GR Lit Fest

Dark Romance Galentine’s Day
2026-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Pages & Grapes, 1760 44th St SW Suite 6, Wyoming, MI, 49519, United States
Turning Red from all the Pink?

GR LitFest, in partnership with Pages & Grapes bookstore featuring Two Crowns, presents DARK ROMANCE GALENTINE’S DAY & BOOK FAIR!
Galentine’s Day doesn’t have to be pink and fluffy. Step out for a dark and decadent night with your favorite gals.

Sip local wine samples.
Craft your own spell jars with Two Crowns.
Procure tarot readings.

Be sure to browse the dark romance book fair. Authors include:

Zoe Blake
Danny Crooks
Tylor Paige
D. Williams

Lyric Tree - Hip Hop Lyrics, A Capella, and Read as Poetry Event
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | The Grey Rabbit, 700 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
GR Lit Fest, WestMichiganHipHop.com, and Tales from Hip Hop present:
Lyric Tree
Conscious Hip Hop Lyrics,
A Capella,
and Read as Poetry

A Capella Hip Hop Verses
Hip Hop Verse Readings from Classic Conscious Songs
Freestyle Raps (Off the Dome Flows) at the End of the Event!

With a cappella verses from:

Alfie Da Great
Stephen Smith
Scoob the Artist
Hannah Tisa
Fang
MC Bloodsport
Monk Matthaeus

Additional emcees are able to sign-up to share their pieces at the event on a first-come, first-served basis, time permitting.

Kids’ Story Hour with Author Georgia Ann Moss
2026-06-22 10:00 - 11:00 | KDL – East Grand Rapids Branch, 746 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Join author Georgia Ann Moss as she reads her children’s book Uncle Buddy for a kids’ story hour!
About the Book
Uncle Buddy is the story of one of the most cherished memories of Georgia’s childhood. This book introduces the world to her family members and the joyous times they had at her Grandmother Mary’s house in Memphis, TN. It’s a story of kindness and wisdom with fond memories of a loved family member. The story will hold you captive until the end puts a smile on your face.
The book is designed to capture the attention of Pre-K to third grade readers with 29 high frequency words and think and respond questions for comprehension.
Family-friendly Activities with the Author
A word search and coloring activities are included. Join us for this special, family-friendly event.
Get a Signed Book!
Georgia will have books available for sale and signing after the event.

Silent Book Club: Read Local
2026-06-22 17:00 - 20:00 | Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar, 955 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
GR Lit Fest is excited to partner with the Grand Rapids chapter of Silent Book Club and Squibb Coffee and Wine Bar to host a Silent Book Club event focusing on reading local authors.
Join us to kick off a week filled with literary events and amazing local authors! We look forward to grabbing a delicious drink, sitting down with fellow readers, and getting lost in a very good book.

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Night
2026-06-22 19:00 - 21:00 | House Rules Board Game Lounge, 404 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
In partnership with House Rules Game Lounge, GR Lit Fest invites you to an out of this world Fantasy and Sci-Fi Night! Come early for a meal, enjoy a panel with guest authors, and stay afterward for board games with friends.
Join us for a lively discussion with talented authors as they dive into the worlds they’ve built, from epic fantasy realms to futuristic galaxies. Hear about their creative processes, the inspiration behind their stories, and the challenges of crafting unforgettable characters and universes.
Attending Authors

Jana Chantel (Sci-Fi, dystopian)
Pat Bitt (Fantasy, epic)
LeAnn Kelley (Fantasy)
KS Walker (short form Sci-Fi & Fantasy)

Authors will have their books available for sale and signing after the event.

Books & Buzzers: A Literary Game Show Experience
2026-06-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Mammoth Distilling, 710 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Oops! All Game Shows! with GR Lit Fest
A Night of Literary Trivia Like Never Before
This isn’t your average pub trivia night- It’s Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud LIVE with real buzzers, lights, and game show action!
From romance to classic lit, from modern dystopian to teen angst, it’s a battle of your book knowledge.
Bring a team or come solo and we’ll match you up. Whether you’re a bookworm, word nerd, or just love a good competition—this is your chapter to shine.
Please Note: This is a 21+ event.

