Powerful, justice-focused voices will fuel the 35th annual Printers Row Lit Fest, running June 8-9 in the South Loop.
Among the highlights of the fest’s literary programming, announced Tuesday, will be presentations by former senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett, anti-violence activist and Tony Award-winning playwright Eve Ensler, and journalist/author/filmmaker Alex Kotlowitz.
Jarrett will be presenting her memoir “Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward” on June 9. Kotlowitz, who will be presenting his newest work, “An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago,” is the recipient of the 2019 Harold Washington Literary Award, which will be presented at a gala dinner on June 6 to kick off the fest. (He will also headline festival events over the weekend). Ensler will be presenting her latest book, “The Apology” on June 8.
The annual literary event, the largest free festival of its kind in the Midwest, features theatrical readings with ensemble members from Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre; a staged adaptation of Anne K. Ream’s “Lived Through This,” cooking demos, spoken word artists, author panel discussions/presentations and, new this year, an Arts & Poetry tent, and Storybook Parade for children (kids are urged to dress as their favorite book character or action hero) on June 8.
More than 100 booksellers will be participating in the festival, boasting everything from rare and first editions to newly published works. The fest will take place along Dearborn from Polk Street to Ida B. Wells Drive. All programming is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
For the complete schedule of programming/events, and the festival, visit printersrowlitfest.org.
