Printers Row Lit Fest celebrates 40th anniversary

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest returns to Chicago on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, from 10 AM to 6 PM, rain or shine, along South Dearborn Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street. This free outdoor literary festival, presented by the Near South Planning Board, is the largest book festival in the Midwest, attracting more than 100,000 visitors and over 100 independent booksellers.

More than 70 live programs will be featured across six indoor and outdoor stages, with panels, readings, and discussions led by authors, publishers, podcasters, and literary organizations. All programming is free and open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis (Speakers and Programming).

The headline author is Sandra Cisneros, the MacArthur Fellow and National Medal of Arts recipient best known for The House on Mango Street. She’ll receive the Harold Washington Literary Award and present from her first poetry collection in 28 years, Woman Without Shame.

The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, alongside the Chicago Poetry Center, Chicago Quarterly Review, Guild Literary Complex, Contratiempo, Rhino, and Stories Matter Foundation, will host a collaborative tent showcasing Chicago’s vibrant literary community.

Families and young readers can look forward to dedicated children’s programming such as storytime sessions, interactive readings, and a storybook parade as part of the family-friendly programming.

Admission is free—no tickets required—and arriving early is recommended. 

Authors, booksellers, publishers, and literary podcasters interested in exhibiting can fill out the Exhibitor Application on the Printers Row Lit Fest Exhibitors page. To qualify, you must be offering book-related products or promoting literacy and educational issues. Be sure to review the Terms and Conditions published on the site.

For programming proposals, visit the Speakers page and submit your application before June 15. Questions about exhibiting or partnerships can be directed to vendors@printersrowlitfest.org.

Whether you're a literary devotee or a casual reader, the 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest offers a weekend of creativity, community, and conversation in Chicago’s historic Printers Row neighborhood. Visit PrintersRowLitFest.org for full details, schedules, volunteering options and more.