PEN America Authors’ Evenings are signature fundraising events that bring together writers, filmmakers, readers, and activists and give our supporters the unique opportunity to engage with artists in an intimate setting. PEN America has hosted literary icons like Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, and Claudia Rankine as well as new generations of luminaries including former PEN America President Ayad Akhtar, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, James McBride, Lynn Nottage, Hernan Diaz, Zadie Smith, and Ben Lerner. See a full list of the last few Authors’ Evening seasons here >>

In addition to discussions with artists about their craft, our guests enjoy thought-provoking conversations with novelists, poets, playwrights, journalists, and leading voices in politics, economics, social sciences, and history. Beyond the printed page, we’ve held Authors’ Evenings celebrating filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, Barry Jenkins, and the creators, directors, and casts of prestigious series such as The Queen’s Gambit and Succession.

These evenings not only raise vital funds for PEN America programs, they are an exemplar of our mission to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. All donations to attend these evenings are 100% tax-deductible.

If you are interested in hosting an Authors’ Evening, whether in person or online, please contact Renee Lamarque at [email protected].