Key West Literary Seminar

The Key West Literary Seminar is an annual four-day celebration that explores a different literary theme each year. This year’s theme is “Pay Attention! The Novel, or The Long Form in a Time of Short Attention” (January 8–11, 2026) with distinguished authors including Rachel Kushner, Richard Russo, Claire Messud, and many more. For the up-to-date roster and thematic overview, click here. For an overview of event details as you consider planning your visit, read on below.

The Seminar will begin on the evening of January 8, 2026, with the John Hersey Memorial Address, followed by a gala reception. Programming begins again on Friday morning, then continues all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Onstage presentations include solo readings and lectures, one-on-one interviews, and larger conversations among three or more of our distinguished writers. In general, most authors will make two appearances on stage, and there are question-and-answer sessions, book signings, and other informal opportunities to meet with these celebrated authors and your fellow Seminar participants throughout the long weekend. The cost for the four-day event is $825/person.