A Party to Honor William Faulkner

Thursday is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nobel Prize-winning novelist William Faulkner--and the opening date for “Words & Music: A Literary Feast in New Orleans.” In what they hope will become an annual event, the nonprofit Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society Inc. will present a writers’ conference, a book market, music and New Orleans cuisine.

The heart of the four-day festival is the writers’ conference featuring Pulitzer Prize winners Robert Olen Butler and Shirley Ann Grau, among many others. Panels and workshops cost $12.50 each; multi-day passes are available. There also will be a luncheon with historian Shelby Foote ($50), a Jazz Age Dance and Dessert ($15) and other special events. Information: (504) 586-1609.