Montclair Literary Festival |May 2 to May 11, 2026

Welcome to the 10th annual Montclair Literary Festival – a vibrant celebration of books, ideas, and community running from Saturday, May 2 through Monday, May 11, 2026!

This milestone year features TWO exciting Festival Days:

📍 May 2 in downtown Montclair

📍 May 9 at our partner, Montclair State University

Plus, don’t miss special events on Tuesday, May 5, and Monday, May 11!

The majority of our events are FREE and open to all – no registration required, making it easy to drop in and be inspired.

Be sure to check below for ticketed events, venue details, parking information, and the full Schedule of Events for both Festival Days.

We’ve curated an extraordinary lineup of acclaimed authors and thought-provoking programs to mark our 10th year. And we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Join us for an unforgettable week of stories, conversation, and connection!

MAY 2 SCHEDULE TO COME

MAY 9 SCHEDULE TO COME

DOWNLOADABLE 2026 EVENTS SCHEDULE TO COME

The majority of the festival's events are free. Any proceeds from the ticketed events benefit Succeed2gether, a Montclair-based organization that addresses unequal access to educational resources for low-income families and children from Montclair and Essex County, NJ.

Succeed2gether is a nonpartisan, non-profit 501(c) organization. The views expressed by authors at the festival events are theirs alone.

Any questions or to join our mailing list, please email montclairliteraryfestival@gmail.com.

MAY 2 SCHEDULE TO COME

MAY 9 SCHEDULE TO COME

The festival would not be possible without the support of our Festival partners – Montclair State University, Montclair Public Library, and Watchung Booksellers – and the support of our sponsors. See all our amazing sponsors here.

All events will be held in-person.

On May 2, events will be held in two venues in the First Congregational Church (FCC), the Montclair Public Library (MPL) Auditorium, and the Mills Auditorium (in the former United Way building). The MPL, FCC, and Mills Auditorium are located on South Fullerton Ave, Montclair 07042.

All May 9 events will be held in University Hall, Montclair State University (MSU). MSU is located on Normal Ave, Montclair 07043.

MSU is offering free parking for festival attendees in the Red Hawk parking deck for events held on campus on Saturday May 9. Please park on the 5th floor and exit there for the quickest and clearest way to University Hall. See this printable map for parking and event locations. Or you can search the venues on this interactive Campus Map.

The Kathryn Stockett event on May 5 will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair (UUCM), 67 Church St, Montclair 07042.

The Christina Baker Kline event on May 11 will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair (UUCM), 67 Church St, Montclair 07042.

Map of FCC, MPL, Mills Auditorium, and parking decks here.

All venues are wheelchair accessible with seating available for wheelchair users and their companions.

Front-row seating can be provided for those with hearing impairments.

Audiobooks are available for the majority of Festival books. Please contact info@watchungbooksellers.com if you would like an audiobook of any title.

Please email montclairliteraryfestival@gmail.com if you require any accommodations to attend any of our events.