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Upcoming Events

Literary Events

Readings, Conversations, and Community

Writers & Books offers diverse, accessible, in-person and virtual events all year round at low to no cost. Our events feature nationally renowned literary artists, emerging writers, regional authors, poets, actors, playwrights, and directors. Find video recordings of many of our past events on our YouTube channel.

 

Poetry Festival

Flower City Poetry Fest 2026 | June 10

Jun 10, 2026 6:00 pm
Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 Rain Venue: Third Presbyterian Church: 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY…
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Poetry Festival

Flower City Poetry Fest 2026 | June 11

Jun 11, 2026 6:00 pm
Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620Rain Venue: Third Presbyterian Church: 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607…
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Poetry Festival

Flower City Poetry Fest 2026 | June 12

Jun 12, 2026 6:00 pm
Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 Rain Venue: Third Presbyterian Church: 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY…
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Legacy Writing

Hold On to This for Me: a Joe Flaherty Legacy Writing Workshop | June

Jun 13, 2026 1:00 pm
A personal, impactful, one-of-a-kind creative aging experience Led by Ren VanMeenen Irondequoit Public Library – 1290 Titus Ave,…
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Workshops & Master Classes

The Poet Speaks: An Intergenerational Workshop

Jun 13, 2026 3:00 pm
with Amanda Eke The Poet Speaks presents an immersive, intergenerational poetry workshop inviting participants of all ages to…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Self Publishing 101

Jun 17, 2026 7:00 pm
with Erin Dionne and Nancy Werlin Take control of your writing life. Traditional publishing is in crisis. Corporate…
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Literary Partners

Dawn Bruner

Jun 18, 2026 7:00 pm
52 Truerealisms: A Pocketbook Companion for Women of Color in the Workplace This is an in-person event held…
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Literary Partners

Eugene Stelzig

Jun 27, 2026 3:30 pm
Just Saying: Selected Poems from My 60s and 70s This is an in-person event held at Writers &…
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Special Events

Scary Proud: an LGBTQIA+ Showcase

Jun 30, 2026 7:00 pm
with Rob Costello, Emrys Donaldson, Liza Flum, and Leia Penina Wilson Discussion and Q&A moderated by Michael Solis,…
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Special Events

Wit: An Open Mic for Stand-ups and Humor Writers

Jul 1, 2026 6:30 pm
Hosted by Carol Roberts and Friends  Writers & Books, 740 University Ave, Rochester NYDoors: 6:30 | Open Mic:…
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SummerWrite

Dragons, Dice, & Roleplaying | Ages: Teens

Jul 6, 2026 9:00 am
Calling all quest seekers! What do collaborative role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and writing have in common?…
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SummerWrite

Produce a 90-Second Newbery Film | Ages: 9 – 12

Jul 6, 2026 9:00 am
Transform into cast and crew to make your own short film based on a Newbery Medal-winning book! With…
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SummerWrite

Percy Jackson’s Magic Pen | Ages: 9 – 12

Jul 6, 2026 9:00 am
Percy Jackson is mighty with his sword; his creator, Rick Riordan, is mighty with his pen. Experiment with…
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SummerWrite

Graphic Novels: The World in Pictures & Words | Ages: 8 – 13

Jul 6, 2026 1:00 pm
A SummerWrite in the Branches Camp Families facing economic challenges are especially encouraged to register their young readers…
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SummerWrite

Young Authors Club | 8 – 13

Jul 6, 2026 1:00 pm
A SummerWrite in the Branches Camp Families facing economic challenges are especially encouraged to register their young readers…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Self Publishing: Details and Demonstrations

Jul 7, 2026 7:00 pm
with Erin Dionne and Nancy Werlin Take control of your writing life. This class provides a deep dive…
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Legacy Writing

Hold On to This for Me: a Joe Flaherty Legacy Writing Workshop | July

Jul 11, 2026 1:00 pm
A personal, impactful, one-of-a-kind creative aging experience Led by Ren VanMeenen FREE  | Register on the Library’s website…
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SummerWrite

Wordplay Studio | Ages: 12-14

Jul 13, 2026 9:00 am
Do you ever feel the urge to write, but when you open your notebook, you aren’t sure where…
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SummerWrite

Build-A-Book | Ages: 10 – 13

Jul 13, 2026 9:00 am
So you want to write a book—but you need a plan. Join our community of writers to learn…
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SummerWrite

Building Fantastical Worlds | Ages: 8 – 11

Jul 13, 2026 9:00 am
Have you ever wondered what it’s like living in magical worlds like those in The Chronicles of Narnia…
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SummerWrite

C is for Create Your Own Book | Ages: 7 – 9

Jul 13, 2026 9:00 am
Do you have a favorite animal, superhero, or sport? Maybe you have a hope or dream you’re ready…
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SummerWrite

