Charleston is home to one of the world’s leading Literary Festivals

In 2017, Charleston Literary Festival debuted in the Lowcountry. In the nine years since, it has become “one of the world’s four best literary festivals and the only one in the United States,” according to Travel + Leisure Magazine.  

For locals and visitors alike, the Festival is a celebration of literature where ideas, stories, and voices from around the world meet the charm and intimacy of the Lowcountry. The Festival curates thought-provoking panels, innovative programs—including theater, film, and children’s programming—and meaningful conversations with acclaimed authors presented at the historic Dock Street Theater and other venues in Charleston.

“We are excited to announce our most ambitious festival yet,” says Executive Director Sarah Moriarty. “We have a vast tapestry of authors to discuss a rich variety of interests and topics, including CNN anchor and journalist Jake Tapper, Booker Prize contender Katie Kitamara, reality TV personality Patricia Altschul, literary giant Joyce Carol Oates, environmentalist Bill McKibben, and Pulitzer Prize Winner Michael Cunningham, just to name a few. We revel in the power of books to bring people together in community for energizing and stimulating conversations, reflection, and fun!”

The 2025 program will present more than 50 separate events featuring more than 70 world-renowned writers and thinkers from around the globe who will discuss their works in a conversational format to encourage dialogue, understanding, and imagination. The Festival will also include a film screening of The Hours, inspired by Mrs. Dalloway; a theater piece from a visiting Irish theater company that tells the story of James Joyce’s Ulysses in 40 minutes (for children); and The New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik’s one-man monologue theater show. 

Though a world-class literary festival with an international edge, Charleston Literary Festival remains committed to the local community. For example,  the Festival is partnering with the non-profit  Wings for Kids whose mission is to foster social-emotional development in today’s youth,  for a  special “Mini-Book Festival” from Monday, November 10 through Friday, November 14. Held at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center in downtown Charleston each day after school, WINGS kids will meet a featured author/leader, participate in engaging activities related to daily themes, and select books to take home. This event is powered by a mobile book fair through another local non-profit Books and Beyond, whose mission is to get more books into the hands of our community’s children, especially underserved children.

These partnerships are rooted in a simple but profound truth: books have the power to transform how children see themselves and the world around them. 

So whether you’re a lifelong book lover, a parent with children, or curious to hear from today’s most insightful voices, there’s something incredibly special about gathering with people who care about words, stories, and the world around us. Charleston Literary Festival creates moments where you are not just entertained, but deeply inspired. Be a part of it!

Charleston Literary Festival runs from November 6–17 at the Dock Street Theatre and other venues throughout Charleston.

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