Words Matter. Join the Conversation.
Join us this September in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts for the WIT Literary Festival—a celebration of writers, their work, and the vital role they play in society. By bringing writers and readers together for an unforgettable weekend of timely conversations, the WIT Literary Festival reflects the belief that a rich culture of free expression is essential to a thriving democracy.
Who are we? What do we believe? In what kind of country do we want to live?
Guided by this year’s theme, The Power of Words: Authors & Activism, the WIT Literary Festival welcomes audiences to explore these abiding questions with a distinguished group of speakers renowned for their artistic virtuosity, intellectual passion, moral seriousness, restless faith, and civic engagement.
Whether in person or via livestream, we can’t wait to see you this September 25–28. Sign up for updates on tickets, the schedule of programs, the roster of speakers, and other ways to get involved. Early access for Sponsors and Friend Supporters to select their seats is available now. Tickets will go on sale for the general public July 31.
Explore the Festival
| Date | Session | |
| Thursday, September 25 Opening Night |  | M. Gessen and Michael S. Roth in conversation with Alia Malek The future is not preordained. Learn More |
| Friday, September 26 |  | James Lawler and Tim Weiner in conversation with Garrett M. Graff Intelligence fails because it is human. Learn More |
| Friday, September 26 |  | Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Sanaz Toossi in conversation with Vinson Cunningham Every play opens a new door. Learn More |
| Saturday, September 27 |  | Catherine Coleman Flowers and Peter Hotez in conversation with Jeremy S. Faust Listening is a form of activism. Learn More |
| Saturday, September 27 |  | Torrey Peters and Chase Strangio in conversation with J. Wortham We have always taken care of each other. Learn More |
| Saturday, September 27 |  | Hanif Abdurraqib and Imani Perry in conversation with Shana L. Redmond A world where the song is still going on. Learn More |
| Sunday, September 28 |  | Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and Marilynne Robinson in conversation with Paul Elie To make inroads on the vast terrain of what cannot be said. Learn More |
From the Authors
My dream is always to have an experience where an audience member turns to another audience member and is like, ‘What did we just go through?’ And then begin to talk.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Sponsor & Support the Festival
Your support helps bring these conversations to life.
The WIT Literary Festival is powered by community. Whether you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor, purchasing a program ad, or contributing as a donor, your support makes the Festival possible.
Sponsorship Opportunities
To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Bernard Schwartz, Executive Producer, Literary Programs
bschwartz@authorsguildfoundation.org
Early access for Sponsors and Friend Supporters to select their seats is available now. Tickets will open to the general public on July 31.
Purchase a Program Ad
Be part of a vibrant cultural moment—advertise in the WIT Literary Festival program and reach a community that celebrates books, writers, and readers.
Make a Donation
Every gift helps sustain the WIT Literary Festival, making possible engaging author sessions, livestream access, and equitable participation for readers and writers everywhere.
2025 WIT Literary Festival Committee
Hunter K. Runnette, Committee Chair
Marie Arana · Karyn Bendit · Richard Thompson Ford · Taryn Leavitt · Ann Lombard · Maria Nation · Jeryl Oristaglio · Laura Pedersen · Letty Cottin Pogrebin · Allison Smith · Wendy Strothman · Rachel Vail · Kelley Vickery · Tyler Whisnand