Off-the-Books

Lit Crawl Austin is back

Words by Sam Lauron Photo by Texas Book Festival 

In conjunction with the Texas Book Festival, Lit Crawl is back for another round of “irreverent literary programming” that will celebrate authors, avid readers, and literature in an off-the-cuff setting.

For one weekend each October, book lovers of all ages can enjoy two days’ worth of free programming at one of the nation’s largest literary festivals. The Texas Book Festival will take place on October 27 and 28 at the State Capitol and will feature conversations with authors, book signings, and more than 100 exhibitors. Family-friendly activities, a book sales tent, and food trucks will be on site for festival goers.

But once the sun goes down, those who are looking to take the literary programming up a notch can make their way to East Austin for Lit Crawl. Set among bars and event spaces, the literary pub crawl programming will include performances, trivia matches, games, and engaging storytelling sessions with, of course, a side of libations. Now in its eighth year, the Lit Crawl is scheduled to take place on the night of October 27 in venues on East Cesar Chavez, East 7th Street and East 6th Street.

“We love working with East Austin businesses that donate their space for our literary shenanigans,” says Texas Book Festival Literary Director, Julie Wernersbach. “With all of its unique bars and event spaces, it is the perfect place for Lit Crawl Austin.”

A few of the events that are in the lineup include spoken word performances from Chicon Street Poets, a short story contest, and a letterpress workshop. There will also be appearances from several book festival authors including Aja Gabel, Lou Berney, and Tommy Orange, among others.

Attendees can participate in the programming by making stops at each of the venues throughout the night which include Prohibition Creamery, The North Door, Lewis Carnegie, Gelateria Gemelli, Brew & Brew, and Stay Gold. “We’re grateful to all of our East Austin partners who help us put on this night of literary fun and entertainment,” says Wernersbach.

All of the events are free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged. Find the full schedule for Lit Crawl here.

Contact
texasbookfestival.org/lit-crawl-austin

*Lit Crawl is a project of Texas Book Festival and Litquake Foundation, a nonprofit literary organization based in San Francisco.