Events
We’re always creating engaging events focused on literature and the arts throughout the year. Join us at author talks, workshops, and fundraisers.
Stories We Don't Tell
A special program of film and poetry dedicated to May is Mental Health month.
VIP ALL ACCESS PASS: THE BEACON LITFEST 2026
EARLY BIRD PASS: Weekend Jun 12-14
Enjoy major award-winning poets and writers; immersive performances; mixers; book signings; and more! Multiple venues on Beacon's lively Main St. Early bird pass includes entry to ALL Friday and Saturday programs, cocktail book-signing event, AND our SPECIAL VIP EXPERIENCE on Saturday evening. NOTE: This special Early Bird Pass also includes discount(s) on our Sun Jun 14 writing workshops.
Tickets: https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/the-beacon-litfest-jun-12-14-2026
BLF: The Exquisite Art of Translation
This year, The Beacon Litfest is thrilled to shine a spotlight on the important work of translators and their essential part in the creative process. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how stories travel across languages and shape the way we, as readers, encounter our world. Independent presses specializing in translation are gaining national recognition, and BLF is proud to offer you a front row seat! Featuring award winning translators Daisy Rockwell, Han Zhang, and Johnny Lorenz, with Deborah Kapchan as moderator. Location: The BEAHIVE 6 Eliza St, Beacon, NY.
https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litfest-the-exquisite-art-of-translation
TICKET BUNDLE ONLY: The Beacon Litfest Jun 12- 13, 2026
The ticket bundle is the affordable option for access to all Fri Jun 12 and Sat Jun 13 programs. It provides for a small discount compared with the purchase of all tickets individually. You’ll get to attend the three main panels and join in the cocktail book-signing mixer! https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litfest-ticket-bundle-jun-12-13
NB: This pass DOES NOT include the Sat evening VIP dinner. It DOES NOT include the 10% discount for the Jun 14 writing workshops which are sold separately.
Beacon Litfest: The Poet As Witness
Beacon Litfest: The Poet As Witness
How the poet brings the shadows of human experience into the light through language. The poet serves as a witness -standing at the threshold of what is observed at the very shadows of human awareness and carrying it, through language, into form. Poetry strips away all secondary meaning and brings the focus on the words--how they occupy space and make use of silence-- to create the very foundation of written expression and from which all other writing emanates. Join us to welcome our special panel of accomplished writers: Dawn Lundy Martin, Natalya Sukhonos, and Wayne Koestenbaum. Location: The BEAHIVE 6 Eliza St, Beacon, NY
https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litfest-the-poet-as-witness
Beacon Litfest: Crafting Realities in Nonfiction and Fiction
Fascinating discussions are guaranteed in our Nonfiction and Fiction panels this June! We'll hear from master writers including: Michele Filgate, MJ Corey, Deborah Kapchan, Alexander Chee, Erin Somers, and Julia Phillips. Blurring the boundaries between objective reality and the subjective imagination are what all writers have in common. This event promises to be a lively and enlightening exploration of both nonfiction and fiction works and works in progress. All ticketholders are also invited to the cocktail party and book-signing mixer that follows! Location: St Rita's Music Room in Beacon, NY
https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litfest-crafting-realities-in-fiction-and-nonfiction
VIP Experience: Fundraiser Dinner Only
VIP Experience PARTY ONLY
If you WON'T be attending the festival program, but are looking for a very special Saturday night while helping to support The Beacon Litfest, please join us at the VIP EXPERIENCE on Sat, Jun 13, 8p-9:30p, Beacon location: TBA https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/vip-experience-fundraiser-dinner-party-only
NB: If you have an ALL ACCESS Pass, it already includes entry for 1 (one) VIP experience attendee.
WRITING WORKSHOP: POETRY
Beacon Litfest: WRITING WORKSHOP-POETRY with Joseph Fasano
Learn poetry forms and how to write from the spirit in this unique poetry intensive. Generative workshop with writing prompts and discussion. Joseph Fasano is an award winning poet and novelist with broad experience in writing instruction; he has taught at Columbia U, SUNY and other venues. https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litfest-writing-workshop-poetry
WRITING WORKSHOP: CREATIVE NONFICTION
Beacon Litfest: Writing Workshop - Creative Nonfiction with Instructor Michele Filgate.
