25 Writers’ Conferences, Retreats & Festivals to Attend in Summer and Fall 2025
/Summer is now in full swing, and in between travel plans and surprise visitors and upended schedules, it can be challenging to find time to write. It’s also tough to focus on your craft when you’re trying to beat the heat (and it’s out out there!). But summer can be the ideal time to attend a writing event, especially one that inspires creativity because it feels like a vacation.
Here is a list of 25 writing conferences, retreats, and festivals to consider attending this summer and fall (now through November). You’ll notice that most events listed below are geared toward fiction writers interested in trade publication (my specialization), but many of them are open to writers of all literary forms, regardless of their publication path. Some are being held in-person, while others are accessible online.
Although I’m not affiliated with any of the writing events listed below, I’ve attended or presented at several of them. Still, be sure to read the fine print before you sign up. And if you attend, enjoy!
Southampton Writers Conference (Southampton, NY) – July 9–13
“Celebrating Our 50th Summer!” “We offer five immersive days of high–level workshops, lectures, and panel discussions led by acclaimed authors, editors, and industry professionals. Participants can hone their craft in fiction, poetry, memoir, children's lit, and more.” Note: An application is required and due on July 1.
Midwest Writers Workshop summer conference (Muncie, IN and virtual) – July 10–12
“Over the years (we’ve been around for over fifty!) we have had numerous award-winning and bestselling faculty….” “You’ll find sessions on short stories, poetry, revision, research, structure, marketing, query letters, creative nonfiction, historical fiction, mystery/thriller, romance, young adult, children’s, and more!”
Romance Writers of America annual conference (Niagara Falls, Ont., Canada) – July 16–19
“Join us at the breathtaking Niagara Falls for RWA2025, where we invite you to ‘Fall Into Romance’ and immerse yourself in four unforgettable days of inspiration, connection, and career growth. The conference is packed with something for every stage of your writing journey—from beginner to advanced.”
Writer’s Digest Annual Conference (Baltimore, MD) – July 24–27
“Gain invaluable tips to improve your craft, explore publishing options and learn how to establish a sustainable career—all while being inspired by successful authors and your fellow attendees. It’s all brought to you by Writer’s Digest, the experts at nurturing and developing writers at every stage of their career for over 100 years.”
Willamette Writers Hybrid Conference (Portland, OR and virtual) – July 30–Aug 3
“Whether you write for the page, the stage, the screen, or the mic, you are in the right place!
At the Willamette Writers Conference, you will find everything you need to launch your writing career and live your writing life. Join your community… at the 56th annual Willamette Writers Conference—both in–person and online.”
SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference (virtual) – July 31–Aug 3
“Ready to take your children’s book career to the next level? Wherever you are in your publishing journey, the Virtual Summer Conference provides an opportunity for growth, creativity, and connection. Dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self–publishing.”
Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference (Mendocino, CA) – July 31–Aug 2
“A vibrant gathering that offers Morning Workshops in a wide range of genres. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one–on–one consultations, and open mics; and every evening offers an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and connection that make this conference, in the words of one participant, ‘life changing.’” Note: Registration is open until June 30.
Cape Cod Writers Center Conference (Cape Cod, CA) – July 31–Aug 1
“This summer the 62nd conference offers 24 courses taught by our talented author instructors and agents. Among them are specialized courses in the writing of novels, mysteries, nonfiction, memoir and poetry. There are also classes for beginners, speculative fiction, essays, creative nonfiction, flash fiction, minor characters, and speech techniques.”
Highlights Foundation Novels in Verse: Working Retreat (Milanville, PA) – Aug 10–13
“Whether you’re just starting out or continuing to navigate the complexities of the children’s publishing industry… join Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron for time to create and connect during a retreat built just for you. Ideal for those working on a verse novel at any level, even in the idea stage.” Note: The Highlights Foundation offers classes and retreats throughout the year, including the Inked Voices Retreat November 9–12.
Latinx Kidlit Book Festival’s Storytellers Conference (NY, NY) – Sept 12–13
“The LKBF’s Latinx Storytellers Conference is an annual, in–person gathering of Latinx children and adult book writers and illustrators. During this two–day event, hundreds of Latinx storytellers will enjoy craft masterclasses, professional development sessions and have access to hard–to–reach industry professionals such as publishers, editors and literary agents.”
Northern California Writers’ Retreat – Quail Writers’ Retreat (Carmel Valley, CA) – Sept 17–21
“19 other writers, 1 Author–in–Residence, 1 Developmental Editor, 1 Workshop Leader, and YOU…Welcome to our first ever Quail Retreat, a peaceful and relaxing five days and four nights of writing, workshopping, yoga, and community!” Note: The application page reads, “We’re currently closed for submissions, but we will be opening again in early August for our Poppy Retreats.”
Hedgebrook Writers Conference (Seattle, WA) — Sept 19–21
“Hedgebrook is a dynamic community of writers and we are thrilled to partner with three of our illustrious and acclaimed alumnae instructors… to craft and guide you through interactive lessons… sure to challenge and stretch your writing and provide opportunities to build community. This public event is open to intermediate and advanced writers of all genres and genders.”
Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s Retreat West (Albuquerque, NM) – Sept 24–27
“A WFWA member–favorite annual retreat… One speaker facilitates three–hours of workshop/classroom sessions each day. Five additional mini–sessions led by WFWA members. Plenty of free time for writing!... Rising Star and STAR Awards presented during the catered Awards Dinner.” Note: “Registration is open for WFWA members as well as non-members.”
Aspen Literary Festival (Aspen, CO) – Sept 26–28
“Aspen Words, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, will welcome more than 40 nationally recognized, regional and local authors… for engaging conversations, book signings and other literary activities [at this inaugural event]. Open to the public, the festival, presented in partnership with Book of the Month, will include… public programming for adults and families alike. The majority of these events will be free of charge.”
RMFW's Colorado Gold Conference (Aurora, CO and virtual) – Sept 26–28
“This year’s conference theme is The Power of Prose: Writing as a superpower to change the world. Given the theme and the evolution of the Colorado Gold Conference, we’re offering the typical in–person conference, Saturday passes, and a brand new virtual option that is sure to pack a punch.” The keynote speakers are Jonathan Maberry and CJ Leede.
James River Writer’s Conference (Richmond, VA) – Oct 3–5
The organization’s 23rd annual conference offers “Master Classes online, on Friday, October 3. Then, join us at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (in Richmond, Virginia) for a full slate of programs focusing on the craft and business of writing. Enjoy lively panel discussions, critique sessions with literary agents, an engaging keynote, and agent one–on–one meetings (standard with your ticket).”
Zibby’s Greenwich Retreat with Athena Books (Greenwich, CT) – Oct 3–5
“Zibby Media, a women–led start–up founded by Zibby Owens, is dedicated to deepening connections between readers and authors, and to building a community of book lovers.” “Our retreats are held at beautiful boutique hotels around the country with multiple featured authors, delicious food, local bookstore visits, and time for fun…. Details [on fall retreat] to come.”
Gotham Writers Fiction Conference (NY, NY and in–person) – Oct 4–5
The conference “will unfold like this: Panels and Presentations (Day 1)… for people who are ready for publication or just gearing up to enter the publishing process. Pitching Roundtables (Day 2) — Each roundtable will have two agents and a group of pre–selected writers….” “Anyone can attend the Panels and Presentations, but you must apply and be selected to participate in the Pitching Roundtables.”
SCBWI Letters & Lines conference (Arvada, CO) – Oct 18–19
“Please join the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI for our 49th annual Letters and Lines Conference… Our community is warm, welcoming, and eager to engage in learning around the craft and business of writing and illustrating for children and young adults.” Keynote speakers are author illustrators Sophie Blackall and LeYuen Pham. Faculty includes Alvina Ling, VP and Editor–in–Chief of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Writing Workshops’ Hawaii Island Writing Retreat (North Kohala Coast, Hawaii) – Oct 19–24
“Two Distinct Creative Journeys await on Hawaii's breathtaking North Kohala Coast this October… Fiction Workshop with Ashleigh Bell Pedersen [and] Generative Writing & Yoga Intensive with Virginia Reeves… both tracks include one–on–one faculty conferences….” Note: Writing Workshops offers additional Destination Retreats as well as online and in–person Writing Day Workshops.
Writer Unboxed Unconference (Santa Fe, NM) – Oct 26–30
“Part symposium. Part interactive workshop. Part community building event. Part retreat.” “Unlike other conferences, our event will not include sessions on the business of writing. Instead, we'll spend that time going deeper into areas you can better control: advancing your craft, strengthening your resolve, and helping you make meaningful connections with other writers.”
Writing Heights Writers Association Fall Retreat (Winter Park, CO) – Oct 16–19
“This writing–only retreat is a dedicated time to get away, get some work done, and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning up. The Aspen Lodge is close to downtown Winter Park for writing breaks and features several beautiful spaces to find focus and calm (pool table, hot tub). This is a perfect weekend for two full days of dedicated writing time….”
RUCCL's One–On–One Plus Conference (New Brunswick, NJ) – Nov 8
“The One–on–One Plus Conference brings together the largest number of professionals of any conference of its kind. The unique one–on–one format gives writers and illustrators a rare opportunity to share their work with an assigned mentor from the children's publishing world, whether it be an editor, agent, art director, or published author or illustrator.” Note: An application is required but isn’t yet available.
Kauai Writers Conference (Kauai, HI) – Nov 10–16
“The Kauai Writers conference, now in its eleventh year, is widely considered one of the most important and enjoyable writing and publishing events…with top authors and industry experts on topics including plot, character development, memoir, poetry, historical fiction, nonfiction, bringing life to your novel, adapting your work to film and TV, and navigating the ever–changing publishing landscape.”
Indo–American Arts Council’s Literary Festival (NY, NY) – Nov 15–16
“This distinguished celebration of the written word shines a spotlight on the vibrant cultures of India and its diaspora, offering a platform for stories that inspire, challenge, and connect…Our festival has hosted luminaries such as Salman Rushdie, Amartya Sen, Megha Majumdar, Asma Khan, Alka Joshi, and Nobel Laureate Dr. Kailash Satyarthi….” Note: This event is generally free and open to the public.
