Two-Day McKinney Literary Fest Spotlights Local Authors

The McKinney Public Library System is inviting bookworms, wordsmiths and curious minds alike to the McKinney Literary Fest, a two-day mashup of stories, art and local creative flair.

Set for Aug. 23–24 at McKinney City Hall, 401 E. Virginia St., the free festival offers a full schedule of talks, signings and opportunities to meet the authors behind the stories.

A Showcase Of Local Talent

More than 40 local authors and illustrators will be on hand, representing genres from science fiction and fantasy to mystery, romance, poetry and memoir. Visitors can browse author tables, purchase books and connect directly with creators. Neighbor Books will also be selling works by the festival’s keynote speakers. For a full lineup of authors, visit the link here.  

"The McKinney Literary Fest is about creating a community where readers and writers connect, grow, and celebrate the art of storytelling," said Spencer Smith, director of the McKinney Public Library System. "We're excited to make literature even more accessible and central to our city's cultural life."

Photo: Lovelyn Photography | City of McKinney

Keynote Speakers

Saturday’s keynote speaker, George Getschow, will take the stage at 10:30 a.m. A Pulitzer Prize jurist, former Wall Street Journal reporter and author of Pastures of the Empty Page, Getschow is known for his deep experience in narrative nonfiction and investigative journalism. His talk will explore the enduring power of true storytelling.

On Sunday at 11:30 a.m., Lyndsey Lewellen will share her perspective on fiction and writing for young audiences. The author of The Chaos Grid and The Crier Stone, Lewellen also has a middle-grade steampunk adventure on the horizon.

Free And Open To All

The McKinney Literary Fest is free to attend, thanks to support from the McKinney Public Library Foundation. Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring writer or simply curious about the local literary scene, the weekend offers a chance to engage with stories and the people who tell them, right in the heart of McKinney.

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