Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

The Aspen Literary Festival Returns with a Star-Studded Lineup, Including Jennette McCurdy, Veronica Roth, Richard Russo, Ariel Lawhon, Michael Cunningham, Tayari Jones, Robert Kolker and More 

Aspen Words, a program of The Aspen Institute, announces the return of the Aspen Literary Festival (ALF), a multi-day celebration of readers, writers and the power of stories, scheduled to take place September 25–27, 2026, in downtown Aspen, Colorado.

Aspen, CO, March 31, 2026 – The Aspen Literary Festival (ALF), produced by Aspen Words, a literary center and program of the Aspen Institute, today announced 16 authors confirmed to participate in the festival as it returns for a second year, September 25–27, in downtown Aspen, Colorado.

Confirmed authors include some of the top names in fiction and nonfiction, all slated to speak about their latest books.

  • Jennette McCurdy—#1 New York Times bestselling author of I’m Glad My Mom Died, Half His Age (Jan. 20)
  • Ariel Lawhon—New York Times bestselling author The Frozen River, The Pirate Queen (Sept. 8)
  • Veronica Roth—#1 New York Times bestselling dystopian series Divergent,Seek the Traitor’s Son (May 12)
  • Richard Russo—Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Under the Falls (Aug. 11)
  • Maria Semple—TV writer and bestselling author, Go Gentle (April 14)
  • Kwame Alexander—poet, educator, publisher, Emmy® Award-winning producer and #1 New York Times bestselling author, The Mighty Macy (Feb. 3)
  • Ruth Ozeki—novelist, filmmaker, Zen Buddhist priest, and winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, The Typing Lady (June 2)
  • Lisa See—New York Times bestselling author, Daughters of the Sun and Moon (June 9)
  • Robert Kolker—journalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author, The Vanishing Family (Oct. 6)
  • Fonda Lee—award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, The Last Contract of Isako (May 5)
  • Tayari Jones—bestselling author of Oprah’s Book Club selection, Kin (Feb. 24)
  • Ben Fountain—National Book Critics Circle award-winning and bestselling author, Rasputin Swims the Potomac (June 9)
  • Christina Baker Kline—#1 New York Times bestselling author, The Foursome (May 12)
  • Michael Cunningham—Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and screenwriter, Unsayable: A Life in Writing (July 21)
  • Kate Bowler—four-time New York Times bestselling author, Joyful Anyway (April 7)
  • Robinne Lee—bestsellingauthor, actor and producer, Crash Into Me (July 7)
  • Alexander McCall Smith—international bestselling author, The Big Cats Dance Party (Sept. 15)

Additional names to the lineup will be announced in the coming months.

Aspen Words Executive Director Adrienne Brodeur describes ALF as “part indie bookstore, part dinner party — with the best storytellers in the world at the table. Readers mingle with authors, conversations spill from the stage into cafés and sidewalks, and for one weekend, the entire town becomes a gathering place for book lovers.”

The first-ever Aspen Literary Festival marked the start of what promises to be a vibrant new literary tradition in Aspen. 2025 headliner Michael Lewis (The Big Short, Moneyball,) called it “a total blast.” New York Timesbestselling fantasy author Leigh Bardugo (The Familiar, Ninth House), who spoke to a sold-out audience, said, “I can’t wait to return.” Jess Walter (Beautiful Ruins, So Far Gone) described last year’s festival as “a perfect debut.” And Tayari Jones (An American Marriage) – returning in 2026 with her new novel Kin – said, “The Aspen Literary Festival proves that American literature is more than just alive – it thrives!”

“Building on the electric energy of our inaugural year,” Brodeur continued, “we’re creating a festival for anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a book. ALF isn’t about being a literary insider — it’s about joy, belonging, and celebrating community. In a culture that rewards speed and distraction, we’re making space for something slower, deeper, and far more human—a weekend of real conversation, unexpected connection, and lasting inspiration.”

2026 Festival moderators include Tim Ehrenberg (president of the Nantucket Book Foundation), Miwa Messer (creator, executive producer and host of the Barnes and Noble podcast “Poured Over”) and Kate Tuttle (writer, critic and editor of the Boston Globe’s books section).

Building on the momentum of the inaugural festival, the 2026 edition will include:

  • Youth programming throughout the weekend, giving young readers and their families the chance to hear from some of today’s most exciting children’s authors
  • FREE public talks across town for readers of all ages with advance registration
  • Experiential events that blend books with the magic of Aspen in the fall – from late-night block parties to scenic hikes, book signings and serendipitous moments where you might bump into your favorite author at the coffee bar
  • A lively party with ALF authors at the Paul JAS Center – a brand new, buzzing music and arts space where readers and writers can mingle over drinks and bites, allowing conversations to continue long after the panels conclude.

Learn more at aspenliteraryfestival.org.

Speaker bios are available to view here.

Download author headshots and book jackets here.
View the festival sizzle reel here. 


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About Aspen Words
For 50 years, Aspen Words has curated and executed exceptional literary events for readers and writers of all ages—shaping the cultural conversation, nurturing emerging talent, and captivating both luminaries and audiences alike. Aspen Words is a program of the Aspen Institute. For more information, visit aspenwords.org.

About Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

Contact: Mallory Kaufman
Aspen Words | Aspen Institute
[email protected]