Printers Row Lit Fest is an annual book fair and literary festival held in Chicago every September. Located in a historic neighborhood that once buzzed with linotype machines and printing presses, the festival pays homage to the area’s rich publishing history.

Founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board as the Printers Row Book Fair, the event was created to draw visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood on Chicago’s near South Side, a former publishing hub. The Chicago Tribune took over the festival in 2002, renaming it the Printers Row Lit Fest.

The festival takes place on Dearborn Street between Congress and Polk, and along Polk Street between Plymouth Court and Clark. It has grown significantly over the years, attracting 80,000 to 90,000 attendees in the early 21st century, and reaching 150,000 by the 2010s. The event features hundreds of book vendors, author talks, readings, and other literary programs. C-SPAN has also broadcast from the festival.

Originally held in June, the festival moved to September in 2020 and has continued in that month ever since.

Details

Saturday, September 7th 2024 | 10AM-6PM

Sunday, September 8th 2024 | 10AM-6PM

Address: 620 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois