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
September & October 2026
9/23
Kramers
7 pm
1517 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Poets in Conversation. Poetry reading and conversation between poets Chloe Yelena Miller and Elizabeth Hazen, two DMV poets who write about motherhood, aging, and loss—as well as hope.
https://www.kramers.com/events/5866220260923
9/24
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
Virtual
Poetry Craft Chat. Poet Lore and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry. We’re joined by Aldo Amparán to discuss their new collection, The House Has Teeth. Aldo is in conversation with Emily Holland, poet and editor of Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal.
https://writer.org/event/aldo-amparan/#rsvp-now
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815
The Writer’s Center welcomes contributors to Amsterdam Quarterly for a reading and open mic in celebration of the latest issue. Readers include Claudia Gary, Bari Lynn Hein, and AQ editor Bryan R. Monte.
https://writer.org/event/amsterdam-quarterly-2026/#rsvp-now
East City Books
7 pm
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100, Washington, DC 20003
East City Bookshop welcomes Carly Hillman to discuss her book, The Refuge, in conversation with Mimi Montgomery.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hybrid-event-the-refuge-carly-hillman-tickets-1993158664219
9/27
The Writer’s Center
1 — 5 pm
4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815
Latine Heritage Through a Literary Lens. The Writer’s Center and Tintas DC presents a free, informative, and inspiring symposium exploring Latine heritage in literature and popular culture. The event will feature free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion with featured writers Dahlia Aguilar, Raffi “DJ Raffi” Umanzo, and María Amelia Viteri.
https://writer.org/event/latine-through-a-literary-lens/#rsvp-now
Reston Readings
5:30 pm
Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza North, Reston, VA 20190
Caroline Bock, Melanie McCabe, and Katherine Gekker read.
https://www.restonsusedbookshop.com/
Lost City Books
5 – 7 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
The last stop of Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s Summer of Love Tour, celebrating their new mini-anthology, Capital Love. This literary salon includes a free writing workshop led by Len Kruger and readings from Sally Toner, Olivia Braley, Andrew Bertaina, and Lauren Woods. Hosted by Caroline Bock and Jona Colson.
https://washingtonwriters.org/events/summer-of-love-at-lost-city-books/
9/29
The Inner Loop and Kramers
7 pm
Kramers, 1517 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Panel event at Kramers on September 29th entitled Rebuilding Palestinian Identity with Zeina Azzam. Hasan Dudar, and Lenna Jawdat.
https://kramers.com/events/6035020260929
The Writer’s Center
7 pm
4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815
Bill Wilburn Book Release. The Writer’s Center welcomes writer Bill Wilburn for a reading from his debut novel, First Comes Winter. Bill is joined by Emily Barrosse for a discussion of his novel.
https://writer.org/event/bill-wilburn/#rsvp-now
10/1
Politics and Prose at Union Market
7 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Hour: Poetry open-mic curated by poet María Fernanda. Bring poems, songs, raps, monologues, positive affirmations and more!
https://politics-prose.com/hour-poetry-open-mic-10126
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD, 20814
Please join us for an evening with bestselling author Susan Coll who will discuss her latest novel, Word Salad, a gastric, bookish, laugh-out-loud comedy of manners that reminds us that sometimes things have to completely fall apart for them to perfectly come together. In conversation with Washington Post editor Nora Krug.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6237320261001
10/2
Bol Co-op
6 pm
716 Monroe St. NE, Studio 11, Washington DC 20017
Caleb Nolen will read from Afterlight, selected by Jennifer Chang for the Agha Shahid Ali Prize in Poetry. Christian Wessels will read from Who Follow the Gleam, winner of the 2025 Juniper Prize in Poetry. There will be a 50 minute reading period with a Q&A to follow.
https://withfriends.co/event/29530683/Poetry_Reading_Event_Nolen_and_Wessels
Politics and Prose at St. Paul’s
7 pm
4900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Hernan Diaz discusses his new novel Ply, in conversation with Tope Folarin. The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Trust turns to the future with a novel that examines the place of technology in the American imagination.
