Celebrating 20 Years of Writers On A New England Stage!
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.
And stay tuned - there are more exciting Seacoast LitFest announcements to come!
Join us for two fantastic Writers on a New England Stage events to bookend the festival:
Jennifer Weiner with The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits
Sunday, Sep. 7 • 4pm • 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.
Jennifer Weiner will be in conversation with NHPR's Hannah McCarthy, co-host of Civics 101.
Dan Brown with The Secret of Secrets
Wednesday, Sep. 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
One of the best-selling 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.
Brown will be in conversation with NHPR’s Rick Ganley, host of Morning Edition.
We are proud to announce, in partnership with The Music Hall and The MacDowell Colony, Across the Table Conversations, a multidisciplinary talks series spotlighting emerging and established MacDowell Fellows in public conversation. The first event in the series will take place during the Seacoast LitFest.
The kickoff event will feature celebrated author Mary Gaitskill in conversation with writer and visual artist August Lamm on Tuesday, September 9 at 7pm at The Music Hall Lounge.
The inaugural talk brings together two powerful literary voices:
Mary Gaitskill is one of America’s most celebrated authors, known for her searing, emotionally complex novels, essays, and short stories. Her acclaimed works include This is Pleasure, Veronica (a finalist for the National Book Award), and Bad Behavior, which included the short story “Secretary,” later adapted into the film starring Maggie Gyllenhaal. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, Arts and Letters Award, and other major honors, Gaitskill’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s, and Esquire.
August Lamm is a writer and visual artist whose essays have appeared in The Guardian and The New York Times. Known for her perspectives on low-tech living, she has been featured on NBC and NPR. Her debut novel is forthcoming from Vintage.
Together, Gaitskill and Lamm will explore the intersections of creativity, generational influence, and artistic process—carrying forward the spirit of MacDowell’s storied dinner-table dialogues.
This event is currently available only for Seacoast LitFest passholders.
VIP Pass Includes:
- Priority Orchestra seating available to both keynote WNES events (Jennifer Weiner and Dan Brown)
- VIP Passholder-only party
- Signed copy of Dan Brown's The Secret of Secrets ($38, hardcover)
- Signed copy of Jennifer Weiner's The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits ($30, hardcover)
- Exclusive access to Across the Table Conversations in The Lounge
- Selection of books from participating authors
- Priority book club access
- Plus, more to come!
Seacoast LitFest Schedule
Jennifer Weiner and The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits • Sunday, Sep. 7 • 4pm • Historic Theater
City-Wide Book Clubs • Monday, Sep. 8
Across the Table Conversations with Mary Gaitskill & August Lamm • Tuesday, Sep. 9 • 7pm • The Lounge
Dan Brown and The Secret of Secrets • Wednesday, Sep. 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
