WIT 2025: Words, Ideas, and Thinkers Festival Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab) on Facebook (opens in a new tab) on Linkedin (opens in a new tab) via email 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. Sponsors and Friend Supporters receive early access to reserve tickets in early July. Tickets will go on sale for the general public in late July. Explore the Festival DateSessionThursday, September 25Opening NightM. Gessen and Michael S. Roth in conversation with Alia MalekThe future is not preordained.Learn MoreFriday, September 26James Lawler and Tim Weiner in conversation with Garrett M. GraffIntelligence fails because it is human.Learn MoreFriday, September 26Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Sanaz Toossi in conversation with Vinson CunninghamEvery play opens a new door.Learn MoreSaturday, September 27Catherine Coleman Flowers and Peter Hotez in conversation with Jeremy S. FaustListening is a form of activism.Learn MoreSaturday, September 27Torrey Peters and Chase Strangio in conversation with J. WorthamWe have always taken care of each other.Learn MoreSaturday, September 27Hanif Abdurraqib and Imani Perry in conversation with Shana L. RedmondA world where the song is still going on.Learn MoreSunday, September 28Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and Marilynne Robinson in conversation with Paul ElieTo 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 Programsbschwartz@authorsguildfoundation.org Learn more. Sponsors and Friend Supporters receive early access to reserve tickets in late June. Tickets will open to the general public in mid-July. 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. 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 · Roxana Robinson · Allison Smith · Wendy Strothman · Rachel Vail · Kelley Vickery · Tyler Whisnand 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
