Charleston, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Charleston will host its annual literary festival featuring over 70 authors from diverse backgrounds. The festival promises more than 50 events, including discussions, performances, and film screenings, providing a platform for literary enthusiasts. Noteworthy figures such as professional writers and media personalities will participate. Attendees can expect specialized programming, VIP experiences, and panel discussions that foster meaningful literary conversations.
Charleston will host its annual Charleston Literary Festival from November 7 to 16, 2025. This will be the festival’s ninth iteration and promises to be its most extensive season yet, with over 50 events showcasing more than 70 authors from around the world at the historic Dock Street Theatre, located at 135 Church St.
Notable figures in literature and media, including CNN anchor Jake Tapper, Booker Prize contender Katie Kitamura, and Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham are set to participate. The lineup also features personalities like Patricia Altschul of “Southern Charm” fame, Bill McKibben, an environmental activist, and Joyce Carol Oates, a literary icon.
As a preface to the festival, Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben will host a discussion about their collaborative thriller “Gone Before Goodbye” at the Charleston Gaillard Center on October 21. Another pre-festival event on September 20 will see Hoda Kotb from “The Today Show” at The Riviera.
The festival’s programming is diverse and designed to entertain as well as provoke thought. Events scheduled include a film screening of “The Hours,” inspired by Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” and a kid-friendly version of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” condensed into a 40-minute theater performance. Additionally, Adam Gopnik from The New Yorker will present a one-man monologue theater show, while Altschul engages in a conversation with “Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry.
Access and Ticket Information
Attendees can look forward to specialized programming aimed at educators, students, and aspiring writers, alongside panel discussions and engaging activities. VIP weekend experiences are also available, as well as a Book Club Concierge service to enhance the festival experience. A Festival Insider Pass, which provides access to all events and exclusive parties, is priced at $750. Individual tickets for most events will generally cost around $30. Further information about the festival can be found at charlestonliteraryfestival.com.
Festival Origins
The Charleston Literary Festival is affiliated with the sister festival in Sussex, UK, known as the Charleston Festival, which is currently in its 36th year. This festival was established at the home and studio of influential artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, serving as a significant gathering place for the esteemed Bloomsbury group of artists and writers.
Conclusion
With its wide array of renowned authors and stimulating events, the Charleston Literary Festival aims to inspire literature enthusiasts from all backgrounds and pave the way for deeper discussions within the literary community.
FAQ
What are the dates of the Charleston Literary Festival 2025?
The festival will take place from November 7 to 16, 2025.
Where is the festival being held?
The event will be held at the Dock Street Theatre, located at 135 Church St, Charleston.
How many authors will participate in the festival?
More than 70 writers and thinkers from various countries will participate in the festival.
What are the ticket prices for the festival?
Individual tickets are mostly priced around $30, while a Festival Insider Pass that grants access to all events and exclusive parties is priced at $750.
What kind of programming can attendees expect?
The festival will feature panel discussions, performances, a film screening, and special programming targeted at educators and aspiring writers.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | November 7 – 16, 2025 |
| Location | Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St, Charleston |
| Number of Authors | Over 70 |
| Total Events | More than 50 |
| VIP Access | $750 for Festival Insider Pass |
| Individual Ticket Price | Approximately $30 |
| Festival Origin | Affiliated with the Charleston Festival in Sussex, UK |
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Additional Resources
- Charleston Literary Festival
- Wikipedia: Literary Festival
- CNN
- Google Search: Charleston Literary Festival
- BBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literature Festivals
- New York Times
- Google News: Charleston Literary Festival
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