15 upcoming literature events
At the Vanguard: Making and Saving Poetry
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 at 18:30
National Museum of African American History and Culture
An evening at the National Museum of African American History and Culture exploring poetry as craft and memory, with readings and discussion on making and preserving poetry for future generations.
Author Reading & Discussion: Ice’s End
Tue, 24 Mar 2026 at 17:00
Georgetown University
Join a live author reading of Ice’s End at Georgetown University, followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A. Hear excerpts, explore themes, and engage with fellow readers in a scholarly on-campus setting.
Lattes & Lit: Garcia Girls book club discussion
Tue, 24 Mar 2026 at 17:00
Georgetown University
Join Georgetown's Lattes & Lit for a cozy, caffeinated discussion of Julia Alvarez's How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents. A relaxed, sociable literary gathering at Georgetown University that explores identity and storytelling through the novel.
Between the Lines with Jason Reynolds and Morgan Menzies
Sun, 29 Mar 2026 at 16:00
Planet Word Museum
Authors Jason Reynolds and Morgan Menzies discuss their works in a lively literary evening at Planet Word Museum in Washington, DC. Expect an intimate Q&A, insights into storytelling and language, and a celebration of contemporary fiction in a landmark language museum.
Book Talk: Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy — The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 at 19:00
Politics and Prose
Authors Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy discuss The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook at Politics and Prose, exploring culinary traditions across cultures. An engaging evening of food writing, stories, and flavor inspiration.
Wordplay Wednesday: Cherry Blossom Edition
Wed, 1 Apr 2026 at 17:00
Planet Word Museum
Join Wordplay Wednesday: Cherry Blossom Edition for an evening of playful language at Planet Word Museum. Explore word games, puns, and linguistic surprises inspired by spring blossoms in a curious, welcoming setting.
Folger Book Club: The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf
Thu, 2 Apr 2026
Folger Shakespeare Library
Join the Folger Book Club for a thoughtful discussion of Isa Arsén's novel The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf on April 2, 2026 at the Folger Shakespeare Library. An informal, moderated gathering for readers to share insights and reactions to contemporary fiction.
Language & Liberty: Poetry as Civic Inheritance with Tracy K. Smith
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 at 17:00
Planet Word Museum
Poet Tracy K. Smith delivers a reading and talk on how poetry serves as civic inheritance, exploring language as a force for liberty at Planet Word Museum. The evening blends performance with reflective discussion on language, memory, and public life in an intimate museum setting.
In-store book signing: The Havana Syndrome and the China Gambit
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 at 14:00
International Spy Museum
Attend an in-store book signing at the International Spy Museum for The Havana Syndrome and the China Gambit. Meet the author, get your copy signed, and explore espionage history in a museum famed for its spy lore. The event starts at 2:00 PM on April 11, 2026.
Folger Gala
Fri, 24 Apr 2026
Folger Shakespeare Library
An elegant fundraising gala at the Folger Shakespeare Library featuring select performances, cocktails, and remarks celebrating Shakespearean scholarship and theater. Set in a historic DC venue, the evening blends culture, philanthropy, and intimate performances.
Tell Out My Soul: What’s The Story and Who’s Telling It?
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
Folger Shakespeare Library
Explore who tells our stories and how voice and perspective shape narrative authority in this Folger Shakespeare Library talk. Scholars discuss storytelling across literary forms, inviting audiences to reconsider who holds the storytelling power.
Wonderlust Storytelling Event
Sat, 18 Apr 2026 at 19:30
urday, March 21, 2026 @ 7:30 pm Michelle Buteau: The Surviving And Thriving Tour Warner Theatre
Wonderlust is a live storytelling event at The Festival Center featuring engaging oral tales from guest storytellers. An intimate evening blending literary craft with performance, celebrating diverse narratives and the art of storytelling.
In-store book signing: The Patriot's Daughter
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 14:00
International Spy Museum
Join an in-store book signing at the International Spy Museum for The Patriot's Daughter. Enjoy a brief author reading and have your copy signed in the museum shop, among spy-themed exhibits and interactives.
The 2026 O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading
Tue, 19 May 2026 at 19:30
Folger Theatre
Join the finale of the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series at Folger Theatre for an evening of intimate, language-rich verse from acclaimed poets. The candle-lit stage blends contemporary poetry with the theatre’s historic charm, spotlighting fresh voices and enduring craft.
National Book Festival
Sun, 6 Sept 2026
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
At the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, attendees can explore author talks, book signings, and literary panels inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. A free, family-friendly celebration of books and ideas hosted by the Library of Congress, featuring sessions across genres and age groups.