BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature - ECPv5.16.1.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261018 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261026 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260507T150646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T151923Z UID:5537-1792281600-1792972799@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:Iowa City Book Festival DESCRIPTION: The Iowa City Book Festival is happening October 18–25\, 2026! Join us for a week of literary events\, author talks\, readings\, and more at various locations throughout downtown Iowa City. URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/iowa-city-book-festival-2/ LOCATION:Downtown Iowa City CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ICBF-featured.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261018T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261018T140000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260902T144746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T145505Z UID:6041-1792332000-1792332000@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:Christopher Merrill Receives the 2026 Paul Engle Prize DESCRIPTION:Christopher Merrill has been named the 15th recipient of the Paul Engle Prize\, presented by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization. \nThe prize\, established in 2011\, honors an individual who\, like Paul Engle\, represents a pioneering spirit in the world of literature through writing\, editing\, publishing\, or teaching\, and whose active participation in the larger issues of the day has contributed to the betterment of the world through the literary arts. \nThe prize includes a $25\,000 award and a one-of-a-kind work of art. Merrill\, who retired at the end of 2025 after 25 years as the director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa\, will receive the award at a ceremony at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18\, at the Coralville Public Library. Loren Glass\, chair of the UI English Department\, will interview Merrill as part of the program. The event\, which kicks off the 2026 Iowa City Book Festival\, is free and open to the public. \nMerrill said he was honored to receive the prize. \n“Paul Engle set a dynamic example of literary engagement\, as a poet and writer\, teacher and director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and International Writing Program (IWP). And his creative thinking has been for me a spur to try new things during my tenure in Iowa\, and so it is a thrill to receive an award in his name.” \nMerrill was born in Northampton\, Massachusetts and raised in New Jersey. He holds two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middlebury College\, and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. \nHe has published more than 10 collections of poetry\, including Watch Fire\, for which he received the Lavan Younger Poets Award from the Academy of American Poets\, and On the Road to Lviv; many edited volumes and translations; and seven books of nonfiction\, among them\, Only the Nails Remain: Scenes from the Balkan Wars\, Things of the Hidden God: Journey to the Holy Mountain\, and The Tree of the Doves: Ceremony\, Expedition\, War. His writings have been translated into nearly 40 languages; his journalism appears widely; his honors include a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French government\, numerous translation awards\, and fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial and Ingram Merrill Foundations. \nAs director of IWP\, Merrill conducted cultural diplomacy missions to more than 50 countries. He served on the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO from 2011-2018\, and in April 2012 President Barack Obama appointed him to the National Council on the Humanities. \nThe Paul Engle Prize is made possible through the generous support of the City of Coralville\, which is home to 11 permanent sculptures with artistic and literary ties to Iowa. The sculptures all have ties to work found in The Iowa Writers’ Library\, housed in the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel\, which features about 800 books written by former students\, graduates and faculty of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. \nThe Engle Prize itself is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Each piece is crafted to reflect the work and impact of the recipient\, while tying it to the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature. \nPaul Engle (October 12\, 1908 – March 22\, 1991)\, though best remembered as the long-time director of the Writers’ Workshop and co-founder with his wife\, Hualing Nieh Engle\, of the UI’s International Writing Program\, also was a well-regarded poet\, playwright\, essayist\, editor and critic. In 2000\, then-Gov. Tom Vilsack declared Engle’s birthday\, Oct. 12\, as “Paul Engle Day” in Iowa. \nPrevious winners of the prize are James Alan McPherson\, Kwame Dawes\, Luis Alberto Urrea\, Roxane Gay\, Alexander Chee\, Dina Nayeri\, Toi Derricotte\, Cornelius Eady\, Dr. Eve L. Ewing\, Rebecca Solnit\, Joan Naviyuk Kane\, Camille Dungy\, and Cole Swensen. Visit www.iowacityofliterature.org/paul-engle-day for more information about the prize and past winners. URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/christopher-merrill-receives-the-2026-paul-engle-prize/ LOCATION:Coralville Public Library\, 1401 5th St.\, Coralville\, IA\, 52241\, United States CATEGORIES:General,Iowa City Book Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Christopher-Merrill-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261019T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261019T103000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260714T160440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T160440Z UID:5686-1792405800-1792405800@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: Write Now - Community Supported Writing Group DESCRIPTION:PorchLight’s Write Now Writer’s Group provides community\, and learning opportunities for beginning to intermediate writers. At their monthly meetings\, share short craft lessons\, generate writing from prompts\, and\, on occasion\, provide responses to participants’ work in progress. Writers working in any genre are welcome. \nThis is a great group for writers who have not had the time or opportunity to pursue a traditional MFA. \nRSVP one week in advance on their website! URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-write-now-community-supported-writing-group/2026-10-19/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-10.57.53-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T153000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260811T152941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T152941Z UID:5827-1792942200-1792942200@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: The Prose Exchange DESCRIPTION:Ready to get some eyes on your work? This group provides careful readings and positive\, descriptive feedback on works-in-progress. They meet twice a month and workshop two submissions of up to 20 pages at each meeting. \nThey are currently open to adding one or two more members. \nThey advise sitting in on a session to determine if this is the workshop for you. \nFor more information on how to join\, visit their website! URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-the-prose-exchange-2/2026-10-25/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/82ce62_8350b311c14c44f8b461627d4c759adcmv2.