GR Lit Fest

05/30/2026

Always ready to help the fest, Speciation Cellars will be the host of our June 23rd Author Happy Hour!

A beloved brewery of Grand Rapids, Speciation Cellars hosts many community events from Wildlife Rescue Baby Showers to Competitive Puzzling. 😁 Beers, sodas, seltzers, ciders, slushies, mocktails, and wines are all on the menu. 🍻

05/29/2026

Introducing the author lineup for our June 25th 2SLGBTQIA+ Author Panel! 🏳️‍🌈 We’ll discuss a sampling of q***r experiences across genres and publishing. Bring yourself and your questions to join us!

🗓 June 25 @ 🕕 6pm
Scorpion Hearts Club

Attending authors include:
📕Michelle Kulwicki
📘V.L. Barycz
📙Vincent Moyet
📗Bethany Tap

Authors will have books available for purchase and signing.

05/29/2026

Scorpion Hearts Club is the host for our June 25th 2SLGBTQIA+ Author Panel!

This coffee shop is a favorite of local writers for many reasons. ☕🥰 Scorpion Hearts Club offers patrons “Killer Coffee, Rad Events, and B*tchin’ Art.” Drop in early before the event for a delicious beverage or treat.

05/29/2026

Mammoth Distilling is hosting our June 22nd 📘 Books & Buzzers Lit Trivia 📙 presented by Oops! All Game Shows!

This Michigan distillery crafts wonderful cocktails and mocktails alike. 🍸 They also have sodas and lemonade available.

❗PLEASE NOTE: This is a 21+ event. ❗

05/28/2026

Introducing the guest authors for our June 24th YA Fiction Event & Author Panel! Writers of young adult fiction share fast-paced and emotionally intense stories with readers of all ages. How?! Find out at this fantastic author panel.

🗓 June 24, 🕕 6PM
Books & Mortar

Attending authors include:
📗 Benjamin Kamphuis
📙 Jessica K. Foster
📕 Melanie Hooyenga
📘R.E. Bellesmith

Authors will have books available for purchase and signing.

05/28/2026

Books & Mortar will host our June 24th YA Fiction Event & Author Panel!

We ❤ our indie bookstores in Grand Rapids, and Books & Mortar is one of FOUR helping with GR Lit Fest events. 🥰 Stop in early to check out this consciously curated “bookstore fighting for books.”

05/27/2026

Introducing our Historical Fiction authors! These writers bring history to life through their storytelling. How do they do it? Bring your questions to the discussion at the Historical Fiction Event & Author Panel!

🗓 June 24, 🕕 6PM
Fountain Street Church

Attending authors include:
📗 Sammy Beuker
📙 Caitlin Horrocks
📕 Angela Shupe
📘Janyre Tromp

Authors will have books available for purchase and signing.

05/27/2026

Fountain Street Church is the host for our June 24th Historical Fiction Event & Author Panel!

Rebuilt in the 1920s, Fountain Street Church has an Italian Romanesque sanctuary and 19 stained glass windows. The building is A Michigan State Historic Site in the heart of Grand Rapids.

05/26/2026

Introducing our featured Fantasy & Sci-Fi authors! 🤩 Get your questions ready for these writers as they discuss building fantastical worlds and crafting unforgettable characters.

🗓 June 22 @ 🕕 7pm
House Rules Board Game Lounge

📕Jana Chantel (Sci-Fi, dystopian)
📘Pat Bitt (Fantasy, epic)
📙LeAnn Kelley (Fantasy)
📗KS Walker (short form Sci-Fi & Fantasy)

Authors will have books available for purchase and signing!

05/26/2026

🥰

THE PLAYGROUNDgr and GR Lit Fest are excited to partner with local children's authors on June 29's FREE literacy and play event, Dream Big from 4pm to 6pm at Houseman Playground! Join us in celebrating our Community Partners and Committee Leaders!

THANK YOU to local author Janaya Jones for your leadership and dedication to community! We are thrilled to gift neighbors your children's book, "ABC Affirmations" on June 29 and for your reading and meet and greet!

See you Monday, June 29! 📖

05/26/2026

House Rules Board Game Lounge will be hosting our June 22nd Fantasy & Sci-Fi Event and Author Panel!

This Friendly Local Game Store and lounge offers food & drink for all ages and a library of 600+ games to play. Arrive early to grab a bite; stay afterward to play a game or two.