This workshop will focus on developing creative nonfiction narratives in many forms including personal essay, memoir, and more. Michele Filgate is an acclaimed author, editor, and is an experiened instructor of creative writing at Columbia, NYU, and many other venues. https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litfest-writing-workshop-creative-nonfiction
WRITING WORKSHOP: FICTION
Beacon Litfest: Writing Workshop- FICTION Instructor: Jeanne-Marie Fleming.
This workshop will explore fiction writing by interrogating where memory meets imagination. The intensive will include craft instruction, guided writing prompts, and discussion. Jeanne-Marie Fleming has published extensively, and is an author, editor, and professional writing instructor. https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litfest-writing-workshop-fiction
70’s Dance Party with DJ Felix Hernandez!
Friday April 24, 6:30-9:45pm at Denning’s Point Distillery. Rock on down to the BLF 1970's dance party! We’ve got a groovy event in the works! Hippie? Disco? Preppy? get ready for a hot costume contest, raffles, photo ops, and more! Featuring special DJ guest FELIX HERNANDEZ of Rhythm Revue and WBGO fame!
Tickets: https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/dance-party-rock-soul-boogie-70s
Murder She Wrote: A crime-writing workshop
Wed Mar 18, 630-830pm at The Factory Hotel Lounge. A reprise of our wildly popular true-crime writing intensive with expert instructor Cynthia Weiner of The Writers Studio, NYC and author of A Gorgeous Excitement. Ms Weiner will share how she crafted her NYT bestselling novel around the infamous Central Park ‘preppy murder’ and guide participants in creating their own pieces using select true crime cases. You'll want to get your tickets soon, we sold out quickly last time!
Early access tickets here: https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/beacon-litworks-true-crime-writing-intensive
The Unseen Wars: Life with Mental Illness
Sun Jan 18, 4-530pm at Savage Wonder 139 Main St, Beacon. Winter can be especially challenging for those navigating mental illness. This special event centers on the lived experiences and creative expression of affected individuals and the impact. This special program will be followed by what we hope are deep, honest conversations with audience members and special guests.
Featuring award-winning Filmmaker Nira Burstein, SLAM champion Poet Nina Robins, and Integrative Psychiatrist Galen Ballentine and others. Space is limited.
Tickets and additional info on the Savage Wonder website or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-unseen-wars-life-with-mental-illness-tickets-1979059666738
Fresh Visions: Creative Writing Workshop
Over the past 20 years, award-winning author Julie Chibbaro has taught many how to reach their inner writer. Her unique craft talk and prompts will help writers expand on their ideas and apply laser focus to character, plot, how to 'show' not tell, and how to gradually raise the stakes in their stories to glue readers to the page.In this intensive and informative hands-on workshop, participants will complete and share new work or polish ongoing work to submit for publication.
What Happens Next? Writing Suspense Fiction
Why do some stories keep us turning pages late into the night? The answer is suspense—the essential ingredient that hooks readers, raises the stakes, and makes them care deeply about what happens next. In this class, we’ll explore techniques to build tension and experiment with ways to make your writing truly un-put-downable.
Storytelling Live at Savage Wonder
Beacon LitWorks Presents: Storytelling Live at Savage Wonder
Come hear the raw, real, and brand-new stories from our workshop participants in an intimate underground art setting. Grab a drink, cheer them on, and be part of the night’s discoveries.
Storytelling intensive w/John Blesso
Create your story with pro storyteller John Blesso. Includes onstage performance at Savage Wonder later that day! Limited to 6 participants.
Marya Lawrence Sings! w/ Freddie Bryant
Accomplished Contemporary vocalist known for her warm style, and inspired scatting - brings a fresh perspective to the standards!
