April/May 2025
Literary Events in the Washington, D.C. Area
Please note: while most events are free, many require an RSVP and some do charge. See links for details. If you have an event to add, or a correction, email us at Washington.Unbound@gmail.com.
Ongoing
Busboys & Poets hosts open mics weekly at various locations. For information, visit their website: https://www.busboysandpoets.com/poetry
4/29
Politics and Prose
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Sarah Schulman, a longtime social activist and outspoken critic of the Israeli war on Gaza, is in conversation about her new book The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity–a brilliant examination of the inherent psychological and social challenges to solidarity movements–with Gwydion Suilebhan.
https://politics-prose.com/sarah-schulman
Kramers
7 pm
1517 Connecticut Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20036
Three Poets at Kramers. We are celebrating the publication of Courtney LeBlanc's new book, Her Dark Everything, with this poetry reading featuring the author and two additional poets, Holly Karapetkova and Tracy Dimond.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-poets-at-kramers-tickets-1140808411669
4/30
East City Bookshop
7 – 8 pm
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100, Washington, DC 20003
Hybrid event: Kidlit in the District Panel. East City Bookshop welcomes local kidlit authors Marcie Flinchum Atkins, L. M. Elliott, and Sean O'Brien for a historical fiction panel, moderated by John Cochran.
Wednesday Apr 30th, 2025
https://www.eastcitybookshop.com/events/2461720250430
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Dr. Nia Imara: Painting the Cosmos: How Art and Science Intersect to Reveal the Secrets of the Universe. Astrophysicist and visual artist Nia Imara comprehensively illustrates the history of the universe and our position in it. In this eye-opening and accessible book, Imara asks pivotal questions and explores humanity’s ever-evolving view of nature.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/45649
Politics and Prose at the Wharf
7 pm
610 Water St SW, Washington DC, DC 20024
Keith Rushing (Descended: Searching for My Gullah-Geechee Roots) is in conversation with Rion Amilcar Scott. Descended is a story about family, place, and the desire to understand where we have been and where we are going.
https://politics-prose.com/keith-rushing
MAY 2025
5/1
Mason Exhibitions
6-8 pm
3601 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201
Current Arlington County Poet Laureate Courtney LeBlanc and Poets Laureate Emeritae Katherine E. Young and Holly Karapetkova read their work and discuss the role of the Poet Laureate in building community through the literary arts. Virginia Square Metro accessible
https://www.masonexhibitions.org/events/arlington-poet-laureate-reading
Politics and Prose (Union Market)
7 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Jens Ludwig (Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence) in conversation with Michael Nutter. In 2007, economist Jens Ludwig moved to the South Side of Chicago to research two big questions: Why does gun violence happen, and is there anything we can do about it? Almost two decades later, the answers aren't what he expected.
https://politics-prose.com/jens-ludwig
Politics and Prose (Connecticut Ave)
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Jon Hickey (Big Chief) in conversation with Ian Shapira. Thrilling and timely, Big Chief is an unforgettable story about the search for belonging--to an ancestral and spiritual home, to a family, and to a sovereign people at a moment of great historical importance.
https://politics-prose.com/jon-hickey
Scrawl Books
7 pm
11911 Freedom Dr, Reston, VA 20190
Libby Klein will be discussing her new mystery series, Vice and Virtue, with Aggie Blum Thompson, the author of You Deserve to Know. Layla Virtue, a blue-haired, 30-something recovering alcoholic and former cop is trying to reinvent herself as a musician in this new mystery for readers of Margot Douaihy, Jane Pek, and Darynda Jones.
https://www.scrawlbooks.com/event/libby-klein-aggie-blum-thompson
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
Online
Virtual Craft Chat with Hayden Casey (Zoom).
https://writer.org/event/hayden-casey/
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
The Writer's Center welcomes David C. Metz for a reading and discussion to celebrate the release of his debut short story collection, Nick and Lorraine Were Lovers.
https://writer.org/event/david-metz/
Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
6:30 – 8:30 pm
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Author Nubia Kai will explore the powerful themes in her book, A River of Prophecy. Delve into the untold stories and sacred histories that have shaped African American identity and culture throughout the generations.