Children’s Story Hour with Author Becca Bielicki
2026-06-23 10:30 - 11:30 | GRPL – West Side Branch, 713 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Author Becca Bielicki will reading her book Banana Goes to Space for a children’s story hour!
About the Book
Banana Goes to Space is a fun and uplifting story about a determined banana who dreams of going to space. Despite being laughed at and doubted by the other fruits when his first rocket fails, Banana refuses to give up. He works hard, believes in himself, and tries again. With courage and persistence, Banana finally blasts off, explores the planets, and returns home a hero.
This heartwarming tale celebrates believing in yourself, chasing your dreams, and never quitting — showing that with determination, even the biggest dreams can come true.
Family-friendly Activities with the Author
Join the author for fun songs and a craft at this family-friendly event!
Get a Signed Book!
Becca will have books available for sale and signing after the event.

Author Happy Hour
2026-06-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Speciation Cellars, 928 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Featured authors for this event include: YOU!
GR Lit Fest is excited to partner with Speciation Cellars to host an Author Happy Hour! Join us for a drink and celebrate your love of the written word with your fellow authors. It doesn’t matter if you’re pre-published or published, traditional or indie. This night is for you.
Beer, seltzer, cider, wine, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages are all available.

Children’s Story Hour with Author Ms. Z
2026-06-24 10:30 - 11:30 | GRPL – Seymour Branch, 2350 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
Ms. Z will reading her children’s book When the School Goes Dark for a children’s story hour!
About the Book
What happens in your classroom when the lights go out and the last custodian locks up for the night?
In When the School Goes Dark, Ms. Z invites readers into a whimsical, mysterious world where pencils and erasers hold late-night gatherings, Desk Trolls secretly scribble in books, and mischievous Bathroom Bandits leave their “Cave Paintings” on the walls.
Through vivid imagination and magical storytelling, Ms. Z reveals the enchanting lives of classroom objects and their nightly escapades. Perfect for young readers and anyone who’s ever wondered about the unseen world of their school, this charming tale will make you see classrooms in a whole new light.
Step into the magic, but be warned- things are never quite as ordinary as they seem!
Family-friendly Activities with the Author
A scavenger hunt of the library and designing your own creature activities are included. Join us for this special, family-friendly event.
Get a Signed Book!
Ms. Z will have books available for sale and signing after the event.

Historical Fiction Night
2026-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Who doesn’t like their fictional tales with a hefty side of history?
Join us for an engaging discussion with talented authors as they bring history to life through vivid storytelling. From sweeping historical narratives to intimate, character-driven tales, our panelists will explore the real events, figures, and research that shape their work, as well as the delicate balance between fact and fiction.
Attending Authors

Sammy Beuker
Caitlin Horrocks
Angela Shupe
Janyre Tromp

Authors will have their books available for sale and signing after the event.

YA Author Panel
2026-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Books & Mortar, 966 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
In partnership with Books & Mortar, GR Lit Fest invites you to a conversation with authors of young adult fiction! This popular genre offers emotionally intense and often hope-filled stories that appeal to all ages.
Attending Authors

R.E. Bellesmith
Jessica K Foster
Melanie Hooyenga
Benjamin Kamphuis

Authors will have their books available for sale and signing after the event.

Children’s Story Hour with Authors Latasha R.C., MSW & Tegan R.J.
2026-06-25 09:00 - 10:00 | HUB 07, 1534 Kalamazoo Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
Authors Latasha R.C., MSW and her son, Tegan R.J., will sharing their book Color, Talk & Grow: Mommy & Me for a children’s story hour!
About the Book
The book is more than just an coloring book. It is a meaningful keepsake filled with love, connection, and lasting memories between mother and son. Join Latasha and Tegan for fun activities at this family-friendly event.
Get a Signed Book!
Latasha and Tegan will have books available for sale and signing afterward.
This event will take place at Last Mile Cafe inside HUB07.

