The 23rd Annual CityLit Festival, taking place on April 11, has announced its theme and headliners. The free, day-long celebration of literature will happen in Mount Vernon from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Bearing Witness: Literature as a Revolutionary Act.” CityLit organizers describe the theme as highlighting “the essential role of writers in documenting truth, challenging dominant narratives, and creating space to speak out.” Headliners will include Michaela angela Davis, Adrian Matejka, Reyna Grande, and Baltimore native Lawrence Burney.
In addition, attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of author readings, book signings, panel discussions, and workshops for readers and writers of all levels. The program will focus on the role writers have in shaping cultural dialogue and amplifying truth. There will be a Literary Marketplace with small presses, self-published authors, literary journals, and organizations serving the literary community, with books available for purchase throughout the day.
“We need poets, writers, creatives, and curious folks to document the times we are in,” said Carla Du Pree, executive director of CityLit Project, in a statement. “There is no looking away. Bearing witness means each of us should be invested in the history of this moment, the necessity of our narratives – our raw and unfettered voices, and ultimately, our truths.”
Michaela angela Davis is a writer, creative director, producer, and image activist focusing on the intersections of gender, race, fashion, culture, beauty, and identity. She co-wrote Mariah Carey’s memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” which was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. She created the docuseries “The Hair Tales,” which she co-executive produced with Oprah Winfrey and Tracee Ellis Ross. The docuseries was nominated for an NAACP Award. Her memoir, “Tenderheaded,” explores Black identity in the world of glamour.
Adrian Matejka is author of six poetry collections and the graphic novel, “Last on His Feet.” Former Indiana Poet Laureate and editor-in-chief of “Poetry” magazine, Matejka has been nominated for the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. His newest collection, “Be Easy: New & Selected Poems,” will be released in 2026.
Reyna Grande is the bestselling author of “The Distance Between Us” and “A Dream Called Home,” which chronicled her journey as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico at the tender age of just nine years old. “Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget” will be published in May 2026 in English and Spanish.
Lawrence Burney is a Baltimore native, writer, editor, and founder of “True Laurels,” a media platform dedicated to highlighting Baltimore and the best of the DMV arts, music, and cultural scene. His work has appeared in “New York Magazine,” “GQ,” and “The Washington Post.” This will be Burney’s first appearance at the CityLit Festival following his recent selection as the 2026 One Maryland One Book author for his debut, “No Sense in Wishing”.
Baltimore Magazine called the CityLit Festival “a can’t-miss event on the city’s cultural scene” and “the best place to nurture your inner writer.” CityLit Project partners with the Maryland Center for History and Culture to present the festival.
For more information about the CityLit Festival or to register, please visit their website.
