LitFest – Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre
Sunday to Thursday, June 15–19 | Various Times & Locations
Wilkes University hosts its fifth annual LitFest from June 15–19, celebrating the written word with a dynamic series of free, public events. This year’s festival includes a special 20th anniversary celebration of the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing and features film screenings, literary readings, book signings, and alumni receptions with faculty, alumni, and guest artists.
Highlights include:
Sunday, June 15 | 7:00 PM | Jean and Paul Adams Commons
Film Night: How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer
A screening of the award-winning Mailer documentary with commentary by biographer J. Michael Lennon and screenwriter/producer Vicki Marquette.
Monday, June 16 | 7:00 PM | Fenner Quadrangle
Faculty Reading
Readings from Jessica Goudeau, David Hicks, Marisa de los Santos, and Rachel Weaver. Hosted by Shanta Lee.
Tuesday, June 17 | 7:00 PM | Fenner Quadrangle
20th Anniversary Core Faculty Reading
Featuring founding faculty Phil Brady, Bev Donofrio, Christine Gelineau, Bob Mooney, and Jeff Talarigo. Hosted by Angelique Palmer.
Wednesday, June 18 | 4:30 PM | Fenner Quadrangle
Juneteenth Celebration of Black Writers
Readings by Wayne Benson Jr., André Lewis Carter, Angelique Palmer, and Tasha Saint Louis. Hosted by Robin McCrary.
Wednesday, June 18 | 7:00 PM | Jean and Paul Adams Commons
Scripts and Clips
Staged readings and film screenings of faculty works, including a play by Bonnie Culver and writings by Ross Klavan and Richard Uhlig. Directed by Gregory Fletcher.
Thursday, June 19 | 4:00 PM | Jean and Paul Adams Commons
1925: The Year American Literature Found Its Voice
A discussion celebrating the 100th anniversary of The New Yorker and The Great Gatsby, featuring Margaret Talbot and Maureen Corrigan. Hosted by Julie Sidoni Yelen.
Thursday, June 19 | 7:30 PM | Fenner Quadrangle
20th Anniversary Celebration: Readings and Remembrances
Featuring alumni reflections, core faculty readings, and remarks from publishing professionals. Hosted by J. Michael Lennon and Taylor Polites.
This week-long literary celebration offers something for every reader and writer. Come celebrate the stories, voices, and legacy of one of the nation’s premier creative writing programs.
