Calling all bookworms: The countdown is on for the 2024 Charleston Literary Festival, returning to the Holy City next month.

The 10-day event kicks off on Fri., Nov. 1, and runs until Sun., Nov. 10. Here's what to expect this year — be sure to keep an eye on the website for updates.

What's it all about?

Held annually, the Charleston Literary Festival features a variety of speakers, including Pulitzer, Booker, and Nobel prize winners at various venues throughout the city to engage in conversations, meet readers, and sign novels. Attendees are also can contribute their thoughts and ideas in this setting.

The history

Beginning in 2017 + modeled after a literary festival in Sussex, England, the concept of the Charleston Literary Festival started with a collaboration between the Charleston Library Society and the Charleston Trust in the U.K.

Today, it has grown to explore relevant issues through conversations with novelists, journalists, historians, scientists, poets, biographers + performers.

Events + speakers

This festival features a scheduled lineup of various speakers and events. Here's a glimpse at a few programs:

📚 Opening Party - A Black and White Masked Literary Feast | Friday, Nov. 1 | 8 p.m. | Festival Hall | Enjoy this kickoff by welcoming the authors to Charleston and celebrate our guest of honor, Artistic Director & Literary Legend, Diana Reich.
📚Claire Messud with Georgina Godwin: This Strange Eventful History | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 4-5 p.m. | Hear from this nominee for the 2024 Booker Prize, Messud will discuss her work and insights into contemporary literature.
📚 A Conversation with Nikki Giovanni | Monday, Nov. 4 | 12-1 p.m. | Giovanni will be in conversation with Dr. Tonya Matthews, CEO of IAAM. Giovanni has been awarded 7 NAACP awards, a Grammy nomination, and was a finalist for the National Book Award.

Tickets

Find ticket details for each event, ranging from no cost to $45, excluding the Opening Party ticket price.