Printers Row Lit Fest 2026

Printers Row Lit Fest is an annual book fair and literary festival held in Chicago, Illinois in September. fills a downtown district where linotype machines and printing presses once whirred." The neighborhood was an early book making hub. Founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board and originally called the Printers Row Book Fair, it was initially intended to attract visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood on Chicago's near South Side, which had previously been a major publishing hub.

Language

English

Genres

general lit

Venue

Illinois

Format

in-person

Duration (days)

2

Next edition

12–13 Sep 2026

Author participation

Exhibitor booths; programming proposals via fest contact; join 2027 distribution list

Attendance published by the festival

90000

Audience

Founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board and originally called the Printers Row Book Fair, it was initially intended to attract visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood on Chicago's near South Side, which had previously been a major publishing hub.

Language notes

Listed working language: English

Genre notes

Primary focus: general lit

Past editions

1985, 2002, 2020

Festival site