Queer from There to Here
A not-to-be missed The Beacon Litfest event: Featuring illustrator and writer Ned Asta with the 40th ann. ed. of "The Faggots and Their Friends After the Revolution" and author and activist Dawn Lundy Martin presenting "Instructions for The Lovers" along with Stephen Motika of Nightboat! This special intimate event has limited seating, so grab your tickets now!
Jun 28 Drama: Hit House Creative and BLF
NOTE THE NEW DATE FOR The theater portion of The Beacon LitFest happens Sat Jun 28, 1:30pm at Howland Cultural Center. Join TEA Artistry Directors, Vieve Radha Price and Chuk Obasi and for a transformative conversation focused around the powerful process of 'Insight Artistry". Learn how dramatic pieces are conceived, adapted, and expressed, and how language is transformed from page to stage. Moderated by Shane Killoran, CEO of Hit House Creative. Get ready for something you've never seen before--Hit House never disappoints!
Jun 15 BEACON LITWORKS: Writing Workshops
BEACON LITWORKS: Writing Workshops. Professionally-led writing workshops in Beacon, NY. Build your voice. Create community. Get it on the page.
Jun 14 FICTION, NONFICTION and cocktail party
The spotlight is on Nonfiction and Fiction from 5pm to 7:30pm at Main St's stately VFW Memorial Hall. Joining us are brilliant, award-winning authors Francine Prose, Kris Jansma, Matt Schultz, Stacey D'Erasmo, and Dinaw Mengestu. Brian Mahoney (Chronogram) and Caroline Eisner (Academic Consultant) moderate. Followed by book-signing and cocktail party.
Jun 14 POETRY- Prize-winning panelists
Sat. June 14 begins 10:30am with POETRY! RUTH DANON, 2025 Dutchess Poet Laureate; JOHN YAU, 2018 winner of the Jackson Prize in Poetry among others; and GREGORY PARDLO, 2015 winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, will read and discuss their works in conversation with Andrea Talarico (Stanza Books).
Jun 13 BLF introduces: WOMEN in NOIR
Discover three thrilling, award-winning Women in Noir! Prepare for an exciting, immersive Friday the 13th Noir experience with authors Julia Dahl, Jode Millman and Margot Douaihy! Moderated by writers Cynthia Weiner and Jackie Corley.
The “3-day pass” BEACON LITFEST All Access Pass
Hello Lit Lover!
We are delighted to fill you in on this year's BEACON LITFEST, planned for Thurs, Fri, Sat, June 12-14, 2025! All at link below:
https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/early-bird-three-day-pass-jun-121314-2025
The Beacon LitFest celebrates the literary arts by connecting the community of readers and writers in Beacon and the Hudson Valley with some of the most celebrated voices of our time. As always, we bring together a diverse group of outstanding poets, playwrights, fiction writers and nonfiction writers for readings, lively conversation, performances, and connection.
Thursday, June 12 features our ever-popular kickoff party and performance, at the wonderful Denning's Point Distillery. We are deep into developing a fun event with Drew Prochaska (Artichoke Storytelling) that will include local writers and performers. This promises to be a beautiful evening to socialize, be entertained, and enjoy bites and premium signature cocktails created by distillery owner Susan Johnson.
Our Friday, June 13th signature evening event, Women In Noir, will be held at the Howland Cultural Center. We will present an immersive multimedia program with readings by acclaimed bestselling crime and thriller fiction writers Margot Douaihy, Jode Millman, and Julia Dahl, in conversation with NY Writers Studio’s Cynthia Weiner, and TownSquare Media’s Jackie Corley. We will also hear from the winner of our BLF Crime-Writing Workshop!
Our Saturday, June 14 Main Event will feature multiple programs at various locations on Beacon’s Main St. Our schedule also allows time throughout the day to enjoy the beautiful views and the many charming shops, galleries and restaurants on Beacon's historic Main St.
The day will begin with Poetry at 10:30 am at the Beahive event space, courtesy of owner Scott Tillitt, where laudable poets Ruth Danon, John Yau, and Gregory Pardlo will read and discuss their works in conversation with Andrea Talarico (Stanza Books).
