The Midwest’s oldest and largest open-air literary festival, spanning several historic Chicago blocks with hundreds of diverse booksellers, local food vendors, and marquee stage interviews.
FEST DETAILS
Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13, 2026 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
South Dearborn Street
from Ida B Wells to Polk St,
Chicago, Illinois
Ticket Info: All events are free and tickets are not required. Seating for headline events like Patti Smith’s is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis
Celebrity Participants/Authors: The 2026 Harold Washington Literary Award Recipient is legendary musician, poet, and National Book Award-winning author Patti Smith, who will be the marquee headliner. Hundreds of other authors will also be present.
About the Event:
Celebrating its 41st year, the Printers Row Lit Fest holds the title of the largest and oldest open-air literary festival in the Midwest. Spanning several historic blocks of South Dearborn Street in Chicago on September 12 and 13, 2026, the festival boasts more than 70 live programs. Hundreds of authors, independent booksellers, and publishers set up shop directly on the street. A major highlight of the 2026 festival is the Harold Washington Literary Award, which will be presented to legendary musician and author Patti Smith.
Event Website: https://printersrowlitfest.org/
