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The Intersection of Faith and Literature

Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI

April 16-18, 2026

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Festival of Faith & Writing

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

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2026 Festival

Uncover a world of ideas at the 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing. Our schedule features a wide array 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

Recommended Reading

To enrich your Festival experience, we’ve curated a vibrant collection of works by our 2026 speakers. From enchanting stories to reflective essays and soul-stirring poems, these selections invite you into deeper thought, wonder, and discovery—perfect companions for the journey of curious and thoughtful readers. This list serves merely as an introduction to our speakers and their work. We invite you to explore beyond this list.

  • Timid by Jonathan Todd

  • Holy Unhappiness by Amanda Held Opelt

  • Holy Hurt by Hillary McBride

  • Word Made Fresh by Abram Van Engen

  • Tove Under the Tree by Larissa Theule

  • Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor

  • The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

  • Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt

  • White Blood: A Lyric of Virginia by Kiki Petrosino

  • Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

  • Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

  • Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration by Alejandra Oliva

  • A Bundle of Careful Compromises by Jacob Schepers

  • As Long As You Need by J.S. Park

  • Leap of Faith by Nicholas Ma

  • The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay

  • Stitched Together by Aimee Reid

  • The Last Thing by Patrick Rosal

  • The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser

  • Becoming by Beholding by Lanta Davis

  • Newly Not Eternal by George David Clark

  • A Desert Between Two Seas by A. Muia

  • Circle of Hope by Eliza Griswold

  • Following Jesus in a Warming World by Kyle Meyaard-Schaap

  • The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

  • The Run-Up by Astead Herndon

  • The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis

  • Tell Me the Dream Again by Tasha Jun

  • The Life by Carrie Fountain

  • Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

  • Daughters of Palestine by Leyla K. King

  • Ditch Memory by Todd Davis

  • We Carry Smoke and Paper by Melody S. Gee

  • A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

  • In the Low by Scott Erickson

  • Lookout by Christine Byl

  • Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

  • Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal

  • Don't Know Tough by Eli Cranor

see full list

Speakers Through the Years

Delve into the legacy of the Festival of Faith & Writing. Explore our archive of past speakers—a diverse collection of influential voices who have enriched our understanding of faith and literature.

Festival of Faith & Writing Speaker Information
For Festival Speakers

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.

For Festival Speakers
Speaker Nominations
For Festival Speakers

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.

Nominate a speaker for the Festival of Faith & Writing

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Festival of Faith & Writing

  • The next Festival of Faith & Writing is scheduled for April 16-18, 2026, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  • Online registration will open in late October 2025.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We’d love to know who you want to see at the Festival for Faith & Writing. Nominations are accepted in the fall following each Festival. Learn more about speaker nominations.

  • 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.

  • Sponsors and exhibitors are vital Festival partners. If interested, please email ccfw@calvin.edu, and we will contact you.

  • 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.