5/2
Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
3 – 5 pm
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Book event. Swinging Beyond the Spectrum chronicles the life of Carter Bonas, a young autistic individual, as he navigates the complexities of growing up with autism while passionately pursuing his love for golf. The narrative begins with his early struggles in school, dealing with bullying, and learning to cope with sensory overload and social challenges.
Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
6:30 – 8:30 pm
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Book signing and discussion. In Girls With Pearls, Kamika Lynette Bell shares her deeply personal and transformative journey of mentorship, empowerment, and social justice advocacy. Growing up with humble beginnings, she was guided by a strong network of family and mentors who shaped her into the leader she is today.
https://www.sankofa.com/events/book-event-girls-with-pearls
5/3
Busboys & Poets Columbia
1-4 pm
6251 Mango Tree Rd, Columbia, Maryland, 21044
Spring Book Brunch
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-49105351/
Busboys & Poets 14th & V
6 pm
2021 14th St. NW, Washington DC 20009
“Slamtastic!” Youth open mic and poetry slam hosted by Words Beats & Life
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-46046442/
Politics and Prose (Union Market)
6 pm
1324 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Amity Gaige (Heartwood) in conversation with Angie Kim. Heartwood tells the story of a lost hiker's odyssey and is a moving rendering of each character's interior journey. At its core, Heartwood is a redemptive novel, written with both enormous literary ambition and love.
https://politics-prose.com/amity-gaige
One More Page Bookstore
11:00am – 4:00pm
2200 N. Westmoreland Street, Arlington, VA 22213
Help the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival make up for lost federal funding. Shop in store or online and 15% of proceeds will go towards this incredible organization.
https://www.onemorepagebooks.com/event/shop-cause-latinx-kidlit-book-festival
Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
8 – 10 pm
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
One Night Only! - Join us for a powerful staged play reading of Shifters, written by Benedict Lombe and brought to life by Christian Sahle-Selassie. “Shifters“ tells the story of Dre and Des, born in South Africa but raised in England, who navigate between being lovers and friends.
https://www.sankofa.com/events/shifters-staged-play-reading
5/4
Old Town Books
9:30 – 11:30 am
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Book Buddies Adoption Event with AWLA. Come celebrate National Pet Week with Old Town Books and friends! The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be bringing their Waggin’ Wheels van full of adoptable furry friends. Come pick out a book and participate in our Book Buddies program by reading to an animal.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/2533020250504
People’s Book
10 am – 3 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Our third, ever-popular seasonal craft market will take place just outside the store, rain or shine! Come check out over a dozen local vendors, ranging from visual art to craft to food. Conveniently timed a week before Mother’s Day.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/spring-2025-peoples-market/
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
2 – 3:30 pm
1800 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Day Eight’s DC Poet Project final reading. Finalists Malachi Byrd, Amoja Sumler, Addy Lugo, and Micki Topham read their poems with the winner to be determined by audience vote.
https://dayeight.org/announcing-the-2025-dc-poet-project-finalists/
People’s Book
5:30 – 7:30 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
The Green Way Reading Series, featuring Chet’la Sebree (Field Study), Airea D. Matthews’ (Simulacra), and Sanam Sheriff. A monthly literary event based in Takoma Park, MD curated by Simon Shieh and Takoma Park’s Poet Laureate Taylor Johnson.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/green-way-vol-17/
Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
7 – 9 pm
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sudan On Our Mind: Stories from Sudan. A community gathering to share and reflect on powerful stories of conflict, resilience, and hope from Sudan. Come together to listen, learn, and connect.
