The New Orleans Literary Festival is a five-day festival held every year to celebrate writing in all its forms, but especially focused on and dedicated to playwright Tennessee Williams. Williams lived and worked here, and the festival honors his work with workshops, speakers, readings, live performances, music, writing contests, and a book fair.
The festival is held at the end of March every year, near the birthday of Williams, with sites all around the French Quarter. If you're interested in literature, drama, film, art, history, culture, music, opera, poetry, drama, or even cooking, it's an event not to be missed.
New Orleans Literary Festival - one of the highlights of 10 Best Festivals in New Orleans (Read all about New Orleans here)
Highlights of the New Orleans Literary Festival
The festival is held over five days every year and half of the events are speaking and discussion panels. In the past, such notable figures as Nora Roberts, Stephen E. Ambrose, Margaret Atwood, Anne Rice, Michael Cunningham, and John Waters have been featured, among others.
Additionally, the theatrical productions of Williams' plays and the entries of a one-act play contest are always a highlight. Every year, the festival culminates in the Stella and Stanley Shouting Contest. During this event, actors portraying characters from A Streetcar Named Desire provoke contestants into screaming "Stella!" or "Stanley!" while competing for trophies and prizes.
Things to Know About the New Orleans Literary Festival
The New Orleans Literary Festival is held at various sites throughout the French Quarter, so be sure to wear your good walking shoes. About half of the events are speakers giving talks about culture, history, and various topics related to the arts. It's generally a family-friendly affair, though prepare to hear some harsh language.
The city and the venues generally cater to people with disabilities, but it's good to check ahead for any accommodations you might need. While dogs are allowed outdoors in public areas on leashes, it's probably not a good idea to try and take them into a speaking event, with service animals excepted.
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