conservancy purchased the Kister Mill in 2018 and restored it as a functioning historic mill. The site includes a handcrafted 18-foot overshot water wheel made from oak, a working grist mill, a cider press, a sawmill, a metal shop and a wood shop.

The inaugural festival is intended to highlight Ohio authors and artisans while giving visitors an opportunity to experience the historic mill.