Charleston Literary Festival is a world-class literary festival with an international edge based in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. We provide a forum for experiencing the transformative power of books, conversations and big ideas—join us!

What Speakers Are Saying

“I’ve had the privilege to attend many literary festivals, but this one has a certain gravitas and sizzle that the others do not.”

— David blight

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

“I simply loved the festival: it’s clear that you’ve created a very special atmosphere in a beautiful environment, with plenty of room for frank, searching conversations.”

— martin puchner

Author of Culture: The Story of Us

“Charleston was absolutely wonderful - my event there was the best of many, many that I did on my fall book tour. The audience was just remarkable.”

— Paul harding

Booker Prize short-listed author

“Charleston Literary Festival…it's one of  the events I had this year that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you for helping to make it so memorable!”

— safiya sinclair

Author of How To Say Babylon

“I’ve been singing the festival’s praises to everyone I know, including my agent and my editor. And speaking of the community you’ve created…Thank you for all of this! I hope I’ll be back someday.”

— Patrick Bringley

Author of All the Beauty in the World

I had a fantastic weekend at the Charleston Literary Festival, with old friends and
new; several of the conversations I had were frankly transformative, and will undoubtedly alter my future work…And the weather was beautiful.”

— imani perry

National Book Award-winner, writing in her column in The Atlantic