A new tradition is starting in Chicago and it revolves around writers. The first American Writers Festival is to take place this Sunday, May 15. The festival coincides with the American Writers Museum’s fifth anniversary.
The literary festival will place on all four stages at the Chicago Cultural Center and on one stage at the American Writers Museum. There’s no admission fee for this event. With a full schedule of planned discussions, the festival is set to start at 10 AM and goes on until 5:30 PM.
Feature more than 75 beloved contemporary authors, artists, and playwrights, the festival is the place to be if you’re looking to up your literary game. There’s an impressive lineup, too. Including Rebecca Makkai, Angela Beaty, Jacqueline Woodson, Joy Harjo, Jabari Asim, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and so many others. Among the authors stand comedy writers, journalists, library officials, sociologists, and professors rounding out the impressive lineup.
Amongst a stacked lineup includes a standout live panel featuring Ashley C. Ford and Dr. Eve L. Ewig in discussion regarding Ford’s memoir Somebody’s Daughter at 1:30 PM in the Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center.
The schedule is packed with impressive authors and will include lively panels as well as author signings (Featuring leading contemporary writers across various genres!) From children’s and young adult writers to science fiction, history, biographies, poetry, and satire, the authors present will get a chance to share insight into the craft.
There’s also a selection of virtual programs streaming on YouTube such as a discussion between Aaron Sorkin and Ivy Wilson at 12 PM. Historical Fiction writer Kim Michele Richardson is hosting a virtual panel at 3 PM.
Those participating in the live discussion panels plan to address personal perspectives on topical and sometimes controversial topics. From immigration, racism, and book censorship, to the theme of equality throughout literature. It’s sure to be a series of captivating discussions.
The American Writers Museum will even waive museum admission fees on Sunday, May 15, and Monday, May 16 which coincides with the museum’s fifth anniversary! This event is all about encouraging people to experience the fascinating literary works of the great American writers.
Whether you’re an avid reader or looking to connect with a cool new author, this event is perfect for everyone! Two of the festival’s partners are 57th Street Bookstore and Seminary Co-Ops Bookstore, among The Poetry Foundation and more.
As far as mandates go, the festival strives to make this a safe in-person event for all. Proof of vaccination is required and masks must be worn inside the event spaces.
Check out the full lineup of guests here and bookmark a copy of the official schedule here. Find the official reading list here.
Address 1: Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E Washington St, Chicago 60602
Address 2: The American Writers Museum, second floor of 180 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601