Where I Can Bring All of Me | Ages: 8 – 13

Jul 13, 2026 1:00 pm
A SummerWrite in the Branches Camp Families facing economic challenges are especially encouraged to register their young readers…
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SummerWrite

Teen Worldbuilding | Ages: Teens

Jul 13, 2026 1:00 pm
Do you love imagining richly detailed fantasy and sci-fi worlds? Are you curious about how writers create systems…
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SummerWrite

Creating Heroes and Villains for Stories and Comics | Ages: 8-11

Jul 13, 2026 1:00 pm
Characters with superpowers are cool, but how do we make them feel like real people you actually care…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Writing Your Way Forward | July 15

Jul 15, 2026 6:00 pm
with Charles Cote, LCSW and Kathy Pottetti Writing Your Way Forward is a reflective writing workshop designed for…
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Special Events

Michael Solis: “Deficient” Re-Launch

Jul 15, 2026 7:00 pm
Deficient at Writers & Books (740 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607) and available in a virtual livestream Michael Solis…
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SummerWrite

Sound Playground | Ages: 9-12

Jul 20, 2026 9:00 am
Rhythm, music, and rhyme are everywhere: in songs, on stages, stuck in our heads, even in the flow…
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SummerWrite

Fractured Fairy Tales | Ages: 8 – 11

Jul 20, 2026 9:00 am
Plot twists, parody, and satire…oh my! Welcome to the wonderful world of fractured fairy tales. Through classic and…
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SummerWrite

Arts Alive: Exploring the Neighborhood | Ages: 10 – 13

Jul 20, 2026 9:00 am
We’re excited to announce this camp has been expanded into a full day experience! Rochester’s Neighborhood of the…
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SummerWrite

Outdoor Writers | Ages: 9 – 16

Jul 20, 2026 9:00 am
Summertime, sunshine, green rolling hills, and you! Explore the forest, climb to the tree house, and meander with…
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SummerWrite

Playwrights & Puppeteers | Ages: 8 – 13

Jul 20, 2026 1:00 pm
A SummerWrite in the Branches Camp Families facing economic challenges are especially encouraged to register their young readers…
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SummerWrite

Open & Fold: The Art of Bookmaking | Ages:10 – 13

Jul 20, 2026 1:00 pm
A book is a container for ideas, stories, and poems. In this playful, hands-on camp, participants will explore…
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SummerWrite

Academy for Young Magicals (Formerly Hogwarts Academy) | Ages: 8 – 14

Jul 27, 2026 9:00 am
Immerse yourself in a world of magic as Writers & Books’ three-story building transforms into the Academy for…
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SummerWrite

Academy for Young Magicals (Formerly Hogwarts Academy) | Ages: 8 – 14 – Copy

Jul 27, 2026 9:00 am
Immerse yourself in a world of magic as Writers & Books’ three-story building transforms into the Academy for…
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SummerWrite

Writing Movies | 12 – 17

Jul 27, 2026 1:00 pm
A SummerWrite in the Branches Camp Families facing economic challenges are especially encouraged to register their young readers…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Nature Writing: The Inner and Outer Landscape Converge

Aug 1, 2026 1:00 pm
with Anais Salibian In this workshop participants will explore how their relationship to nature informs their identity, worldview,…
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SummerWrite

Write a Short Play | Ages: 10 – 13

Aug 3, 2026 9:00 am
Do you love theater? Do you have a big imagination? Have you always wished you could see the…
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SummerWrite

POW, SCRIBBLE, ZAP: Graphic Novels from Start to Finish | Ages: 9-12

Aug 3, 2026 9:00 am
Words and pictures work together to tell stories in celebrated graphic novels, comics, and manga like American Born…
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SummerWrite

Story Writing Boot Camp | Ages: Teens

Aug 3, 2026 9:00 am
We will spend the week learning the essentials of writing and storytelling in a supportive setting. As a group,…
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SummerWrite

Dragons & Dice: A D&D Experience | Ages: 9-12

Aug 3, 2026 9:00 am
Calling all quest seekers! Newcomers and experts alike are welcome to participate in this dynamic, immersive group. Collaboration,…
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Legacy Writing

Hold On to This for Me: a Joe Flaherty Legacy Writing Workshop | August

Aug 3, 2026 1:00 pm
A personal, impactful, one-of-a-kind creative aging experience Led by Tyler Barton Parma Public Library – Meeting Room FREE …
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SummerWrite

Screenwriting 101 | Ages: Teens

Aug 3, 2026 1:00 pm
Have you ever wondered how your favorite TV show got to the screen? Want to try your hand…
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SummerWrite

Shiz Summer Session: A Wicked Camp | Ages: 12 – 14

Aug 3, 2026 1:00 pm
Did “Wicked” change your life… for good? Do you dream of joining Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University?…
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SummerWrite

