Indiana Humanities announces 2026 literary festival

Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest will gather readers and writers for the third year on Oct. 3.

Indiana Humanities will celebrate the power of writing that grows in the Midwest during the third annual Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest Saturday, Oct. 3, offering a full schedule for writers, readers, and lovers of all things literary.

Hosted in partnership with local poets Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Chantel Massey, the festival will take place at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis and will include: a book fair with local booksellers and literary organizations; panel conversations; local and regional author readings; a local writers mixer; workshops led by experienced authors; bookish activities for all ages; an open mic; and food, drink, music, games, and prizes.

New this year will be a local author fair, held in partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library, which will run from 10am to 4pm at Herron High School, located around the corner from the Harrison Center. Indiana authors are invited to apply for one of up to 30 free table spaces at the event. Selected participants will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their books while connecting with the literary community. Author applications will be accepted through July 29. Authors will be notified of acceptance on or after Sept. 4, 2026.

“For the past two years, we’ve been overwhelmed by the way folks have embraced this opportunity to celebrate literature, discover new authors and skills, and learn from each other,” said Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities. “Not only has Proof become a way for Hoosiers and attendees from around the Midwest to meet and engage with renowned authors, but we’ve heard countless stories of readers and writers finding the people who will become their community.”

The festival will end with an open mic hosted by local poets on Saturday evening and will be open to all writers, readers, and lovers of literature. Activations will also take place around the neighborhood outside of the Harrison Center and Herron High School, including at the Indiana Humanities building.

There will be independent bookstores, local publications, and other literary organizations tabling throughout the event. For more information about the featured speakers and vendors and how to get involved, check Indiana Humanities’ website, which will be updated frequently. This schedule is subject to change.

What: book fair, panel discussions, author readings, local writers mixer, writing workshops, family-friendly activities, open mic

When: Saturday, Oct. 3

Where: The Harrison Center (1505 N. Delaware St. Indianapolis, IN 46202), Herron High School (110 E 16^th St. Indianapolis, IN 46202), and surrounding neighborhood

Proof is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged. A link to RSVP will follow in late summer. To learn more and apply for the local authors fair, visit https://airtable.com/appDJbZySlLXeiqmv/pagsBd8BVyGA55oya/form

Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest is supported by the Poetry Foundation, Herbert Simon Family Foundation, the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards, Penrod Society, Ross Bemis of Maywright Property Co., and our partners at the Harrison Center, Indianapolis Public Library, Herron High School, Loudmouth Books, Tomorrow Bookstore, Tea’s Me, Paws & Think, and Foundry Provisions.