2SLGBTQIA+ Author Panel
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Scorpion Hearts Club, 1035 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
In partnership with Scorpion Hearts Club, GR Lit Fest invites you to a dynamic panel of queer authors. We’ll be discussing a sampling of queer experiences in sharing your story and existing within the publishing industry.
Attending Authors:

V.L. Barycz
Michelle Kulwicki
Vincent Moyet
Bethany Tap

Authors will have their books available for sale and signing after the event.

Mystery Night
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Cellar Bird Books, 415 Bridge St NW Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
In partnership with Cellar Bird Books, GR Lit Fest invites you to step into a world of secrets, suspense, and spine-tingling twists at our Mystery Night. How is a mystery story woven? What’s needed to create an entertaining tale of Who-dunnit? And are mystery authors ever concerned about their internet browser history?
Join a lineup of talented mystery writers as they delve into the craft behind their most gripping stories, from plotting the perfect whodunit to building unforgettable detectives and villains.

Authors include:

Dianne Freeman
Erin R. Hodges
Marissa Malson

Authors will have their books available for sale and signing after the event.

Children’s Story Hour with Author Cassie Veselovsky
2026-06-26 10:30 - 11:30 | GRPL – Ottawa Hills Branch, 1150 Giddings Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Cassie Veselovsky will reading her children’s book This is the Lighthouse for a kids’ story hour! Join us for this special, family-friendly event.
About the Book
Sing, learn, and explore lighthouses with This is the Lighthouse!
Written to the familiar tune of Here we go round the Mulberry Bush, this interactive picture book invites young readers to discover how lighthouses guide boats safely through the night.
Children will meet:

soaring gulls
crashing waves
hardworking keepers
shining lights

all while singing along.
Featuring real lighthouse photography and fascinating facts, This Is the Lighthouse blends music, nonfiction, and early literacy fun into a joyful read-aloud experience.
Family-friendly Activities with the Author
There will be an interactive activity to accompany the reading of the book.
Get a Signed Book!
Cassie will have books available for sale and signing after the event.

Romance Night
2026-06-26 18:00 - 20:30 | Chicago Beef Joint, 822 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
GR Lit Fest, in partnership with Pages & Grapes romance bookstore and Chicago Beef Joint, invites you to a swoon-worthy and sizzling night with our panel of romance authors. After this event, join us for an encore event at 8:30 – The Bookish Burlesque Show!
The Evening’s Schedule

6:00-6:30 Spicy Bingo with Heather from Pages & Grapes
6:30-7:00 Browse the Books
7:00-8:00 Romance Author Panel
8:00-8:15 Grab that Book You Didn’t Get Earlier and are Still Thinking About

Attending Authors:

Stef C.R. (sports romance)
Rachel Esterline (motorcycle club)
Molly Harper (paranormal romance)
Tana Jenkins (sweet romance)

Authors will have their books available for sale and signing after the event.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a 21+ event and requires a 1 drink minimum. Non-alcoholic drinks are available.

Not Tonight. I’m Reading - Bookish Burlesque Show
2026-06-26 20:30 - 22:30 | Chicago Beef Joint, 822 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
GR Lit Fest is excited to partner with Broads Burlesque and Chicago Beef Joint to present:
Not Tonight. I’m Reading.
This bookish-themed burlesque show will feature favorite book characters brought to life through burlesque! Be sure to bring those dollar bills.
Ticket Price: $10
The burlesque show will take place after Romance Night. Readers can pay for their ticket with cash or card by having their attendance added to their bill. Anyone who pays for their ticket and stays for the show will receive a colored paper wrists band.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a 21+ event.

K-12 Book Fair
2026-06-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Has Heart, 22 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
In partnership with Has Heart Café, GR Lit Fest invites readers to our K-12 book fair! Join us for this family-friendly event on the patio to browse a wonderful collection of books perfect for summer reads.
Special Guest
We are delighted to welcome the beloved Wimee the Robot to the book fair! Wimee the Robot can be seen on PBS stations across the country, inspiring millions of kids to think creatively, express themselves, and explore the world through words, art, and technology.
Attending Authors:

Lauren Anderson
R.E. Bellesmith
Becca Bielicki
M. W. Dendler
Jessica K Foster
Benjamin Kamphuis
Michelle Kulwicki
Alex Ebenstein
Kelli Storm
Cassie Veselovsky
Suse Wilcox
Ms Z

Parking
There is metered street parking (free on the weekend) on a first come, first serve, basis surrounding the west, south, and eastern sides of Veterans Memorial Park.

