American Writers Festival - American Writers Museum

A free literary event co-presented by the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library. In depth conversations with diverse writers.
About this Event

The American Writers Festival is back and bigger than ever. Two days, two locations. One free literary event in Chicago!

The American Writers Festival is a free literary event co-presented by the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library. It features in depth conversations with diverse writers from across genres and backgrounds, all to celebrate the power of the written word. This year, we have expanded to two days and two locations.

June 6, 2026: American Writers Museum

With a range of topics discussed and genres represented, the American Writers Festival celebrates the past, promotes the present, and inspires the future of American writing. Children's storytimes, photo booths, literary crafts and mini writing workshops get adults and kids into the written word, with books for sale and authors signing them!

The American Writers Museum will offer free admission on June 6 and will be closed on June 7. The Harold Washington Library Center is always free.

Featured speakers include Lauren Groff, Reza Aslan, Tananarive Due, John Fugelsang, Maggie Smith, Mayda del Valle, Bill Kurtis, Jen Hatmaker, and more. Stay tuned for announcements regarding the full lineup and program schedule soon!