The American Writers Museum announced on May 5 the full programming schedule for its third American Writers Festival, which will take place over two days in partnership with Chicago Public Library. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 6 at the museum’s location on North Michigan Avenue and Sunday, June 7 at Harold Washington Library Center.
This year’s event expands to two days and features more than 90 writers across over 40 programs. All events are free and open to the public, with seating available on a first come, first served basis. Admission to the museum will be free during festival hours on Saturday; it will be closed Sunday as programming moves to Harold Washington Library Center.
Headlining writers include Pulitzer Prize winner Daniel Kraus, Reza Aslan, Tananarive Due in conversation with Nebula Award finalists, Eve L. Ewing, John Fugelsang, Lauren Groff, Jen Hatmaker, Bill Kurtis, Susan Orlean, Maggie Smith and Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle. The full list of participating writers is available through the festival’s official channels.
“We are excited to partner with Chicago Public Library again this year as we bring back the American Writers Festival, a celebration that reflects the vibrancy and urgency of the American voice through our country’s diverse and talented writers,” said AWM President Carey Cranston. “After the success of our past two festivals, we look forward to expanding to a two-day event this June…”
Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown said: “Libraries would not exist without writers. We’re proud to partner with the American Writers Museum to celebrate the voices of writers from across America and inspire writers of all levels to continue sharing their stories.”
Festival topics range from fiction genres like romance and horror writing to journalism and social change discussions. Special sessions will feature institutions such as The Newberry Library and Poems While You Wait.
The event is supported by sponsors including Brenda and James Grusecki as well as organizations like Poetry Foundation and Sourcebooks.
