Book signings, writing workshops, special activities and more in the Winter Garden!
At the American Writers Festival, there’s more than just book talk. Get ready for fun, community-driven activities for visitors of all ages. There’s so much to explore, from book signings to arts & crafts to special photo ops and more!
The American Writers Festival, co-presented by the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library, is an entirely free, one-day literary event showcasing the breadth and depth of American writing in all genres and styles. The Festival takes place on May 19, 2024 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm across five stages at the Harold Washington Library Center in downtown Chicago (400 S. State St.).
All of these activities and partner tables are located in the Winter Garden (9th Floor).
We’ll see you there!
Book Sales and Author Signings
After hearing from your favorite authors, head up to the Winter Garden to purchase their books from our partners at Seminary Co-Op Bookstore. Then, get your book signed! It’s a great chance to chat with them, share your love for their work, and leave with a signed copy to cherish. View each author’s event listing on the schedule page to see when they will be signing!
StoryStudio Presents: PROMPTAPALOOZA
Our friends at StoryStudio Chicago are offering 30-minute writing workshops designed to help get your stories on the page! Join instructors Juan Martinez (12:30 pm; Extended Stay)C. Russell Price (2:00 pm; Oh, You Thought this was a Date?!), and Dipika Mukherjee (3:30 pm; Writer’s Postcards). Take your writing to the next level!
Literary Arts & Crafts
Explore your creative side at the Festival’s arts and crafts tables! Whether you’re designing an original bookmark or completing a coloring page inspired by our special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice, join the fun and create something special to take home!
Pop Up Shop
Browse through a selection of items ranging from exclusive Festival souvenirs to unique museum goodies. Whether you’re looking for a stylish tote bag (for all the books you get), a quirky postcard, or a special Dark Testament print, there’s something for everyone! Plus, the shop is a great place to become an AWM member and upgrade your Festival visit.
Photo Ops
Strike a pose and capture memories at the festival’s photo ops! Step into our two themed backdrops and snap fun and memorable photos. Spread the fun by sharing your photos, tagging the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library, and using #AWFest2024.
American Writers Festival Partners
We have some amazing partners joining us at the American Writers Festival. This is your chance to meet and engage with organizations doing valuable work in Chicago and beyond. Take a peek at the list below, and be sure to keep coming back as we update it!
5 thoughts on “More Fun at the American Writers Festival”
Programming for the 2024 Festival is already full, as you surmised. However, we will be surveying attendees and look forward to your input for future programming. For local author events we encourage you to reach out to your community’s independent bookstore or nearby public library.
To make sure you receive the post-event survey, make sure to sign up for updates.
I have volunteered before at the event and would like to do so again this year, I thought I had received an email about doing so but cannot locate it. Could it be re-sent, please so I can sign up?
As an author of 3 books how can I be in the festival next year?
Hi Sylvester,
Programming for the 2024 Festival is already full, as you surmised. However, we will be surveying attendees and look forward to your input for future programming. For local author events we encourage you to reach out to your community’s independent bookstore or nearby public library.
To make sure you receive the post-event survey, make sure to sign up for updates.
I have volunteered before at the event and would like to do so again this year, I thought I had received an email about doing so but cannot locate it. Could it be re-sent, please so I can sign up?
Hi Mary,
You should have gotten an email this morning from our volunteer coordinator Erin, and a follow-up from myself. Hope we can see you on May 19!
–Ari Bachechi, Assistant Director, Operations & Exhibits
Hello! Hope all the planning is going well and there’ll be another stellar celebration!