Photo recap: Look back at the fifth annual NOLA Book Fest at Tulane University

Literature came to life at the fifth annual New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, held March 12 to 15. This year's festival included special programming tied to America's 250th anniversary, along with more than 250 writers, chefs and thought leaders who connected with attendees at more than 100 sessions and book signings. Fresh culinary offerings and musical performances kept up the lively atmosphere, while an expanded Family Day drew plenty of young readers.

The festival began Thursday night with standing-room only crowds gathered to see The Atlantic's Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg moderate a discussion between Ken Burns, Walter Isaacson, Clint Smith and Annette Gordon-Reed on the evolution of the American experience. Goldberg also rounded out the evening with a second panel on conflicts shaping the global future, featuring Gen. Stanley McChrystal and George Packer.

Festival-goers returned bright and early Friday morning to enjoy conversations between renowned panelists, including Stacey Abrams, Salman Rushdie, Anderson Cooper, Clint Smith, Kenny Chesney, Gary Hoover, Kara Swisher, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Tarriona "Tank" Ball, Emeril and E.J. Lagasse, Jon Meacham, Oren Cass, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Imani Perry.

After a packed Saturday, guests were treated to free crawfish and an energetic performance from Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and the Wild Magnolias. Sunday saw a bigger Family Day lineup than ever before, with an entire day dedicated to engaging, educational activities, readings by authors and panels for children of all ages.

Relive the literary celebration through these photos and check out Tulane's Instagram for even more.

Photos by Kenny Lass and Ameliah Kolp.