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261107T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261107T130000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260811T154540Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T154540Z UID:5841-1794056400-1794056400@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: Flash Forward DESCRIPTION:Flash Forward is PorchLight’s monthly studio session for writers interested in short form writing: flash fiction\, micro essays\, prose poetry\, and more. Join them and learn more about these miniature marvels. Each session includes a discussion of short form works we love\, a generative writing prompt\, optional sharing\, and light positive feedback. \nWhether you’re new to these very short forms or an old hand\, they would love to have you! \nFirst meeting is free! URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-flash-forward/2026-11-07/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/82ce62_15977cbd84104d329b0338a9257e9979mv2.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261108T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261108T153000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260811T152941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T152941Z UID:5828-1794151800-1794151800@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: The Prose Exchange DESCRIPTION:Ready to get some eyes on your work? This group provides careful readings and positive\, descriptive feedback on works-in-progress. They meet twice a month and workshop two submissions of up to 20 pages at each meeting. \nThey are currently open to adding one or two more members. \nThey advise sitting in on a session to determine if this is the workshop for you. \nFor more information on how to join\, visit their website! URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-the-prose-exchange-2/2026-11-08/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/82ce62_8350b311c14c44f8b461627d4c759adcmv2.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261115T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261115T100000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260708T155437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T155437Z UID:5675-1794736800-1794736800@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: Writing Grief DESCRIPTION:Grief Writing – A monthly exploration of loss and heartbreak \nJennifer New leads this monthly group that uses writing as a reflective tool to explore loss. Francis Weller’s Five Gates of Grief provides a backbone to consider grief from multiple angles\, e.g.\, death of loved ones\, loss of health or ability\, grief for the world. This is an ongoing group; you’re welcome to attend once or each time. No writing experience is needed. URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-writing-grief/2026-11-15/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Porch3.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261122T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261122T153000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260811T152941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T152941Z UID:5829-1795361400-1795361400@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: The Prose Exchange DESCRIPTION:Ready to get some eyes on your work? This group provides careful readings and positive\, descriptive feedback on works-in-progress. They meet twice a month and workshop two submissions of up to 20 pages at each meeting. \nThey are currently open to adding one or two more members. \nThey advise sitting in on a session to determine if this is the workshop for you. \nFor more information on how to join\, visit their website! URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-the-prose-exchange-2/2026-11-22/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/82ce62_8350b311c14c44f8b461627d4c759adcmv2.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261205T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261205T130000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260811T154540Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T154540Z UID:5842-1796475600-1796475600@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: Flash Forward DESCRIPTION:Flash Forward is PorchLight’s monthly studio session for writers interested in short form writing: flash fiction\, micro essays\, prose poetry\, and more. Join them and learn more about these miniature marvels. Each session includes a discussion of short form works we love\, a generative writing prompt\, optional sharing\, and light positive feedback. \nWhether you’re new to these very short forms or an old hand\, they would love to have you! \nFirst meeting is free! URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-flash-forward/2026-12-05/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/82ce62_15977cbd84104d329b0338a9257e9979mv2.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261206T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261206T153000 DTSTAMP:20260902T144546 CREATED:20260811T152941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T152941Z UID:5830-1796571000-1796571000@www.iowacityofliterature.org SUMMARY:PorchLight: The Prose Exchange DESCRIPTION:Ready to get some eyes on your work? This group provides careful readings and positive\, descriptive feedback on works-in-progress. They meet twice a month and workshop two submissions of up to 20 pages at each meeting. \nThey are currently open to adding one or two more members. \nThey advise sitting in on a session to determine if this is the workshop for you. \nFor more information on how to join\, visit their website! URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/porchlight-the-prose-exchange-2/2026-12-06/ LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/82ce62_8350b311c14c44f8b461627d4c759adcmv2.avif END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR