Dear TWFest community,
The 2020 Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival and the Saints + Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival, set for the same weekend, have been cancelled.
For thirty-four years, the TWNOLF has been a community event that brings writers, readers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts to New Orleans, and our locals to the French Quarter. As such, we are committed to protecting and prioritizing the wellbeing of the literary community, visiting speakers and attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. The decision to cancel is devastating for everyone who has worked all year to bring the TWFest and SASFest to fruition, but the global pandemic is an unprecedented situation and the health and safety of our community is the top priority right now. The Festival and its Board of Directors are taking every step in their power to respond responsibly and with care.
Unfortunately, with over 200 speakers and 150 events, it is not possible to reschedule either Festival. The TWFest Board are currently working through many other implications of this cancellation and will continue to post information at tenneessewilliams.net and sasfest.org, as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for both Festivals. Information regarding tickets and refunds will be addressed through email directly with patrons and ticket buyers.
The 2021 Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival dates are set for March 24-28 when the TWFest will once again bring together over 100 contemporary writers, scholars, actors, musicians, and other artists for five days of literary revelry in New Orleans.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time while our staff and Board of Directors do everything in their power to make sure we will be able to continue the legacy of the TWFest. We are heartened by a line from Tennessee Williams’ Memoirs, “Time doesn't take away from friendship, nor does separation.” We may have to say goodbye to the 2020 Festival, but it is our greatest hope that this cancellation will not take away your friendship and future patronage of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival.
All the best,
Your TWFest Family