https://www.sankofa.com/events/sudan-on-our-mind-stories-from-sudan-1
5/5
People’s Book
6 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Nova Ren Suma is in conversation with Robin Talley about new novel, WAKE THE WILD CREATURES. This extraordinary, timely, and must-read novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nova Ren Suma explores freedom and rage as a young woman plots her way back to her hidden mountaintop home after her mother’s arrest for murder.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/wild-creatures/
5/6
Politics and Prose (Connecticut Ave)
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Martha Anne Toll (Duet for One) in conversation with Anne Midgette. Duet for One weaves a poignant narrative of loss, connection, and the enduring hope that love can be found where life resides, following her acclaimed debut, Three Muses.
https://politics-prose.com/martha-anne-toll
Bard’s Alley Bookshop
6 pm
110 Church Street Northwest Vienna, VA 22180
Author and illustrator Venessa Vida Kelley in conversation with Chip Pons about their newest release, When the Tides Held the Moon, a romantic, historical fantasy set in 1910s New York City following a young Puerto Rican immigrant.
5/7
Lost City Books/ The Line DC
7 – 9 pm
1770 Euclid Street Northwest Washington, DC, 20009
Spring Salon featuring Tania James (Loot), Becca Rothfeld (All Things Are Too Small), Zak Salih (Let's Get Back to the Party), Lena Moses-Schmitt (True Mistakes). Lost City Books + The Line DC welcome you to attend our Spring Salon, part of a quarterly reading series.
https://lostcitybookstore.com/new-events/2025/5/7/lost-city-books-spring-salon
Politics and Prose (Conn Ave)
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Grit & Gravity is the 11th volume of the Grace and Gravity anthology series, a literary journal devoted to women writers in the DC region. The project was founded by Richard Peabody and is now edited by Melissa Scholes Young.
https://politics-prose.com/event/2025-05-07/grit-and-gravity-conn-ave
Busboys & Poets Anacostia
7 pm
2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Spoken Word 2 GoGo Round 2
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-48003346/
Fall for the Book
7:30 – 8:30 pm
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030
Best selling mystery writer Liz Moore’s will keep you on the edge of your seat as she discusses her new thriller, The God of the Woods, set at an exclusive summer camp in the Adirondacks.
5/8
Old Town Books Jr.
5 – 8 pm
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
We are excited to welcome teachers and educators for our second Educators' Night of 2025. Please join us for 20% off your entire purchase. Our staff, including our children's buyer, will be on hand to give a sneak peek at Summer Reading titles, and discuss upcoming author visits and how we can help with your libraries, classrooms, and summer reading lists.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/2549720250508
Loyalty Bookstores (DC Pop Up)
7 pm
The DC Pop Up at Walter Reed, 1155 Dahlia St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
Vinh Nguyen and Thúy Ðinh in conversation about The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse, an unconventional memoir of conjuring the uncertain past and a long-lost homeland, and a vital document of one family’s journey through world history.
https://www.loyaltybookstores.com/migrantrain
Politics and Prose (Conn Ave)
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Christina Li in conversation with Martha Anne Toll about The Manor of Dreams. Told in dual timelines, spanning three generations, The Manor of Dreams is a thrilling family gothic that examines the true cost of the American Dream.
https://politics-prose.com/christina-li
Scrawl Books
7 pm
11911 Freedom Dr., Reston, VA 20190
Join us at Scrawl Books on Thursday, May 8th at 7 PM as we welcome Venessa Vida Kelley! Venessa Vida Kelley will be discussing their authorial debut, When the Tides Held the Moon, with an esteemed moderator.
https://www.scrawlbooks.com/event/venessa-vida-kelley
Wonderland Books
7 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave., Bethesda MD 20814
Axios D.C. reporter Mimi Montgomery will interview author Eric Puchner about his debut novel, Dream State.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/46377
Folger Shakespeare Library
7pm
201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Cocktails and Conversation: Help the Folger bring a “lost play” back to life! Folger Fellow Douglas Clark will share his exciting recent discovery—a quirky pastoral comedy set on the Greek island of Samos. Attendees may volunteer to read parts in these “lost” scenes.
https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/cocktails-and-conversation-douglas-clark/
5/9
People’s Book
6 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Kemper Donovan speaks about new novel Loose Lips. … Knives Out meets high seas intrigue on a literary cruise to nowhere in this intelligent, wildly funny locked room mystery for fans of Richard Osman, Anthony Horowitz, Nita Prose, and Agatha Christie!
