Printers Row Lit Fest

Cultural icon Patti Smith will receive the 2026 Harold Washington Literary Award ✨

The prestigious award honors the legacy of Harold Washington, a champion of the arts whose vision embraced the diversity of the American experience and recognizes distinguished literary achievement, artistic excellence, and a commitment to the written word.

Author, poet, songwriter, and visual artist, Patti Smith has long been one of the most influential cultural voices of her generation. “Patti Smith is unparalleled in her ability to create deeply literary work across mediums,” said Anne K. Ream, co-chair of the HWLA Selection Committee. “Her writing is marked by moral clarity, artistic rigor, and deep empathy. She exemplifies the spirit of the Harold Washington Literary Award.”

Hosted by the Near South Planning Board, the ticketed Harold Washington Literary Award ceremony and dinner on Sept. 10 will serve as the official kickoff to Printers Row Lit Fest weekend, one of the country’s largest free literary festivals and a celebrated gathering of book lovers from across the nation. 📚

Since 1989, the award has honored literary legends including Sandra Cisneros, Ray Bradbury, Gwendolyn Brooks, Saul Bellow, Kurt Vonnegut, and Studs Terkel.

For tickets and more details about the Sept. 10 ceremony and dinner: https://thenspb.org/our-events/harold-washington-literary-award-dinner/

Program Applications Now Open 📋

Have something truly special for us to consider for the 41st Annual Printers Row Lit Fest?🎪

We’re seeking compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging programs led by authors, experts, and literary voices that will resonate with a passionate book-loving audience.

Programs are generally 45 minutes long, and we welcome presenters with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and areas of expertise.
If you have a unique conversation, workshop, or literary program to share, we invite you to apply for consideration.

Program proposal submissions are due by June 5.
Apply: https://form.jotform.com/260345246035148
[Link also on website]