https://politics-prose.com/hernan-diaz-100226
Lost City Books
7 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
Diana Rojas returns to Lost City Books to discuss her latest book, THEY HOLD GRUDGES. The conversation will be moderated by Laura Scalzo.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/they-hold-grudges-by-diana-rojas-tickets-1997615523806
Kramers at Dupont Underground
8 – 9:30 pm
Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036
We are so thrilled to host Sonia Feldman, author of the acclaimed debut novel Girl's Girl that has been flying off our new releases display here at Kramers. The event will feature a ~1 hour author talk including audience Q&A followed by a Girl's Girl custom letter writing party to our best friends—all in spirit of the novel's exploration of the unparalleled magic within these friendships in our lives.
https://www.kramers.com/events/6199120261002
10/3
Wonderland Books
1 – 2 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD, 20814
Please stop by to meet author Jason Bell who will be in the store signing copies of his new book, Operation Sparrow: The Incredible True Story of the Spies Who Tricked Hitler and Won the War. It's the story of three American commandos who parachuted behind enemy lines with orders to get captured - and convince the Nazis that D-Day was coming a thousand miles away.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6237420261003
The Writer’s Center
2 – 3 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
The Writer’s Center welcomes 1455 to celebrate the launch of their Women Writers Anthology for a Q&A between 1455 Executive Director Sean Murphy and local author Hannah Grieco, followed by readings from the anthology.
https://writer.org/event/1455/
Politics and Prose at Connecticut Avenue
5 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Sarah Ignatius discusses her debut novel, The Kaleidoscope of Destiny, in conversation with David Ignatius. It’s 1915. War rages in Europe while Armenians in the Ottoman Empire find themselves unfairly blamed for a major military defeat.
https://politics-prose.com/sarah-ignatius-100326
Politics and Prose at Union Market
6 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Shara McMallum discusses her book of poetry, Behold, in conversation with Chet’la Sebree. Born of the poet's longstanding love of visual art, especially painting, Behold examines why we love what we love, and how we see (and are seen) by art.
https://politics-prose.com/shara-mccallum100326
10/4
Bards Alley
10 am – 12 pm
110 Church St. NW, Vienna, VA 22180
Join Bards Alley for a silent reading event to kick off Banned Books Week! $8 deposit required, which may be used towards any purchase at Bards Alley on the day of the event.
Loyalty Bookstores & Petworth Library
12 – 6 pm
Petworth Neighborhood, 4203 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20011
We're so proud to be the East Coast host for the Filipino Literature Festival! Check out all of the programming and featured authors happening from 12-6PM at the Loyalty shop and the Petworth Library.
https://loyaltybookstores.com/event/2026-10-04/liwanag-filipino-literature-festival-dc
The Writer’s Center
2 – 3 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
The Writer’s Center welcomes writer John R. Edwards for a reading from his debut memoir, Polly: Takes Me on the Ride of her Life.
https://writer.org/event/john-edwards/
Scrawl Books
4 – 6 pm
11911 Freedom Dr, Reston, VA 20190
For the second year now, Libro.fm and Silent Book Club are teaming up with independent bookshops and libraries to protest ongoing censorship this Banned Books Week (October 4-10, 2026).
https://www.scrawlbooks.com/events/6075420261004
Old Town Books
5 – 6:30 pm
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
October 4-10 is Banned Books Week, and Old Town Books is partnering with Libro.fm to host a Banned Books Read-In Audiobook Walk! All attendees will receive a free audiobook!
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/6390720261004
Park Books: Severna Park
6 pm
555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146-3809
Join us in welcoming back local author Audrey Goldberg-Ruoff with the exciting new installment in the Hallowcross Series: VENGEFULLY MATCHED!
https://parkbooksmd.com/events/5741420261004
Lost City Books
6 – 7 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
Karen and Bill Brodsky come to Lost City Books to discuss their debut political thriller, BEYOND HONOR. Perfect for fans of Jack Carr.
https://lostcitybookstore.com/event/2026-10-04/beyond-honor-kb-brodsky
10/5
The Writer’s Center & Cafe Muse
7 – 8 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
The Writer’s Center welcomes the Café Muse Literary Salon for a reading featuring writers Lola Haskins and Mary Sesso. The evening begins at 7 PM with Michael Davis live on classical guitar. The readings begin at 7:30 PM with opening remarks by a Café Muse co-host.
https://writer.org/event/cafe-muse-literary-salon-oct-26/
Lost City Books
7 – 8 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
An evening of poetry and stories! Celebrating Melissa Crowe and Sarah Domet and their latest releases: ABIDER and EVERYTHING LOST RETURNS.
