Sold-out second annual weekend of mystery-related fun drew up to 1,000 visitors
By Bob and Tracy Palermini, Ashland.news
Ashland became the center of the Cozy Mystery genre last weekend when it hosted the second annual Ashland Mystery Festival with 12 authors, 400 participants, up to 1,000 total visitors, and an abundance of mystery-related fun, according to Travel Ashland Director Katharine Cato.
Participants came from 26 states, Canada, and the United Kingdom. There were women and men, young and old, families and groups of friends.

Author Ellie Alexander, creator of the Bakeshop Mysteries series, which is set in Ashland, had the initial inspiration for a mystery festival and approached Travel Ashland and the Ashland Chamber of Commerce to produce the event. In its second year, the festival expanded to include 13 cozy mystery authors, 52 events, and 40 participating businesses.

The festival was designed to highlight Ashland’s literary culture. There were opportunities to engage with authors, learn about crafting the perfect mystery, and get insider tips on literary publication and promotion. Participants could also attend cooking demonstrations, a mystery craft hour, and embark on a scavenger hunt around downtown.
Planning is already underway for next year’s mystery fest, which will be held Oct. 16-19, 2025.
Bob & Tracy Palermini are residents of Ashland, where he is staff photographer for Ashland.news, as well a board member. Email Bob at [email protected].
















