Seven Literary Festivals You Want to Attend This Summer and Fall.
Ready to meet your favorite authors and learn about intriguing new books? These events have something for everyone.
It’s been three short years since the pandemic, when festivals shuttered or shortened their programs and moved online. Thankfully, most have returned with a hybrid format of in-person gatherings as well as virtual options. Are you a fan of Alice Munro and the short story in general? Then her annual festival is for you. If you are looking for an island retreat with a few of your favorite authors, the Nantucket Book Festival beckons. Whether you attend one or all, there will be books to buy, new authors to discover and friendships to be made. Discover this list of literary festivals compiled just for you.
May 25 – June 4 and November 23 – 26, 2023
Hay-on-Wye, Wales and 30 locations around the world.
Established in 1987, this festival is still going strong thirty-six years later.
If you missed any events, you can watch past readings and author talks on the festival’s YouTube channel.
Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story
June 2 - 4, 2023
Across Huron County, ON, Canada.
Started in 2001 and named after the famed author, Alice Munro, a longtime resident of Huron County where the festival is held, it seeks “to nurture emerging writers and to celebrate short stories in the landscape that inspired Alice Munro.” The short story maven extraordinaire, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013, a fete no other Canadian has achieved. If have not yet read her work, do yourself a favor and pick up a story today.
The festival features author talks, panels, workshops, and the winner announcement of the Short Story Contest that opened for submission between January and March. If you have children, bring them along for the Alice Munro Festival for Kids.
June 15 - 18, 2023
Nantucket, MA US
Celebrating the written word, the festival is held in Nantucket every summer. What could be more suited to relaxing with your favorite book than the perfect escape to an island? This year will feature award-winning authors Hernan Diaz, Imani Perry, and Ilyon Woo in discussion with festival co-founder Mary Haft, among others.
August 12, 2023
Washington, DC US
The Library of Congress hosts this festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with author talks and programs both in person and virtual. Just in case you miss some events on the day, you can always livestream at your leisure. Their website has an interactive world map with books from different countries, previously featured at the festival.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
August 12-28, 2023
Edinburgh, Scotland UK
Featuring over 600 events at Edinburgh’s College of Art in Old Town, this festival hosts international writers, actors and leaders. Last year Succession actor Brian Cox was interviewed by former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon on various topics including his plans to return home and Scottish Independence. Another panel titled “The Evolution of Young Adult Literature” included two YA authors Juno Dawson and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, a literary agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch, a social media consultant Jean Menzies, and Caroline Carpenter, Chair of the YA Prize.
Toronto International Festival of Authors
September 21 - October 01, 2023
Toronto, ON CA
The 44th Edition of the popular and largest literary festival in Canada, will be held this fall in various locations around the city featuring local and international authors. Since 2016 TIFA has partnered with the Toronto Arts Council to highlight the city’s fiction and nonfiction authors, through events and assisting in their career paths.
September 23 - October 1
Brooklyn Borough Hall and surrounding venues.
Started in 2006, the Brooklyn Book Festival showcases diverse authors reflecting the community in which the festival is held. With multiple venues within the borough, the festival has in the past featured authors such as Edwidge Danticat, Jennifer Egan, Jacqueline Woodson, Ryan La Sala, Namwali Serpell, among others.