Politics and Prose at Connecticut Avenue
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Clifford Thompson discusses his novel, Let Us Go Then, You and I, in conversation with David Nicholson. At the funeral of Charles Maddox, Theo Brown hears testimonies about his dead best friend’ s full, rich, glamor-filled life— stories that make Theo wonder if he really knew Charles, and if Theo himself has really lived.
https://politics-prose.com/clifford-thompson10526
Politics and Prose at Sixth & I
7 pm (Ticket required)
Sixth & I, 600 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
John Grisham discusses his new novel, The French Illusion, a gripping page-turner about a honeymoon gone horribly wrong and the nightmare that follows.
https://politics-prose.com/john-grisham-100526
10/6 – 10/10
Fall for the Book Festival
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA and select outside locations.
Fall for the Book returns for its 28th Annual Festival with worldwide bestsellers taking the headline stage. On Thursday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m., horror icon and author of over 30 novels and collections, Stephen Graham Jones will discuss body of work including his historical vampiric novel, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Jones will appear at Harris Theatre on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus thanks to the sponsorship of the George Mason Friends.
On Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m., Celeste Ng will discuss her bestselling novels, Little Fires Everywhere, Everything I Never Told You, and most recently, Our Missing Hearts. She will appear at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center in Fairfax thanks to the sponsorship of the Friends of the Reston Regional Library and The Friends of City of Fairfax Regional Library.
10/6
Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library and Loyalty Bookstores
6:30 – 7:55 pm
3310 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
A Banned Books Week double feature. Mark Oppenheimer and Stefan Fatsis will discuss their recent books exploring two icons of American letters: Judy Blume and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary!
https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17350193
Lost City Books
7 – 8 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
Jasper Fforde makes his long awaited return to Lost City Books to celebrate his forthcoming book, DARK READING MATTER. Will literary Special Ops agent Thursday Next find her happy ending? The outrageous, heartfelt conclusion to the series that began with The Eyre Affair.
https://lostcitybookstore.com/event/2026-10-06/dark-reading-matter-jasper-fforde
MahoganyBooks & DC Public Library
7 – 8:30 pm
Martin Luther King J. Library, 901 G. St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
We are excited to host award-winning author, trailblazer and former White House Correspondent April Ryan, as we celebrate her latest book, Notes on a Blacklash. Joining April in conversation will be CNN Anchor & Senior National Correspondent Sara Sidner.
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Please join us for an evening with bestselling author Andie Burke who will discuss her new novel, So It Grows, a cozy small town business-rivals-to-lovers romance about finding joy where you least expect it. In conversation with author Susie Dumond.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6237620261006
10/8
One More Page Bookstore
6:30 – 7:30
2200 N. Westmoreland Street, Arlington, VA 22213-1044
Lyndsay Faye celebrates her newest release, Raven, in conversation with Louis Bayard. An orphaned young woman in antebellum Maryland is pulled into a maelstrom of passion, pain, and occult power in this Gothic homage to the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe.
https://onemorepagebooks.com/event/2026-10-08/raven-lyndsay-faye
The Writer’s Center and Inner Loop
7 – 8 pm
Virtual
Join us the October Inner Loop Author’s Corner Spotlight, featuring Lenna Jawdat, a poet, writer, professor, and psychotherapist of Palestinian and Iraqi descent. Jawdat’s collection 70,000 is a visceral and inventive poetry collection inspired by the removal of approximately 70,000 books from Palestinian homes and private libraries before and during the events of 1948.
https://writer.org/event/inner-loop-lenna-jawdat/
Lost City Books
7 – 8 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
DMV-based Palestinian poet, leena aboutaleb, comes to Lost City Books to discuss her debut full-length poetry collection, THALASSA.
https://lostcitybookstore.com/event/2026-10-08/thalassa-leena-aboutaleb
Politics and Prose at Union Market
7 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Lindsay Merbaum discusses her metaphysical mystery novel, Witches of the Wheel, weaves a spellbinding tale of mythology, bartending, and queer belonging.
https://politics-prose.com/lindsay-merbaum-100826
Wonderland Books at The Cordell
7 – 9 pm
The Cordell, 4935 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Come meet 30 of our local authors at The Cordell on Oct. 8 from 7PM to 9PM. The event is free, with a cash bar and many books for sale. Bring a friend, talk to the authors and leave with a pile of new, great reads!
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6364620261008
10/9
Folger Shakespeare Library
7 pm ($20)
201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Join us for an evening of cocktails and conversation with Folger Artistic Research Fellow Chase Brantley! Brantley, a nine-time award-winning clown and director, will lead an interactive conversation using contemporary clowning technique as a lens into the Renaissance stage.
https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/fools-breaking-rules-with-chase-brantley/
Kramers
7 – 8 pm
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20036
With fall finally upon us, it's time to celebrate the cooling temps with some red-hot poetry! Join us for the Fall 2026 Edition of the Kramers Poetry Reading Series, in which we feature three real live poets: one local and two visiting. Featuring Dana Tenille Weekes, Gauri Awasthi, and Conor Bracken.
https://www.kramers.com/events/6264520261009
Politics and Prose at Lisner Auditorium
7 pm (Ticketed)
730 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Barbara Kingsolver discusses her new novel, Partita. With razor-sharp acuity and deep affection, Pulitzer Prize winner Barbara Kingsolver’s unforgettable new novel reflects on class barriers, the risks of ambition, and the timeless, life-changing power of art.
https://politics-prose.com/barbara-kingsolver-100926
Old Town Books
7 – 8 pm
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cassandra Khaw discusses her latest book, Find Me Where It Ends, a psychological horror dark fantasy in which a woman wakes up to find the black hound of Death at her front door.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/6077720261009
Busboys and Poets 14th & V
9 pm
2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC, 20009
This is an opportunity for poetry lovers to enjoy the competitive art of late-night performance poetry! Enjoy two rounds of high intensity poetry, with the audience choosing a winner. 1st Place Winner Takes ALL - $100. Ticket required. Free for competitors.
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-55726970/
10/10
Politics and Prose at Connecticut Avenue
1 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Pulitzer Prize winner Jorie Graham discusses her new poetry collection, Killing Spree, which reads like a survival manual guiding us deftly through the cataracts of a runaway climate, tipping-point violence, and out-of-control technology, into a terrain where a defiant, powerful imagination (and love) of the world reveals itself. In conversation with Congressman Jamie Raskin.
https://politics-prose.com/jorie-graham060626
East City Bookshop
4 pm
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100, Washington, DC 20003
This Banned Books Week, we’re teaming up with @librofm and @SilentBookClub to host a Banned Books Read-In to protest book censorship. Join us on October 10th as we read and take action to fight book bans!
https://withfriends.co/event/29673432/in_store_event_banned_books_read_in
Little District Books
6 pm
631 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Join us for Plot Twist: The Villain is Straight, a panel on queer mysteries and thrillers! Featuring Erik J. Brown, Jenna Voris, and E.R. Hawthorne. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the Wanda Alston Foundation, which provides support services to LGBTQ+ homeless and at-risk youth.
https://littledistrictbooks.com/products/fall-is-a-time-for-murder
10/11
The Writer’s Center
3 – 4:30 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
Calling all BIPOC writers in the DMV! Come join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center to meet new writers, make new friends, and share your love of the written word. Please bring a drink or an appetizer that serves six. You’re welcome to bring a friend, too.
