The annual Steinbeck Festival is a literary celebration of John Steinbeck's enduring legacy. The Steinbeck Festival has taken place for the last 38 years in and around Salinas. The Festival is a dynamic, spirited, and challenging exploration through talks, films, performances, and exhibits. Each year the Festival explores a new theme relating to the life and works of Salinas native, John Steinbeck. It is open to the public and intended to instruct, entertain, and connect like-minded Steinbeck lovers and newbies.