Join us as we kick off the 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing! This celebratory FREE event features young adult author Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Rebellion 1776, Chains, and Speak.

When you arrive on Calvin University's campus, please plan to park in lots 1-6 and then proceed to the Van Noord Arena. A map showing the parking lot and arena locations can be found here.

While the opening plenary session is free, tickets are still required. Tickets can be reserved online using the link below beginning February 16, 2026, at 10am.

Please Note: If you have registered for the Festival, you do not need to reserve a ticket for this session. Festival registration includes all plenary sessions.