https://writer.org/event/bipoc-writers-mixer-oct26/
Lost City Books
6 – 7 pm
2467 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
Translators of From Lightning's Strike discuss the book, a collection of lyric poems rooted in ancestral Ch'ol Mayan culture and animated by vivid images of the natural world. Written by Juana Karen Pe ate, winner of the 2020 Indigenous Literatures of the Americas Award, and translated from the Mayan Ch'ol by Carol Rose Little and Charlotte Friedman.
https://lostcitybookstore.com/event/2026-10-11/lightnings-strike-juana-karen-penate
The Writer’s Center
7 – 8:30 pm
Virtual
The Writer’s Center welcomes DC-ALT, Vocales Verticales, and Tintas DC. Venezuelan, Latine and U.S. based poets, translators, and writers will come together to read Venezuelan poetry in both Spanish and English. The event will also raise awareness about the earthquakes in Venezuela, ongoing relief efforts, and ways you can support communities affected.
https://writer.org/event/venezuelan-poetry/
10/13
Kramers
7 – 8 pm
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Curious about the history of Georgetown? Join us for a book talk with Marilyn Butler, author of Mapping Georgetown. Butler will be joined by Laura Thorns, the archivist for Oak Hill cemetery.
https://www.kramers.com/events/6247920261013
Lost City Books at The Line
7 – 9 pm
The Line, 1770 Euclid St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
A night focused on celebrating the work done by visiting and local horror writers! Indulge in frights, drink some wine, chat, & meet new people!
https://lostcitybookstore.com/event/2026-10-13/lost-city-books-horror-salon
Old Town Books
7 – 8 pm130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Join local authors Rachel Kitch and Grace Viall in conversation. Rachel and Grace both write Appalachian inspired dark fantasy romances, and they will be talking about Rachel Kitch’s speculative horror-romance, The Forest Bleeds.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/6078320261013
Politics and Prose at Union Market
7 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Imbolo Mbue discusses her new novel, Every Story Is a Love Story, in conversation with Angie Kim. From the New York Times bestselling author of Behold the Dreamers, a captivating novel about love lost—and the weight of regret.
https://politics-prose.com/imbolo-mbue-101326
10/14
West End Neighborhood Library
6:30 – 8:30 pm
2301 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Step inside the legendary Village Gate with author Soyica Diggs Colbert, whose latest work, Freedom’s Gate, brings to life a powerful creative collective at the heart of the Civil Rights era.
https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17445145
The Writer’s Center and Poet’s Lore
7 – 8 pm
Virtual
We welcome poet Taylor Byas to our monthly Virtual Poetry Book Club for a discussion of her collection, Resting Bitch Face. Taylor is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco.
https://writer.org/event/poetry-book-club-w-taylor-byas/
Kramers
7 – 8 pm
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Author and journalist Earl Swift discusses his nonfiction book, Up on Cove Mountain: Adventure, Tragedy, and a Quest for Meaning on the Appalachian Trail. In conversation with Corey Flintoff.
https://www.kramers.com/events/6248620261014
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Renee King-Sonnen discusses her new book, Rowdy Girl: Confessions of a Vegan Cattle Rancher, a personal account of her path from a poor upbringing to life as the wife of a Texas cattle rancher, and the realities of animal agriculture she uncovered along the way. In conversation with Melanie Kaplan.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6237720261014
10/15
Takoma Park Neighborhood Library
6 – 7:30 pm
416 Cedar St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Local author and historian Shirley M. Marshall discusses her nonfiction book, A Radical Suffragist in Washington, D.C.: The Inside Story of the Woman’s National Party, describing an inside experience at the early twentieth century National Woman’s Party headquarters and how the suffragists ensured politicians didn’t ignore women’s rights.
https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17272218
The Writer’s Center and Poet’s Lore
7 – 8 pm
Virtual
Virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by author Kirsten Kaschock for a discussion of her poetry collection, AutoPortrait (as flotsam). Kirsten is in conversation with Brandon Johnson, poet and Events Director at The Writer’s Center.
https://writer.org/event/kirsten-kaschock/
Lost City Books
7 – 8 pm
2467 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Lost City Books, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Washington D.C., is thrilled to host renown Bulgarian author, Georgi Gospodinov, and his translator, Angela Rodel, to celebrate his latest book of stories, THE MAN WITH MANY NAMES.
