The 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing is just around the corner
From April 16-18, 2026, the Calvin Center for Faith & Writing (CCFW) and Calvin University are hosting the 2026 Festival of Faith and Writing. The nationally acclaimed biennial event has spent more than three decades bringing readers and writers together to explore the powerful connections between faith, story, and the arts.
Directed by Jennifer Holberg, the Festival has become a premier destination for authors, teachers, publishers, and readers who are curious about how narrative shapes belief, culture, and human imagination.
Founded in 1990 by Calvin University’s English Department, the Festival began as a modest gathering of contemporary writers and readers. It quickly gained national attention for its ecumenical approach: welcoming authors from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and secular, whose work engages questions of meaning, beauty, justice, doubt, and hope.
“In the early years, the festival set out to bridge a divide between the literary world and the Christian book market,” said Holberg. “But it quickly became clear there was a national hunger for deeper conversations about belief, creativity, and the power of narrative. That’s when the festival truly took off.”
A pivotal moment came in 1992 when celebrated author Frederick Buechner spoke at Calvin, drawing overwhelming crowds and helping establish the Festival as a leading voice in national conversations about faith and the arts. Since then, the Festival has hosted hundreds of notable writers from across the literary world: novelists, poets, memoirists, children’s authors, theologians, journalists, filmmakers, and podcasters.
Over 36 years, the Festival has expanded its programming, offering:
- Author talks and keynote lectures
- Writing workshops and craft sessions
- Panel conversations across genres and traditions
- Opportunities for readers and writers to connect in meaningful dialogue
Today, the Festival continues to thrive through the partnership of the CCFW and Calvin University, serving as a cultural bridge between campus and community and offering a vibrant space for imaginative, thoughtful engagement.
“This festival is a front porch,” Holberg said. “It’s a place where the university meets the wider world, and where writers and readers meet one another with curiosity, respect, and imagination.” Holberg said. “We’re honored to welcome attendees from around the world to continue this unique conversation.”
Registration details, ticket information, and the full speaker lineup can be found at https://ccfw.calvin.edu/festival/registration