The festival, held biennially, features writers, poets, comedians and other creatives from across the country. It is a celebration of how writing and storytelling — in all of their forms — are essential to art, entertainment and social change and includes readings, workshops, publishing programs, special performances, a book fair, a stand-up show and more.

The two-day event will kick-off at 7 p.m. Friday, June 7 at the Harrietstown Town Hall with a reading by two New Yorkers dedicated to building community through poetry: Patricia Spears-Jones, the 2024 NY State Poet Laureate; and Denice Frohman, a former Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion. This event is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, June 8, the day will start with an optional guided forest bathing experience with Adirondack Riverwalking. Events throughout the day include attendee “speed dating,” a quick, fun and non-romantic way for fellow writers to meet one another, as well as writing workshops, a book fair featuring dozens of local and regional authors and presses, an open mic, manuscript consultations, a publishing panel, a drop-in beginners writing workshop and a regional author showcase.

Saturday evening’s events will include keynote talks and readings by GennaRose Nethercott, author of “Thistlefoot,” and Megan Mayhew Bergman, author of “How Strange a Season” and director of the Breadloaf Environmental Writers’ Conference. The keynote will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Room at Hotel Saranac. The public is welcome to attend, and tickets cost $10. The festival will conclude at 8 p.m. at the Waterhole with a stand-up show by Greg Edwards, opened by Tracy Dolan and hosted by Nathan Hartswick of Vermont Comedy Club. The cost to attend is $15. Learn more at adirondackcenterforwriting.org.