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/loose-lips/
Busboys & Poets 14th & V
9 pm
2021 14th St. NW, Washington DC 2009
9th Hour Poetry Slam hosted by Charity Blackwell
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-44814478/
5/10
Mahogany Books/Alfred Street Baptist Church
10 am – 12 pm
Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 South Alfred Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Victoria Christopher Murray Discusses her latest historical fiction, Harlem Rhapsody, which highlights the extraordinary story of the woman who ignited the start the of the Harlem Renaissance. at Alfred Street Baptist Church. Doors open at 9:30 am.
Books in Bloom Columbia MD
10:00 am
6251 Mango Tree Rd, Columbia, Maryland, 21044
Busboys and Poets Founder/ CEO Andy Shallal to discuss his new book, A Seat at the Table: the Making of Busboys and Poets.
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-45507924/
Politics and Prose, Union Market
6:00 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Amy Shearn reads from and discusses her novel Animal Instincts with Chloe Yelena Miller.
https://politics-prose.com/amy-shearn
Old Town Books
7 – 8 pm
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Do you want to publish a book, but feel like the process is one big mystery? Local author Jenny Adams will share about her publishing journey and celebrate the release of her latest novel, A Poisonous Silence.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/2533320250510
Wonderland Books
3 p.m.
7920B Norfolk Ave., Bethesda MD 20814
Book signing: Lauren Willig - The Girl From Greenwich Street
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/46378
5/13
Kramers
7 – 8 pm
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
The Kramers Poetry Reading Series is back. Join us for the Spring 2025 Edition of our poetry series, in which we feature three local DMV poets. This time around we’re hosting Michele Evans, Nida Sophasarun, and Taylor Franson-Thiel.
https://www.kramers.com/events/2498620250513
Loyalty Bookstores (DC Pop Up)
7 pm
The DC Pop Up at Walter Reed, 1155 Dahlia St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
Venessa Vida Kelley (WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON) in conversation with Timothy Janovsky. Venessa Vida Kelley blends historical fantasy with epic romance at the turn of the 20th century in this unforgettable New York fairy tale of queer identity and found family.
https://www.loyaltybookstores.com/whenthetides
One More Page Bookstore
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
2200 N. Westmoreland Street, Arlington, VA 22213
April Asher in conversation with Taj McCoy. Please join us as we welcome back store-favorite April Asher to celebrate her newest novel: A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE! Asher is the author of many bestselling books, most notably the Supernatural Singles series.
https://www.onemorepagebooks.com/event/celebrate-simple-twist-fate-author-april-asher
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
Online
Virtual Craft Chat: Sarah Fawn Montgomery discusses her new craft chapbook, Nerve: Unlearning Workshop Ableism to Develop Your Disabled Writing Practice. (Zoom)
https://writer.org/event/sarah-fawn-montgomery/#rsvp-now
Wonderland Books
Noir/Thriller/Mystery Night
Ilana Berry (The Peacock And The Sparrow) will moderate a conversation with Christopher Chambers, author of the new book Streetwhys, along with KT Nguyen (You Know What You Did), Matt Becker (Run), Laura Wetsel (Burnt Ends) and Mindy Carlson (Her Dying Day).
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/46392
5/14
Kramers
7 – 8 pm
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Author's Corner Panel: Writing Dual-Identities Through an Arab American Lens. Majda Gama, Eman Quotah, and Holly Mason Badra discuss their experiences conveying dual-identities, navigating tropes and expectations in publishing.
https://www.kramers.com/events/2499120250514
Mahogany Books/ Oxon Hill Branch Library
7 pm
Oxon Hill Branch Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Author LaTonya Yvette discusses Stand In My Window, a book that explores the way in which we define what really makes a house a home. With meditative essays and beautiful photographs throughout, this book revolutionizes the definition of homemaker.