Mystery 101 | Ages:10 – 13

Aug 3, 2026 1:00 pm
Do you enjoy a good mystery? Do you enjoy the creative writing process? Do you want to know…
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SummerWrite

It Could Happen Here | Ages: 8-13

Aug 3, 2026 1:00 pm
A SummerWrite in the Branches Camp Families facing economic challenges are especially encouraged to register their young readers…
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SummerWrite

Speak Up: Puppets for Change | Ages: 8-13

Aug 3, 2026 1:00 pm
A SummerWrite in the Branches Camp Families facing economic challenges are especially encouraged to register their young readers…
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Visiting Authors

Elizabeth Svoboda

Aug 8, 2026 3:30 pm
The Art of Pacing at Writers & Books (740 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607)  and available in a…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Writing Your Way Forward | August 9

Aug 9, 2026 1:00 pm
with Charles Cote, LCSW and Kathy Pottetti Writing Your Way Forward is a reflective writing workshop designed for…
Read More
Legacy Writing

Hold On to This for Me: a Joe Flaherty Legacy Writing Workshop | August

Aug 15, 2026 1:00 pm
A personal, impactful, one-of-a-kind creative aging experience Led by Ren VanMeenen FREE  | Register on the Library’s website…
Read More
jwhorton headshot 8mar22 - feat Workshops & Master Classes

Short Story Writing from Beginning to Revision

Aug 22, 2026 11:00 am
with James Whorton Jr. (Skip Labor Day weekend; no class on September 5) Over six weeks you’ll write…
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Visiting Authors

Virginia Eubanks

Aug 27, 2026 7:00 pm
A Guide to Open Water Lifesaving at Writers & Books (740 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607) and available in…
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Visiting Authors

Virginia Eubanks | Livestream

Aug 27, 2026 7:00 pm
A Guide to Open Water Lifesaving Virtual livestream  Virginia Eubanks will be joined in conversation by writer and…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Writing Romance: The Fundamentals of a Love Story

Sep 9, 2026 6:00 pm
with Norma Hopcraft Want to fall in love with writing? Want readers to fall in love with your…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Writing Friends: An Open-Genre Workshop

Sep 9, 2026 6:00 pm
with Chen Chen Inspired by recent discourse on the complexities of friendship, this generative workshop will explore an…
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Visiting Authors

Michael Waters and Mihaela Moscaliuc

Sep 24, 2026 7:00 pm
Pagan Sky (Poems 2000 – 2025) and HeartmoorThe poets will read from their new releases and then be…
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Alex Sanchez | RAINBOW BOYS 25th Anniversary

Sep 30, 2026 6:30 pm
Doors: 6:30 PM  | Reading: 7 PMThis hybrid event takes place at Writers & Books (740 University Ave,…
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Alex Sanchez | RAINBOW BOYS (VIRTUAL)

Sep 30, 2026 7:00 pm
Reading: 7 PMVirtual Event The author will be in conversation with author Linda Sue Park Join us for…
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Workshops & Master Classes

Enter Stage Write: Crafting Short Plays

Oct 3, 2026 11:00 am
with Paula Marchese From Chekov to Mamet, the one-act play remains a challenging and powerful way to tell…
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Workshops & Master Classes

How to Finish a Novel You Started

Oct 8, 2026 6:00 pm
  with Alex Sanchez Having trouble completing your manuscript? Maybe you started with a spark, but the light…
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Workshops & Master Classes

The Heart of Your Story: Finding Meaning in Your Memoir

Nov 4, 2026 6:00 pm
with Anais Salibian Wednesdays, 6 – 8 PM, November 4 – December 2 (Skip Thanksgiving week; no class…
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Rochester Reads

Rochester Reads: 25th Anniversary Keynote Address

Nov 10, 2026 7:00 pm
Omar El Akkad & Sonja Livingston One Day… by Omar El Akkad Ghostbread by Sonja Livingston Doors open…
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Rochester Reads

Rochester Reads 2026 | Tickets

Nov 10, 2026 7:00 pm
Omar El Akkad & Sonja Livingston Rochester Reads 25th Anniversary Keynote Address Tuesday, November 10, 7PM St. John Fisher University, Cleary…
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  • SummerWrite

Academy for Young Magicals (Formerly Hogwarts Academy) | Ages: 8 – 14 – Copy

July 27, 2026

9:00 am

Immerse yourself in a world of magic as Writers & Books’ three-story building transforms into the Academy for Young Magicals!

Read More

Alex Sanchez | RAINBOW BOYS (VIRTUAL)

September 30, 2026

7:00 pm

Reading: 7 PMVirtual Event The author will be in conversation with author Linda Sue Park Join us for the 25th

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Alex Sanchez | RAINBOW BOYS 25th Anniversary

September 30, 2026

6:30 pm

Doors: 6:30 PM | Reading: 7 PMThis hybrid event takes place at Writers & Books (740 University Ave, Rochester NY)

Read More
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