Dates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in September 2027, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.

Arts & Culture

Printers Row Lit Fest

#bookfestival#literary#printersrow#southloop#freefestival#authors

Date

Expected September 2027

Location

Printers Row, South Dearborn Street
S Dearborn St & W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60605

Organized by

Near South Planning Board

About this happenin

Every September the Near South Planning Board, a not-for-profit, puts on Printers Row Lit Fest, a free two-day book festival on South Dearborn Street in Printers Row, once the bookmaking hub of Chicago. It calls the fest the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest. The footprint runs along Dearborn from Polk Street to Ida B. Wells Drive. More than 100 booksellers set up on it, selling used and rare books as well as new ones, and more than 100 authors speak on panels or sign copies. Authors are asked to stay at least an hour after their talk to sign. Family and kids' programming runs from the Center Stage. Nothing needs a ticket and seats at the talks go first come, first served. It goes ahead rain or shine. Recent editions ran 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More in September: 21 other Chicago events.