https://lostcitybookstore.com/event/2026-10-15/man-many-names-georgi-gospodinov
East City Bookshop
7 pm
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100, Washington, DC 20003
East City Bookshop welcomes Becca Freeman to discuss her book, Back Where We Started, in which a rising Hollywood star explores the road not taken with her first love in this tender second-chance romance. Hybrid event: in person & online.
https://withfriends.co/event/29151519/hybrid_event_back_where_we_started_becca_freeman
Politics and Prose at Union Market
7 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Nafissa Thompson-Spires discusses The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford, in conversation with Nic Stone. A sly, spry, tall tale of a debut novel about the murder of an infamous moonshiner and the cacophony of true stories a small town can tell about itself.
https://politics-prose.com/nafissa-thompson-101526
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Join us for an evening with bestselling author Sarah Blakley-Cartwright who will discuss her new novel, Heavy Cream, a coming-of-age story that explores unconventional forms of motherhood and caretaking and one young woman’s eccentric path to selfhood
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6237820261015
10/17
Old Town Books
10 am – 7 pm
130 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Join us all day for Spooky Town Books! Includes a pirate-themed, author-led storytime, more kids activities, and an author talk with Sharon Pajka and Michael Kleen, who discuss Haunted Colleges and Universities of Virginia and Haunted Highways of Virginia.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/6083720261017
Busboys and Poets Takoma
6:30 pm
235 Carroll St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20012
Concert and book signing with Joe Uehlein, author of Three Roads: Labor, Music, Ecology. As an organizer in the labor movement and the environmental movement Joe always incorporated art & music into his work. In Three Roads Joe weaves strategy, memoir, and music into a powerful call to action!
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/three-roads-labor-music-ecology/
10/18
The Writer’s Center and Poet’s Lore
2 – 3 pm
Virtual
The Writer’s Center welcomes author Hasan Dudar to our monthly Fiction Book Club for a discussion of his debut novel, Carryout, at The Writer’s Center! Hasan is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco.
https://writer.org/event/fiction-book-club-w-hasan-dudar/
Politics and Prose at Connecticut Avenue
3 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Cal Hoffman discusses Judah Can’t Tell, in conversation with Harry Lennix. On the morning a powerful US senator is accused of a long-buried sexual scandal, his son Harris wakes to a world suddenly unrecognizable.
https://politics-prose.com/cal-hoffman101826
10/19
Politics and Prose at Connecticut Avenue PEN/Faulkner
7 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Yiyun Li discusses her novel Music Against the Night (The Nocturne Trilogy, in conversation with Rabih Alameddine. Figures of the past find new life in Yiyun Li’s thrillingly imagined saga following two musicians as they mature, study, travel, love, grieve, and, above all, chase their ambitions.
https://politics-prose.com/yiyun-li101926
10/20
Inner Loop at Shaw’s Tavern
7 pm
520 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20001
Join us for The Inner Loop's October Reading featuring Jung Yun alongside nine other local readers in poetry, nonfiction, and fiction, including our Author's Corner Spotlight, Lenna Jawdat!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-inner-loops-october-reading-tickets-1998986283786?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Writer’s Center and Poet’s Lore
7 – 8 pm
Virtual
We’re joined by editors Lauren Francis-Sharma and Jennifer Grotz for a discussion of their new anthology, Welcome to the Mountain: A Portable Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. They are in conversation with Zach Powers, author and Executive & Artistic Director at The Writer’s Center.
https://writer.org/event/welcome-to-the-mountain/
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Meg Mason (author of Sorrow and Bliss) talks about her new novel, Sophie, Standing There, a tender and funny novel about heartbreak and the journey from isolation and loneliness towards love. In conversation with Wonderland Books co-owner Gayle Weiswasser.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6245220261020
Folger Shakespeare Library
7:30 pm ($20)
201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Join Folger Poetry in honoring the legacy of former Folger Shakespeare Library Director O.B. Hardison, Jr. with acclaimed poet Cornelius Eady (Pulitzer Prize–nominated The Gathering of My Name; National Book Award finalist for Brutal Imagination).
https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/the-2027-o-b-hardison-reading-cornelius-eady/
10/21
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Celebrate the magic in the everyday with Jen Shoop and Small Wonders! Join us for an author talk with Jacqueline Bond on Wednesday, October 21 at 7 PM. Find happiness and comfort in life’s everyday moments with this insightful visual volume of prose and poetry.