Bards Alley Bookshop
6 pm
110 Church Street Northwest Vienna, VA 22180
Bards Alley will be hosting author Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Take My Hand) to discuss her newest novel Happy Land with Badass Women's Book Club founder Gina Warner. We will begin with a discussion between our host and conversation partner before opening it up to audience Q&A.
Scrawl Books
6:30 pm
11911 Freedom Dr., Reston, VA 20190
Mark M. Lowenthal will be signing copies of his latest book, Vigilance Is Not Enough: A History of United States Intelligence, which is a broad and deep survey of American intelligence from before the Revolution to the present.
https://www.scrawlbooks.com/event/mark-m-lowenthal-signing-event
5/14
The Writer’s Center
7-9 pm
4508 Walsh St., Bethesda MD 20815
Open mic.
https://writer.org/event/open-mic-may2025a/
5/15
Politics and Prose at Conn Ave
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Climate Action Writing Panel with Kate Woodworth (Little Great Island) in conversation with Mike Tidwel (The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate and Hope on One American Street) and journalist and activist Jim Lardner.
https://politics-prose.com/kate-woodworth
Folger Shakespeare Library
4:30 pm
201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Folger Salon featuring Mark Bland, Zainab Cheema, and Kate Doubler. Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time! Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges.
https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/folger-salon-may-2025/
5/16
Brown Bag Lit (virtual)
12 noon-1 p.m.
Writing the Hybrid: The Boths & Betweens of Poetry & Prose. Ellene Glenn Moore and Miranda Schmidt will discuss how they write between and across forms, bringing poetry and prose together in their most recent books.
https://buymeacoffee.com/brownbaglit/e/394804
Wonderland Books
7 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave., Bethesda MD 20814
Novelist John Kenney will speak about his new book, I See You've Called In Dead.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/46376
5/17
Gaithersburg Book Festival
10 am - 6 pm
Bohrer Park, 506 S Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Gaithersburg Book Festival brings together some of the best authors and newsmakers in the business to meet you, present their latest work, and sign books. The Festival also features workshops for aspiring writers, tons of children’s activities, a stage dedicated to poetry, exhibits, food, and fun for everyone.
https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/
Potter’s House
5 – 7 pm
1658 Columbia Road Northwest Washington, DC, 20009
Join us at our monthly book swap! May’s theme is “connect over a book,” so bring any book you’d love to share with your neighbor or donate one to help us build out our community book nook! We hope you’ll come away with a new book, and maybe a new buddy.
https://pottershousedc.org/events/2025/5/17/book-swap
Scrawl Books/Tephra ICA Arts Festival
10 am – 6 pm
Reston Town Center, Reston, VA 20190
Tephra ICA Arts Festival. Now in its 34th year, the Tephra ICA Arts Festival will take place on May 17-18, 2025 at Reston Town Center. Over 200 contemporary artists and artisans will travel from across the country to present original artwork to share with Festival audiences.
https://www.scrawlbooks.com/event/tephra-ica-arts-festival
5/18
Old Town Books
9 – 11 am
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Bookstagrammer Brunch includes a private first look at our Summer Reading Guides for kids and adults, a chance to chat with our Buyer and Booksellers, bagels, coffee, time to mingle, and browse our ARC library. Take home one ARC.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/2373020250518
People’s Book
4 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Abigail Leonard in conversation with Michaela Ross. In the tradition of Three Women and Hidden Valley Road, international reporter and radio producer Abigail Leonard’s page-turning work blends reporting, research and history.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/four-mothers/
Politics and Prose (Connecticut Ave)
5 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Carl Hiaasen speaks about Fever Beach, a new novel that begins with an errand that leads--in pure Hiaasen-style--into the depths of Florida at its most Floridian: a sun-soaked bastion of right-wing extremism, white power, greed, and corruption.
https://politics-prose.com/hiaasen
5/19
Old Town Books Jr.
