The Salem Athenaeum is pleased to announce the 2025 Salem Literary Festival (aka the Salem Lit Fest). Taking place September 3–7, 2025 across the city of Salem, Massachusetts with a special online appearance by Lev Grossman, the festival celebrates a love of reading and writing.

The Salem Literary Festival aims to inspire and promote literacy and a love of books and reading by creating connections through sharing stories. Held over one weekend each fall, the Salem Literary Festival hosts readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, and artistic expression in music, theater, dance, etc.

Lit Fest primarily features local and regional authors of recently published work, some of whom have an international audience. Held in historic venues in and around Salem, Lit Fest unites published authors and book lovers, and encourages aspiring writers.