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

DateSession
Thursday, September 25
Opening Night
Headshots of M. Gessen and Michael S. RothM. Gessen and Michael S. Roth in conversation with Alia Malek

The future is not preordained.

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Friday, September 26Headshots of Tim Weiner and James LawlerJames Lawler and Tim Weiner in conversation with Garrett M. Graff

Intelligence fails because it is human.

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Friday, September 26Headshot of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Sanaz ToossiBranden Jacobs-Jenkins and Sanaz Toossi in conversation with Vinson Cunningham

Every play opens a new door.

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Saturday, September 27Headshots of Catherine Coleman Flowers and Peter HotezCatherine Coleman Flowers and Peter Hotez in conversation with Jeremy S. Faust

Listening is a form of activism.

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Saturday, September 27Headshots of Torrey Peters and Chase StrangioTorrey Peters and Chase Strangio in conversation with J. Wortham

We have always taken care of each other.

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Saturday, September 27Headshots of Hanif Abdurraqib and Imani PerryHanif Abdurraqib and Imani Perry in conversation with Shana L. Redmond

A world where the song is still going on.

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Sunday, September 28Headshots: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and Marilynne RobinsonBishop Mariann Edgar Budde and Marilynne Robinson in conversation with Paul Elie

To make inroads on the vast terrain of what cannot be said.

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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

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

Purchase a program ad.

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.

Make a donation today.

Book signing

The Authors Guild Foundation

The Authors Guild Foundation, the educational and charitable arm of the Authors Guild, offers free programming to teach working writers about the business of writing and organizes events that highlight the importance of a rich, diverse American literary culture.

Learn More About the Authors Guild Foundation