ABOUT SEACOAST LITFEST
Sunday, September 7
Chestnut Street Book Fair & Immersive Reading Experience
10am-2pm • Chestnut Street (OPEN TO ALL!)
A Conversation with Jennifer Weiner • 4pm • Historic Theater
Monday, September 8
CreativeMornings PKX: Secrets • 9am • The Lounge*
*Reservation included in Passes, free to all
The Music Hall Book Club with Real Americans by Rachel Khong
6pm • The Lounge (OPEN TO ALL!)
Book Club Meet-Up • 7pm • The Lounge
Tuesday, September 9
MacDowell Across the Table Conversations:
Mary Gaitskill in Conversation with August Lamm • 7pm • The Lounge*
*Passholders Only
Wednesday, September 10
Seacoast LitFest Passholder-only Party • 5pm • The Lounge*
*Passholders Only
Red Carpet Gala • 6:30pm-7pm • Chestnut Street
Dan Brown and The Secret of Secrets • 7pm • Historic Theater
An inspiring multi-day celebration, the Seacoast LitFest brings together bestselling authors, thought leaders, and curious readers for an unforgettable literary experience on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. From lively book chats and author talks to a vibrant book fair and community events, the festival invites audiences of all ages to connect. Presented by New Hampshire Public Radio and The Music Hall, two of the state’s leading voices for storytelling and culture.
Presented in partnership by:
Presenting Sponsor:
The Music Hall is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt, fiscally responsible not-for-profit organization, managed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and a professional staff. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
seacoast litfest paSS
• Priority Orchestra seating for both keynote WNES events (Dan Brown and Jennifer Weiner)
• Passholder-only party
• Signed copy of Dan Brown's The Secret of Secrets ($38, hardcover)
• Post-show photo opportunity with Jennifer Weiner
• Signed copy of Jennifer Weiner's The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits ($30, hardcover)
• Exclusive access to the MacDowell Across the Table Conversations event in The Lounge featuring Mary Gaitskill and August Lamm
• Selection of books from participating authors
$250 PASS includes:
featured keynote authors & speakers
and the secret of secrets
a conversation with JENNIFER WEINER
Sunday, Sep. 7 • 4pm • Historic Theater
Wednesday, Sep. 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Jennifer Weiner brings charm and wit to the podium, discussing her bestselling books, personal stories, and women’s search for a sense of self. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer has penned more than two dozen books that have sold over 11 million copies in 36 countries and have collectively spent more than five years on The New York Times bestseller list.
Her new book, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, explores sisterhood, motherhood, young love, and the dreams we chase set against the glimmering backdrop of the pop music industry. Over more than two decades, Jennifer has written compulsively readable novels with rich emotional depth that center women, exploring themes such as complex familial relationships, the challenges of being a plus-size woman, the difficulties of motherhood, rollercoaster romances, the social landscape of modern America, and, above all, the way the world treats—and mistreats—women.
One of the bestselling authors of all time, Brown will appear live with his brand-new novel, The Secret of Secrets — making Portsmouth the second stop on his exclusive world-wide book tour.
With over 200 million copies sold worldwide, Brown’s novels have been published in 57 languages, ignited global conversations, and inspired blockbuster films starring Tom Hanks. From The Da Vinci Code to Angels & Demons, his works have defined the modern thriller.
This will be a red-carpet evening of literary excitement — a hometown celebration for one of the world’s most widely read authors and a once-in-a-generation moment for the Seacoast. Join us as we welcome Dan Brown back to the very stage where his journey began — for an unforgettable night of storytelling, intrigue, and celebration.
Don’t miss this historic event.
$75*
*Includes a signed copy of The Secret of Secrets ($38, hardcover)
$45; $50; $55; $65
Presented in partnership with The Music Hall & New Hampshire Public Radio
Join us for two unforgettable Writers On A New England Stage events to bookend the festival.
dan brown
Passes & Individual Tickets On Sale NOW!