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/6085820261021
10/22
Politics and Prose at Union Market
7 pm
1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Patricia Grace King discusses Those Who Vanish, in conversation with Anna Lapera. Taking place during the decades-long civil conflict, Those Who Vanish follows the stories of Guatemalan citizens and North American expats set on a collision course by war.
https://politics-prose.com/patricia-grace-king-102226
One More Page Bookstore
7 – 8 pm
2200 N. Westmoreland Street, Arlington, VA 22213-1044
Which genre has the highest body count? Is it harder to write a sex scene, or a gruesome death scene? Help us determine the winner in this battle of ROMANCE VS. HORROR! Features conversation panel with authors Sonora Taylor, L. Marie Wood, and Avery Flynn.
https://onemorepagebooks.com/event/2026-10-22/steamy-vs-spooky-panel
10/23
The Writer’s Center & The F. Scott Fitzgerald Festival
7 – 8 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Festival and The Writer’s Center present a reading in tribute to legendary author Tobias Wolff. Featuring multiple award-winning author Richard Bausch, award-winning novelist Varun Gauri, PEN/Faulkner winner Mahreen Sohail, plus concluding remarks by Wolff.
https://writer.org/event/tobias-wolff/
Busboys and Poets Takoma
8 pm
235 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
The Pajama Jammie Jam is a love/erotica-themed slam, for everyone from professionals to novices, hosted by Simply Sherri! $100.00 cash prize. Ticket required.
https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-54302459/
10/24
Kramers
7 pm – 12 am
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20036
We’ll be hosting our 50th birthday party, open to everyone. We’ll have pop-ups with some of our favorite local businesses, along with special prizes, merch, and surprises.This event is in partnership with Everybody Wins DC, and 20% of the day’s proceeds will go towards supporting their incredible work.
https://www.kramers.com/events/6337620261024
10/25
The Writer’s Center & Inner Loop
2 – 5 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
We invite you to Search Party, a social event connecting writers to other writers interested in forming/joining a writing group. Simply show up, fill out a nametag with your genres and other areas of interest, and mingle.
https://writer.org/event/search-party-oct-26/
Bard’s Alley at Caboose Tavern
3 – 6 pm
Caboose Tavern, 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna, VA
Our next Books 'n Brews pop-up at Caboose Tavern. Swing by, enjoy some brews, and browse a curated selection of new releases, staff picks, and cozy (or haunted) Fall reads. This is a family-friendly event.
https://www.bardsalley.com/events.html
10/26
Three Whistles Clarendon
7 pm
2719 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Meet and hear local authors Nancy Lawson (Wildscape) and Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay (Chitra Demands to Go Home).
10/27
Politics and Prose at Lincoln Theatre
7 pm (Ticket required)
1215 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Bonnie Garmus discusses Peck & Peck, in conversation with Patti Callahan Henry. The author of Lessons in Chemistry returns with an irresistible, delightful, and tender literary novel set in the publishing world of 1980s New York City about a young man whose life turns upside down when he is hired by the most prestigious, secretive, and dysfunctional poetry journal in the world.
https://politics-prose.com/bonnie-garmus-102726
Wonderland Books
7 – 8 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Sonny Garg discusses his memoir, Desi 2.0: My Family’s American Dream and the Cost of Never Being Enough, a powerful journey through the crushing expectations placed on children of South Asian immigrants.
https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/events/6238620261027
Mary Riley Styles Public Library & Bard’s Alley
6:30 – 7:30 pm
120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
Alma Katsu discusses her novel, Incarnate, in conversation with K.T. Nguyen. From beloved horror maven Alma Katsu comes a terrifying reimagining of The Picture of Dorian Gray for the internet age.