The Drama/Theater component will begin at 1:30pm at the Howland Cultural Center. It will feature founders and co-directors Vieve Radha Price and Chuk Obasi from the groundbreaking NYC-based company TEA Artistry, and will be produced and moderated by Shane Killoran (Hit House Creative).
Saturday will conclude with our Nonfiction and Fiction panels from 5pm to 7:30pm at Main St's stately VFW Memorial Hall. We are thrilled to announce that brilliant, award-winning authors Francine Prose, Kris Jansma, Matt Schultz, Stacey D'Erasmo, and Dinaw Mengestu will present and discuss their works. Beacon's own Caroline Eisner (Academic Consultant and Editor) and the ever-entertaining Brian Mahoney (Chronogram Editor-in-Chief) will guide the evening's discussion.
At 7:30pm, immediately following the day’s events, all attendees are invited to a book-signing reception and cocktail party at VFW Memorial Hall.
NB: Tickets Beacon LITWORKS: Writing Workshops Sun June 15 sold separately after Mar 15.)
Check beaconlitfest.org for more information and get your All Access Passes for the Litfest. This pass provides access for one person to ALL of Beacon LitFest events* (excluding Sunday’s Writing Workshops).
If you're making a weekend of it, your EarlyBird or All Access Pass also serves as a generous 100. discount voucher courtesy of Dutchess Inn and Spa, on Beacon’s picturesque Main St.
Books will be available for sale at most venues and at Stanza Books.
We look forward to welcoming you to Beacon!
Warmest Regards,
Jun 12 BLF Kickoff Performance and Party!
Start your literary experience with the ever-popular Beacon Litfest Kickoff Party! Performances by local writers and storytellers hosted by Drew Prochaska of Artichoke Storytelling Series, followed by food, drinks, and dancing—all at Denning’s Point Distillery.
90’s Dance Party
Dance to 90’s favorites at Denning’s Point Distillery in support of Beacon Litfest 2025! Costume contest, inspired cocktails, dope prizes, photo booth and more!
Murder She Wrote: A Crime Writing Workshop
FUNDRAISER for Beacon LitFest
with special guest
CYNTHIA WEINER, The Writers Studio, NYC, author: ‘A Gorgeous Excitement’
Your ticket INCLUDES FOOD, BEVERAGES AND WRITING MATERIALS, and you're helping us raise funds for BLF2025!
THURS NOV 14 DOORS/FOOD- 6:30P PROGRAM- 7:00-9:00P
At The FACTORY HOTEL 147 Main St Beacon, NY
Learn how true crime stories are fictionalized and create your own in a professionally-led writing workshop.
https://beaconlitfest.ticketspice.com/murder-she-wrote-a-crime-writing-workshop
The evening will feature a presentation and workshop by Cynthia Weiner of The Writers Studio, NYC, and author of the forthcoming novel A Gorgeous Excitement (Penguin Random House 2025).
Weiner will share how she crafted her soon-to-be released novel around the infamous 'preppy murder.' She'll review the issues involved in fictionalizing true crime stories and guide a writing intensive where participants create their own pieces incorporating true crime case elements.
Choose from a selection of true crime story elements (or bring your own) and begin to craft your original, fictional piece.
N.B. Participants can revise and submit their piece for a chance to perform the opening slot at our Women in Noir program at BLF 2025!
Cynthia Weiner has had a long career writing and teaching fiction. Her short stories have been published in Ploughshares, The Sun, and Epiphany, and her story “Boyfriends” was awarded a Pushcart Prize. Recently, her story “A Castle In Outerspace” was republished in Coolest American Stories 2024. She is also the assistant director of The Writers Studio in New York City.
A Gorgeous Excitement, her first novel, was inspired by her upbringing on New York’s Upper East Side in the 1980s, and particularly by the infamous “Preppy Murder” of 1986, to which she had a personal connection, having spent many nights drinking with the real-life Preppy Killer and his friends at Dorrian’s (the model for Flanagan’s bar) that summer.
(A big Thank You to The FACTORY Hotel owner, Bethany Souza).
Sandy Santra photo @whatisaframe
Dance party April 2026
