Readers, Families and Beloved U.P. Authors Take Center Stage at Writing North Book Fest

Plan a late-winter getaway to downtown Manistique February 28–March 1 and experience the inaugural Writing North Winter Book Fest — a new literary event celebrating Great Lakes storytelling with authors, readers, and families.

Hosted by The Mill Manistique in partnership with Paper Mill Books, this first-year festival is designed to brighten the late-winter season with welcoming cultural events that invite you to explore downtown shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces. By visiting during the festival, you’ll help bring new energy to Manistique during a quieter time of year while supporting local businesses and experiencing the community’s growing arts and culture scene.

Meet and connect with well-known authors whose work reflects the landscapes and lives of the Upper Peninsula and Great Lakes region. Festival guests include acclaimed writers such as Karen Dionne, J.L. Hyde, Sara Maurer, Ellen Airgood, Iliana Regan, and Bryan Gruley, who write from and about the U.P.  Alongside these authors and many others, you’ll discover the voices helping to shape the literature of the North today.

Choose from a mix of ticketed events and robust free community programming, including a special family-focused event on Saturday that makes it easy for both visitors and local residents to take part.

Free Book Signings | Saturday, 11 AM–5 PM at The Mill

Readers are invited to stop by The Mill throughout the day Saturday for free book signings with Writing North authors. Featured writers from across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Great Lakes region will be available to meet readers, sign books, and talk about their work in a relaxed, drop-in setting.

Visitors can browse titles from festival authors, discover new regional voices, and enjoy informal conversations with writers working in fiction, memoir, poetry, and nonfiction. Book signings will take place from 11 AM to 5 PM, with authors appearing in rotating shifts.

This free event is open to the public and is a great way to experience the Writing North Winter Book Fest — whether you're attending other festival events or simply stopping in to explore.

Readers’ Day | Saturday 11 AM - 6 PM, Lake Effect Community Arts 

Spend Saturday immersed in stories and conversation during Readers’ Day, a full schedule of panels, discussions, and interactive sessions featuring authors from across the Upper Peninsula and Great Lakes region. Throughout the day, you can hear writers talk about craft and inspiration, learn about the role northern places play in shaping stories, and meet authors working in fiction, memoir, mystery, nonfiction, and more.

Between sessions, browse books, attend signings, and enjoy time to explore downtown Manistique’s shops and restaurants. Readers’ Day is designed to be welcoming and accessible whether you’re a devoted book lover or simply curious to discover new regional voices.

Free Family Programming | Saturday, 11 AM–1 PM at The Mill

Bring the kids to The Mill for two hours of FREE programming designed especially for young readers and writers. You’ll have the chance to meet three beloved children’s authors:

• Dana Saugstad, author of The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas• Mary McCune, author of Rumpelknitskin Makes Things Right• Diana Magnuson, author of Garden Sleeping, Garden Growing

Authors will read, share about their creative process, and connect directly with kids. Caregivers must remain present; no child care is provided.

Throughout the weekend, you can also enjoy additional free events at The Mill, including festival kick-off activities, book signings, and opportunities to meet featured authors from across the Upper Peninsula and Great Lakes region.

Writers’ Day | Sunday, March 1, 10 AM–3 PM

If you’re a writer — or thinking about becoming one — don’t miss Writers’ Day on Sunday. This immersive mini-conference offers something for writers at every stage.

Attend panels on publishing paths and giving and receiving feedback, take part in a candid lunch conversation with Michigan Notable Books authors, join rotating small-group “Ask Me Anything” sessions, and participate in a generative mini-workshop. Whether you’re polishing a manuscript or just getting started, you’ll gain practical insight, honest conversation, and direct access to experienced authors.

Purchase festival passes at writingnorth.com/tickets through Friday, or stop by The Mill, 216 S. Cedar Street, on Saturday while space permits.

Make a weekend of it by enjoying Manistique’s walkable downtown, local dining, and unique shopping while attending festival events.

Writing North Winter Book Fest aims to establish a new annual tradition in Manistique — one that invites you to celebrate regional voices while strengthening the local arts community and supporting small businesses.

Festival organizers would like to thank founding partners Limestone Financial Credit Union, The Advisor, and Grover Real Estate for their support in launching the inaugural event.

Find full details, tickets, and updates at writingnorth.com.