7 – 9 pm ($10 ticket)
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Have you ever dreamed about writing a picture book, middle grade, or YA novel but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe you have a manuscript completed? A panel of local picture book authors and novelists will answer your questions and discuss their paths to publication.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/2563120250519
People’s Book
6 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Brendan Slocumb speaking about DARK MAESTRO. From the author of The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets comes a mesmerizing page-turner about a musical virtuoso who’s forced into hiding when his family runs afoul of a ruthless criminal organization.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/slocumb/
Politics and Prose/Sixth & I
7 pm (tickets starting at $38 in-person, includes signed book)
600 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Ocean Vuong in conversation with Nicole Chung. From the author of the critically acclaimed poetry and fiction comes The Emperor of Gladness—a novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.
https://www.sixthandi.org/event/ocean-vuong-2/
5/20
The Writer’s Center
6:30 pm
4508 Walsh St., Bethesda MD 20815
Poet Michele Evans reading, discussion, and open mic.
https://writer.org/event/michele-evans/
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
Online
Virtual craft chat with novelist Varun Gauri (Zoom).
https://writer.org/event/varun-gauri/
Loyalty Bookstores (DC Pop Up)
7 pm
The DC Pop Up at Walter Reed, 1155 Dahlia St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
Ciera Burch speaks about Out of Step, into You, a sapphic contemporary romance following childhood friends turned cross-country team rivals who are forced to work together to win the state championship – for fans of Kelly Quindlen and Rachael Lippincott.
https://www.loyaltybookstores.com/outofstep
5/21
The Writer’s Center
5:30 – 7 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
Disabled writers mixer. Are you a writer who identifies as disabled? Join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center to hang out and talk writing! Please bring a drink or an appetizer that serves six. You’re welcome to bring a friend, too.
https://writer.org/event/disabled-writers-mixer-apr2024/
5/22
Old Town Books
5:30 – 7:30 pm ($10 ticket)
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Splash into summer reading at an exclusive preview party. Be among the first to shop our 2025 Summer Reading Guide, enjoy one on one time with booksellers for personalized recommendations, and sip tropical mocktails as you daydream about beach reading.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/2547120250522
Busboys & Poets 450K
7:00pm
450 K St. NW, Washington DC 20001
The Matter of the Mask, poetry reading by Derrick Weston and select D.C. poets.
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-46800128/
People’s Book
6 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Carl Elefante in conversation with Mike Tidwell. In Going for Zero: Decarbonizing the Built Environment on the Path to Our Urban Future, seasoned architect Carl Elefante addresses how buildings and cities can and must help resolve the looming climate emergency.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/going-for-zero/
Wonderland Books
7 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave., Bethesda MD 20814
Venessa Vida Kelley will discuss their new fantasy novel, When The Tides Held The Moon.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/46420
Lost City Books
7 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest Washington, DC, 20009
A presentation and Q&A with Alan Reuther, author of Roy Reuther and the UAW: Fighting for Workers and Civil Rights. This biography of Roy Reuther examines his tumultuous life, including the triumphs and tragedies in the labor and civil rights movements.
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
Online
Virtual craft chat on flash fiction with Avitus V. Carle. (Zoom)
https://writer.org/event/avitus-b-carle/
5/23
Politics and Prose at the Wharf
7 pm
610 Water St SW, Washington DC, DC 20024
Honor Jones (Sleep) in conversation with Clint Smith. Sleep is about the cycles of motherhood and childhood, the cost of secrets and the burden of love, and what's on the other side of silence. This event is in partnership with The Atlantic.
https://politics-prose.com/honor-jones
Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe
7 – 9 pm ($100)
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Join us for a special fundraising event for Haile Gerima’s upcoming five-part documentary film, BLACK LIONS - ROMAN WOLVES, featuring a special screening and discussion!
https://www.sankofa.com/events/black-lions-roman-wolves-special-fundraising
5/25
Busboys & Poets 450 K
5:00pm
450 K St. NW, Washington DC 20001
Transplants: A harrowing and poignant novel following two young women in pursuit of kinship and self-discovery who yearn to survive in a world that doesn’t know where either of them belong.
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-46989737/
5/27
People’s Book
6 – 7 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
An Evening with Local Authors. Join us as we hear about two new local authors, David C. Metz and Jean Ende, and their debut novels: Nick and Lorraine Were Lovers, and Houses of Detention.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/ende-metz/
Lost City Books
7 pm
2467 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Denali Sai Nalamalapu in conversation with Serena Zets. Drawing from original interviews with the author, Holler is an illustrated look at six inspiring changemakers, introducing readers to the ordinary people who became resisters of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
4508 Walsh St., Bethesda MD 20815
Poetry reading with Subhaga Crystal Bacon, Brandel France de Bravo, and Jennifer Martelli.
https://writer.org/event/bacon-france-de-bravo-martelli/
5/28
People’s Book
7 – 8 pm
7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Kevin Wilson in conversation with Jennifer Close about new novel, Run for the Hills. An unexpected road trip across America brings a family together, in this raucous and moving new novel from the bestselling author of Nothing to See Here.
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/kevin-wilson/
One More Page Bookstore/ Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington)
7 – 8 pm
3550 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is proud to present The Poetry Reading Series, which features established poets. May’s featured poet is Sunu P. Chandy, social justice activist including through her work as a poet and a civil rights attorney.
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
4508 Walsh St., Bethesda MD 20815
Open mic.
https://writer.org/event/open-mic-may2025b/
Wonderland Books
7 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave., Bethesda MD 20814
Grace Tiffany will discuss her novel, The Owl Was A Baker's Daughter.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/46419
5/29
Politics and Prose at Conn Ave
7 – 8 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Daria Lavelle (Aftertaste) in conversation with Laura Hankin. Set in the bustling world of New York restaurants and teeming with mouthwatering food writing, Aftertaste is a whirlwind romance, a heart-wrenching look at love and loss, and a ghost story.
https://politics-prose.com/daria-lavelle
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
4508 Walsh St., Bethesda MD 20815
Reading and discussion with poets Steven Leyva and Holly Karapetkova.
https://writer.org/event/leyva-karapetkova/
5/30
9:00 am - 1:30 pm ($150)
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
At The Write Time Retreat at Old Town Books get creative in our cozy bookstore setting with guided writing sessions and a craft book discussion over a locally catered lunch. Day long Intensive – $150 – includes guided writing and discussion, drinks, snacks, and catered lunch.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/2547420250530
Busboys & Poets 450K
7:00 pm
450 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Florida Water with aja monet. Join aja monet to celebrate this collection of poems that, like the cleansing waters of spiritual baths, rinse, reflect, and reveal the raw truths that lie within.
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-48945782/
Loyalty Bookstores (DC Pop Up)
7 pm
The DC Pop Up at Walter Reed, 1155 Dahlia St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
Tochi Onyebuchi (HARMATTAN SEASON) in conversation with Jason Reynolds. Award-winning author Tochi Onyebuchi’s new standalone novel is hard-boiled fantasy noir: Raymond Chandler meets P. Djèlí Clark in a postcolonial West Africa.
https://www.loyaltybookstores.com/harmattan
5/31
Potter’s House
11 am - 12:30 pm
1658 Columbia Road Northwest Washington, DC, 20009
Join writer and teaching artist Kristen Zory King at The Potter's House for Write On! a dedicated time and space each month to sit in the company of other writers and, well, write. Writers will be given an optional creative prompt and a brief opportunity to share, if desired.
https://pottershousedc.org/events/2025/5/31/write-on