American Writers Festival

America250 programs will be presented by American Writers Museum during its 3rd annual American Writers Festival, presented in partnership with Chicago Public Library, on Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, June 7 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., including an event with professor Anna O. Law about her new book Migration and the Origins of American Citizenship. All festival programs are free to the public. Seating for festival programs is available on a first come, first served basis. AWM members get preferred seating at main stage events.

Festival programming on Saturday, June 6 will be held at the American Writers Museum (180 N. Michigan Avenue), with AWM offering free museum admission to all attendees. On Sunday, June 7, the festival and all related programming moves to Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State Street); AWM will be closed that Sunday. Seating for festival programs is available on a first come, first served basis. AWM members get preferred seating at main stage events.

Building upon the resounding success of the 2024 and 2022 editions of the American Writers Festival, which attracted thousands of attendees, this year's expanded two-day event promises to be even more exceptional—with more than 80 writers and 40 programs.

The American Writers Museum’s American Writers Festival aims to transcend the boundaries of a traditional book festival, showcasing the immense contributions made by writers of all genres and styles to American history, culture and daily life. Panels and topics range from recently released novels and memoirs to screenwriting, comedy, adaptations, horror, romance, history, ghostwriting, and journalism. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to explore their
own creativity through writing workshops and other literary activities. Additionally, the Seminary Co-op Bookstore will be on site selling books from all participating authors.