Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
April 16-18, 2026
For Readers of All
FAITHS EVERYWHERE
About the Festival
The Festival of Faith & Writing is a unique celebration. For three days every other April, we gather on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to explore the power of belief and the written word.
Rooted in Reformed theology’s deep appreciation for the goodness of creation, we create space for meaningful conversations and shared discoveries.
People with diverse religious beliefs and practices are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Through lectures, readings, and engaging conversations, we bring together a vibrant community of readers and writers for a genuinely inspiring experience.
April 16-18, 2026
2026 Festival
Uncover a world of ideas at the 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing. Our schedule features a rich tapestry of events for writers and readers that will ignite your imagination and deepen your connection to the power of the written word. Get to know the speakers who will grace the stage at our upcoming biennial event.
2026 Speakers
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Speakers Through the Years
Delve into the legacy of the Festival of Faith & Writing. Explore our archive of past keynote speakers—a diverse collection of influential voices who have enriched our understanding of faith and literature.
For Festival Speakers
Find essential information to prepare for your participation in the 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing. From logistical details to critical deadlines, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Speaker Nominations
Do you know a writer whose voice deserves to be heard at the Festival? Share your thoughts on why your nominee would be a valuable addition to our vibrant community.
Get Involved in Our Festival
Looking for ways to contribute to the Festival of Faith & Writing? Explore opportunities to participate in our vibrant celebration of the written word and the human spirit.
FAQs
Have questions about the Festival of Faith & Writing? We've got answers! Explore our frequently asked questions for information on tickets, schedules, accessibility, and more.
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The next Festival of Faith & Writing is scheduled for April 16-18, 2026, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Online registration will open in late October 2025.
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Certainly not! The Festival is designed to be a place where readers and writers can come together to participate in the ongoing discussion about faith in our world today. Authors, readers, and anyone interested in religion and spiritual understanding as it relates to literature are invited to join us and be part of the celebration.
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The Center for Faith & Writing is committed to making all reasonable arrangements to ensure attendees can participate in every event at the Festival of Faith & Writing.
Calvin University’s campus complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and we work to make the Festival comfortable and accessible for all participants. However, we recognize that not all disabilities require accommodations; some are invisible.
The Festival offers accommodations such as accessible parking and doors, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation during the evening plenary sessions, a Loop hearing aid audio system in our larger venues, on-campus shuttles, a detailed accessibility map, quiet spaces to reflect and regroup, and on-site contacts when help is needed.
We want Festivalgoers to come as they are and aim to be as inclusive as possible. If you have individual needs or concerns or have a question about accessibility, please contact the Center for Faith & Writing at ccfw@calvin.edu.
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The Festival Planning Committee, comprised of Calvin Center for Faith & Writing staff and rotating Faculty Fellows, receives hundreds of speaker nominations for each Festival. The planning committee researches these writers and builds a roster of featured speakers to reflect the diversity of the literary arts—across genre, age, culture, and creed—when exploring literature and faith with creativity and insight. You can find more details on our speaker selection policy on our website.
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We’d love to know who you want to see at the Festival for Faith & Writing. Nominations are accepted in the fall of each Festival year. Learn more about speaker nominations.
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In general, speakers are discovered through nominations and committee research. We discourage interested participants from self-nominating and contacting the Festival Planning Committee directly to recommend themselves as speakers. Instead, prospective participants should ask a publisher, agent, or supporter to nominate them to express interest in our event. Learn more about speaker nominations.
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Sponsors and exhibitors are vital Festival partners. If interested, please email ccfw@calvin.edu, and we will contact you.
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Listen to selected Festival sessions in our podcast, Rewrite Radio. Rewrite Radio showcases some of our favorite sessions from the archive. Due to contract restrictions, we cannot share any Festival sessions with individuals.
If you have a question that is not covered here, please contact us.