Please Note: Individual Tickets do not include copy of The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits
Individual tickets are available to the following Keynote events.
Please Note: Priority Seating is reserved for Passholders. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO..
macdowell "Across the table conversations"
The Music Hall, MacDowell, and New Hampshire Public Radio present Across the Table Conversations, a multidisciplinary talks series spotlighting emerging and established MacDowell Fellows in public conversation.
Celebrated author Mary Gaitskill (Veronica, This is Pleasure) joins writer and visual artist August Lamm for a conversation on creativity, generational influence, and the artistic process—echoing MacDowell’s legendary dinner-table dialogues.
Gaitskill’s acclaimed work has earned major honors and appeared in The New Yorker and Harper’s, while Lamm’s essays have been featured in The Guardian and The New York Times, with her debut novel forthcoming from Vintage.
Please Note: This event is included in the Seacoast LitFest Pass.
Individual tickets are not available.
Sunday, September 7 - Wednesday, September 10
Chestnut Street Book Fair & Immersive Reading Experience
Sunday, Sep. 7 • 10am-2pm • Chestnut Street
A Conversation with Jennifer Weiner
Sunday, Sep. 7 • 4pm • Historic Theater
CreativeMornings PKX: Secrets
Monday, Sep. 8 • 9am • The Lounge
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
The Music Hall Book Club with Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Monday, Sep. 8 • 6pm • The Lounge
Book Club Meet-Up
Monday, Sep. 8 • 7pm • The Lounge
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Chestnut Street Book Fair & Immersive Reading Experience
Sunday, Sep. 7 • 10am-2pm
Join us on Sunday, September 7 outside the Historic Theater on Chestnut Street for a FREE & OPEN TO ALL Seacoast LitFest Book Fair!
From 10am to 2pm, enjoy live music, visit with local vendors on Chestnut Street, participate in our book swap, and participate in our book give-away for young readers!
Meanwhile, inside the Historic Theater, step into a one-of-a-kind immersive reading experience! Settle into the plush red seats and lose yourself in the pages of your favorite book, all while cinematic visuals glide across the big screen and a curated soundtrack fills the air. This serene, multi-sensory environment transforms the theater into a haven for readers—inviting you to pause, imagine, and read in a space where every detail is designed to inspire.
Bring your own books and enjoy a reading experience like no other!
CreativeMornings PKX: Secrets
Mon., Sep. 8 • 9am
This special edition of CreativeMornings is all about secrets—the secrets of the creative process! Hear from a diverse panel of writers and authors during this special edition of CreativeMornings PKX at The Music Hall Lounge.
Hear from a diverse panel of local authors and writers, featuring: Abdi Nor Iftin, Lara Prescott, Diannely Antigua, and Mark Dagostino
Something for the Literary Early Birds!
Registration for this event is included in Seacoast LitFest Passes.
The Music Hall Book Club: Real Americans by Rachel Khong & Book Club Meet-Up
Mon., Sep. 8 • 6-9pm
This special edition of The Music Hall's Book Club is open to ALL in celebration of the inaugural Seacoast LitFest!
Join us for a discussion of The New York Times Bestseller from Rachel Khong, Real Americans.
Following the event will be a special book club reception where local book clubs (including The Music Hall Book Club) are invited to The Lounge to mingle, discuss, and chat all things books!
Passholder Reception* & Red Carpet Gala
Wed., Sep. 10 • 5pm
*Passholders Only
Seacoast LitFest Passholders are invited to an exclusive celebration at The Lounge on the final night of the festival.
Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and live music before hitting the red carpet on Chestnut Street!
Exclusive Passholder Only Event
Tuesday, Sep. 9 • 7pm • The Lounge
Mary gaitskill in conversation with august lamm
about the series
To get exlcusive priority access to both the above events
(along with other great benefits), purchase a LitFest Pass!
All guests are invited to attend the full Seacoast LitFest schedule of events!
Please see details for Passholder exclusive events.