The 6th Annual Kulturally LITFest will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology (ConnCAT), 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to celebrate the written and spoken word, artistic expression, and cultural connection through a day filled with authors, workshops, performances, and interactive activities for all ages.
This year’s festival spotlights children’s literature with a special appearance by Quartez Harris, acclaimed author of How James Baldwin Became a Writer. Harris, recognized for his groundbreaking work in children’s books and poetry, will share his story and creative process, while inspiring young readers to find their own voices. The keynote address by Dr. Michael Vinson-Williams, Professor of History, Director of Africana Studies at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Dr. Williams will be speaking about his book “Medgar Evers: Mississippi Martyr.
In addition to featured authors, Kulturally LITFest offers a dynamic lineup of programming, including:
● Creative Activities for All Ages – Hands-on art, storytelling, and cultural workshops.
● Writing Workshops – Practical, inspiring sessions for aspiring writers of every age group.
● Third Space Gaming – A dedicated hub for interactive gaming, strategy, and community play.
● Community Marketplace – Local authors, artisans, and vendors offering books, art, and cultural goods.
● Live Performances & Readings – Celebrating the richness of language, rhythm, and creativity. Featuring singers from New Haven Lady Stout and Kemi Balogun
Our theme this year is “The Year of X” honoring the centennial year of Medgar Evers and Malcolm X. The LIT Fest program is aimed at inspiring action, critical thought, and community building. It offers a platform to engage deeply with the lives of these revolutionary leaders, their ideas, and the transformative power of their work while opening dialogue about the social movements of today.
Since its founding in 2020, Kulturally LITFest has grown into one of New Haven’s most anticipated cultural events, drawing families, educators, students, and literary enthusiasts from across the region. The festival was created to celebrate diverse voices in literature and the arts while fostering community dialogue, creativity, and inclusion.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the sixth year of Kulturally LITFest. This festival is more than an event — it’s a movement that uplifts voices, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, and creates space for people of all ages to discover the power of storytelling.”
We are grateful to partner with ConnCAT again this year to bring a day of learning, joy, and creativity to New Haven,” said. “We believe in the transformative power of the arts, and this festival embodies that mission.” said IfeMichelle Gardin/Founder & Executive Director
With a mission to cultivate a love of reading, writing, and cultural engagement, the festival continues to bridge generations, encourage creative expression, and strengthen community bonds.