Bethesda Literary Festival

Downtown Bethesda will host the seventh annual Bethesda Literary Festival featuring local and national authors, journalists and poets, as well as poetry slams, writing contests and a children’s book party. All events are free and are held throughout downtown Bethesda’s bookstores, community centers and art galleries.

Bethesda Literary Festival’s Writing Contest

Budding writers and poets from the community are encouraged to participate in the annual writing contest. Local writers can capture a memorable Bethesda person, place or moment in a 500-word short story or essay. Elementary school students can express their creativity by writing “If I Could Go Anywhere in the World, Where Would I Go and Why?” Winners of both contests will receive prizes and will be honored at special events during the festival.

Poetry Slams

Community members of all ages can test their competitive poetry and performance skills. The adult Poetry Slam is open to slammers ages 18 and over and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishes. Individuals and teams in grades 6-12 can also register to compete in the Youth Poetry Slam for cash prizes.

Dates

April 17 - 19, 2009

Festival Locations

The Bethesda Literary Festival events take place at the following venues in the downtown area:

The Barking Dog, 4723 Elm. St.
Barnes & Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave.
Bethesda Elementary School, 7600 Arlington Rd.
Bethesda Regional Library, 7400 Arlington Rd.
Gallery Neptune, 4901 Cordell Ave.
Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 1 Bethesda Metro Center
Washington School of Photogrpahy, 4850 Rugby Ave.
The Writer's Center, 4508 Walsh St.


For more information and a complete schedule of events, please call (301) 215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.