https://www.mrspl.org/event/alma-katsu-conversation-kt-nguyen-36933
10/28
Elaine’s Literary Salon
6 – 9 pm
208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
The last Wednesday of each month we welcome all writers to join us for Happy Hour in the bar. Join us to meet, greet, and talk shop! “It’s the best way to learn the art and craft of writing,” Jeff insists.
https://elainesliterarysalon.com/october-happy-hour/
East City Bookshop
7 pm
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100, Washington, DC 20003
East City Bookshop welcomes Silas House to discuss his book, The Tulip Poplars, a sweeping historical novel about hidden, forbidden love in the early 1900s by bestselling writer and former poet laureate of Kentucky Silas House. In conversation with Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres. Hybrid event: in-person and online.
https://withfriends.co/event/29028047/hybrid_event_the_tulip_poplars_silas_house
Kramers
7 – 8 pm
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Christina Tudor, debut author of the collection Call My Body a Cautionary Tale, will be in conversation with Hannah Grieco and Kristen Zory King, exploring girlhood, womanhood, agency, and belonging in a world where bodily autonomy is up for debate.
https://www.kramers.com/events/6247420261028
Wonderland Books
7 – 8:30 pm
7920B Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
A special poetry reading and conversation in honor of Kelly Grace Thomas’ Future Tense. We are very excited to welcome three local authors, Hannah Grieco, Courtney LeBlanc, and Jillian Stacia, along with Kelly Grace Thomas for a reading and panel event!
https://www.oldtownbooks.com/events/6087320261028
Scrawl Books
7 pm
11911 Freedom Dr, Reston, VA 20190
Calling all dino nerds! Author Riley Black will be here to celebrate the release of her newest book Tyrant Lizard Queen: The Love, Life, and Terror of Earth’s Greatest Carnivore with Kate and Molly for a night of dinosaur trivia and FUN!
https://www.scrawlbooks.com/events/6079320261028
Politics and Prose at St. Paul’s
7 pm (Ticket required)
4900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Emily St. John Mandel discusses Exit Party, in conversation with Ron Charles. Los Angeles, 2031: The first spring after the collapse of the United States, peacekeeping troops withdraw from the city, the Jacaranda trees blossom, and the curfew is finally lifted.
https://politics-prose.com/emily-st-john-mandel
10/29
One More Page Bookstore
5:30 – 8 pm
2200 N. Westmoreland Street, Arlington, VA 22213-1044
Who says trick-or-treating is just for kids? Adults deserve their own version and ours involves costumes, cold beer, and a whole lot of books. Join us for another Boozy Book Fair at our favorite neighborhood spot: Audacious Aleworks in Falls Church!
https://onemorepagebooks.com/event/2026-10-29/spooky-boozy-book-fair-audacious-aleworks
The Writer’s Center
7 – 8 pm
4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815
Virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Amber Blaeser-Wardzala for a discussion of her debut novel, Another Name for Red at the End. Amber is in conversation with Amy Freeman, author and Development Director at The Writer’s Center.
https://writer.org/event/amber-blaeser-wardzala/
The Writer’s Center
7 – 8 pm
Virtual
The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Richard Hoffman for a reading from two New and Selected collection, Each Child a Disappearance and Mundus et Infans. Richard is joined in conversation by poet Richard Smith.
https://writer.org/event/richard-hoffman/
Mahogany Books - National Harbor
7 pm
121 American Way, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Filmmaker Natalie Baszile discusses her new book, ‘Friends and Family,’ an eye-opening exploration of friendship and privilege, race and community. In conversation with Victoria Christopher Murray.
10/31
Politics and Prose at Connecticut Avenue
3 pm
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Kim Roberts Meikle discusses her new book, The District's Departed: A Guidebook to DC Cemeteries, the definitive guidebook to celebrated and obscure cemeteries in and around the nation’s capital. Perfect for the “tombstone tourist,” this guidebook to eleven cemeteries in and around the District of Columbia offers informative walking tours, mapping each cemetery’s distinct character derived from the landscape, the local community, and the historical era in which it was established, and showcasing exquisite artistic and architectural styles. In conversation with Laura Brower Hagood.