Graphic Novel, Comic, Zine Night
2026-06-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Black Dog Books & Records, 959 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
In partnership with Black Dog Books & Records, GR Lit Fest invites you to dive into the vibrant world of visual storytelling at our Graphic Novel, Comic Book, and Zine night! Our guest authors not only wield words to tell stories, but create emotion-evoking artwork as well.
Join these talented creators as they explore the unique process behind crafting zines, graphic novels, and comics. Authors will discuss everything from visual worldbuilding and character design to self-publishing, distribution, and finding your audience.
Attending Authors:

Tuyet-Nhi Pham
Ivy Rose
Rue Sparks

Authors will have their books available for sale and signing after the event.

Adult Book Fair
2026-06-28 14:00 - 18:00 | 6th Street Hall, 649 6th Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
GR Lit Fest, in partnership with the 6th Street Hall, invites you to Grand Rapid’s West Side for our Adult Book Fair! Browse books of 40 authors in multiple genres to find your next favorite read. Adult beverages are available to sip while you shop.
We feel fortunate to host an amazing group of authors writing in multiple genres. While the following list is a rough guide, we encourage readers to explore the variety of stories our guest authors have written.
Attending Authors:
Fantasy

V.L. Barycz
Pat Bitt
Stefanie Gilmour
LeAnn Kelley
Kayliani Shi

Graphic Novel / Comic / Zine

H&S Alvaurence
Tuyet-Nhi Pham
Ivy Rose
Rue Sparks

Historical Fiction

Sammy Beuker
Caitlin Horrocks
Angela Shupe
Janyre Tromp

Horror

Alex Ebenstein
Andy Lockwood
Samantha Moran
The Twilight Traveler

Literary Fiction

Kristine E. Brickey
Cecilia A. Garcia
Bethany Tap

Mystery

Erin R. Hodges
Mark Love
Marissa Malson

Non-Fiction

Nancy Collander
M.C. Johnson
Dr. Stuart D. Jones
D. Leon Stokes

Poetry

Andrew Collard
Vincent Moyet
Lynne Schmidt

Romance

Alby Blake
Rachel Esterline
Tana Jenkins
Meika Usher
Maude Winters

Sci-Fi

Martin L. Shoemaker

Thriller

Michael Balter

Young Adult

Jana Chantel
Melanie Hooyenga
Kelli Storm

Dream Big - A Free Literacy Play Experience
2026-06-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Houseman Playground, 162 Hausman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
THE PLAYGROUNDgr is proud to bring this THE PLAYGROUNDgr and GR Lit Fest event to our community on June 29, 2026 at 4pm – 6pm as the Grand Finale of their full week of literacy and community collaborations!

What does your child dream about becoming when they grow up?
An artist? A teacher? A chef? A scientist? An entrepreneur? A community leader?

Join us for Dream Big, a free community event designed to inspire children to imagine their futures and discover the many possibilities available to them right here in Grand Rapids.

READ-alouds with local authors featuring stories about dreams, goals, and self-belief

EAT with food programming like the YMCA Veggie Van

PLAY at the newly re-imagined Houseman Playground! Creative activities and imaginative play experiences with interactive stations focused on wellness, mindfulness, nutrition, financial literacy, and more
CONNECT with organizations and resources that support children and families

EXPLORE your future!

DREAM BIG ….

We believe every child deserves the chance to imagine a bright future and have the practical tools they need to make it happen…and of course the chance to PLAY!

Through engaging storytimes, creative activities, hands-on experiences, and interactive community partner booths, children will explore big ideas about their futures while building confidence, curiosity, and hope.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Sherwood Global Academy, Sylvan Learning, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Wimee, Midtown Neighborhood Association, Mo’photography LLC, Whole Hearted Marketing and LMCU and Wege Foundation.
