A new celebration of books, art, and storytelling is coming to Vicksburg this spring. The first-ever Pulp & Press Lit Arts Fest will take place April 24–25, bringing two days of author talks, hands-on workshops, and literary-themed events to southwest Michigan.
The festival kicks-off Friday evening with Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures”. Van Pelt will speak at the Vicksburg Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on April 24, marking the official start of what organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
Most festival events will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many of the Pulp & Press festival events are free to attend, although some workshops and speaking events require advance registration or tickets to help cover programming costs.
The festival grew out of a collaboration among several local arts and community groups, including Vicksburg Arts, the Prairie Ronde Artist Residency/Gallery, Gilbert & Ivy booksellers, the Vicksburg District Library, the Vicksburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Village of Vicksburg, which is serving as the host and financial sponsor for this inaugural year.
Festival committee lead Kimm Mayer says the goal is simple: Make the written word available to all.
“Events like this make reading and literacy accessible to everybody by introducing people to authors and activities in a fun and relaxed environment,” Mayer explained. She noted that the event builds on southwest Michigan’s already strong arts community, with the potential to strengthen regional literacy efforts and draw visitors to the area.
The weekend’s schedule includes an exhibition at the Prairie Ronde Artist Gallery, along with workshops focused on illustration, poetry, and bookbinding. Throughout the village, visitors can also follow the festival’s “Book Trail,” which invites readers to meet and talk with more than thirty authors while exploring local shops and businesses.
The festival follows the Tournament of Writers Celebration, another regional literary highlight hosted by Vicksburg Arts. During the festival InkLink, also supported by Vicksburg Arts, brings together local and regional writers for a relaxed, welcoming gathering. Newly published authors, emerging writers, and curious storytellers of all ages can share short readings, connect with peers, and celebrate the craft in a supportive, judgment-free space.
Tickets for festival programs are available on Eventbrite by searching “Pulp & Press.” The festival will post updates on Facebook @PulpPressLitArtsFest.
