Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival

Every spring, New Orleans throws one hell of a party for Tennessee Williams, and honey, you absolutely need to be there. This five-day literary festival isn’t just your average book club meetup – it’s a full-blown celebration that honors the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright while diving deep into the city’s incredible literary scene.

Here’s what makes this festival absolutely fabulous: you’ll get front-row seats to panels with award-winning authors who actually know what they’re talking about. These sessions cover everything from juicy memoirs to groundbreaking theater, plus poetry that’ll make you feel things. Moreover, if you’re an aspiring writer (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), the master classes will change your entire game.

Theater queens, listen – you’re going to lose your minds over the live productions scattered throughout the city. Williams’ classics get the spotlight they deserve, alongside contemporary works that’ll leave you gagging for more. Additionally, the film screenings showcase adaptations that prove good literature never goes out of style.

Now, let’s talk about the crown jewel of this whole fabulous affair: the “Stanley and Stella” shouting contest. Inspired by A Streetcar Named Desire, participants gather in Jackson Square to belt out their best “STELLA!” while crowds go absolutely wild. Furthermore, it’s pure camp at its finest, and honestly, where else can you scream at the top of your lungs and get applause for it?

History lovers shouldn’t sleep on the walking tours either. These guided adventures trace Williams’ actual footsteps through the French Quarter, hitting up his favorite haunts and the spots that sparked his most iconic works.

This festival captures everything magical about New Orleans while celebrating the written word. Whether you’re screaming in the square or soaking up literary wisdom, you’ll experience the city’s creative soul in all its glory.