Printers Row Lit Fest

Cultural icon Patti Smith will receive the 2026 Harold Washington Literary Award ✨

The prestigious award honors the legacy of Harold Washington, a champion of the arts whose vision embraced the diversity of the American experience and recognizes distinguished literary achievement, artistic excellence, and a commitment to the written word.

Author, poet, songwriter, and visual artist, Patti Smith has long been one of the most influential cultural voices of her generation. “Patti Smith is unparalleled in her ability to create deeply literary work across mediums,” said Anne K. Ream, co-chair of the HWLA Selection Committee. “Her writing is marked by moral clarity, artistic rigor, and deep empathy. She exemplifies the spirit of the Harold Washington Literary Award.”

Hosted by the Near South Planning Board, the ticketed Harold Washington Literary Award ceremony and dinner on Sept. 10 will serve as the official kickoff to Printers Row Lit Fest weekend, one of the country’s largest free literary festivals and a celebrated gathering of book lovers from across the nation. 📚

Since 1989, the award has honored literary legends including Sandra Cisneros, Ray Bradbury, Gwendolyn Brooks, Saul Bellow, Kurt Vonnegut, and Studs Terkel.

For tickets and more details about the Sept. 10 ceremony and dinner: https://thenspb.org/our-events/harold-washington-literary-award-dinner/

Program Applications Now Open 📋

Have something truly special for us to consider for the 41st Annual Printers Row Lit Fest?🎪

We’re seeking compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging programs led by authors, experts, and literary voices that will resonate with a passionate book-loving audience.

Programs are generally 45 minutes long, and we welcome presenters with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and areas of expertise.
If you have a unique conversation, workshop, or literary program to share, we invite you to apply for consideration.

Program proposal submissions are due by June 5.
Apply: https://form.jotform.com/260345246035148
[Link also on website]

Join over 150 exhibitors in celebrating over 40 years of stories, discussions, creativity and literary magic! 🎪✨

You may apply if you are one of the following ONLY:
• Author (with books available for sale)
• Bookseller or bookstore
• Literacy or educational organization
• Literary podcaster
• Publisher (independent or traditional)
• Seller of book related products (i.e. bookmarks, book totes)

Printers Row Lit Fest 2026 is set for Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 from 10am-6pm.

DEADLINE MAY 15TH, 2026

Apply here:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/260294744888170
(Link also on website)

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT📣

Get ready for the 41st Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, the Midwest’s largest outdoor literary celebration (and it’s FREE)! 📚

📆SAVE THE DATES:
Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13
10 AM - 6 PM

📍LOCATION
Chicago IL - South Dearborn Street, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street, in the heart of historic Printers Row.

✨What to Expect:
🎪6 stages
📚70+ Literary Programs
📖200+ booksellers & exhibitors
🎙️200+ incredible presenters
🎟️FREE entry to Lit Fest & programs

Who’s coming with you?? ⬇️
Tag them in the comments!

For more info visit
PrintersRowLitFest.org
PrintersRowLitFest

Official 2025 photos by Don Seeley 📸

Thank you all for an incredible 40th Anniversary Printers Row Lit Fest!

You all make this fest possible from our participants, to the exhibitors, volunteers, team, visitors, and all of you who support us!

There is still time to show your support for the Printers Row Lit Fest through a donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=EZQA2TXPZ9KGN

We look forward to seeing you next year! 📚

Printers Row Lit Fest is officially O P E N. 🥳

Join us for the 40th Annual PRLF in Historic Printers Row, Chicago. From 10am - 6pm today and tomorrow. We’ve got 2 packed days and streets lined with exhibitors!

Come on down!
PrintersRowLitFest.org

Take a look at our programs by stage! We know there are a lot of fantastic programs happening at the 40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, and this visual might help you make your plan! 📝

The full schedule can be found on our website 
PrintersRowLitFest.org (http://printersrowlitfest.org/) 

 

Tomorrow is the BIG day! 🎉

Printers Row Lit Fest officially opens at 10am tomorrow! Fun for the whole family. Check out our schedule and map on the website to come prepared!

PrintersRowLitFest.org

Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7
🕙 10 AM – 6 PM

Two more sleeps 😴

We’re 2 days away from the Midwest’s largest and oldest outdoor literary fest!

What are you most looking forward to this weekend?

Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7
🕙 10 AM – 6 PM

PrintersRowLitFest.org

P.S. Don’t forget to grab your limited-edition 40th anniversary pin!