Literary voices from around the world are coming to Norman this month for three days of readings, conversations and cultural events at the 2026 Neustadt Lit Fest.
Hosted Sept. 28-30 on the University of Oklahoma campus, the free festival celebrates Palestinian writer Ibrahim Nasrallah, recipient of the 2026 Neustadt International Prize for Literature, while bringing together more than a dozen acclaimed writers, artists and scholars.
Presented by World Literature Today, OU’s award-winning magazine of international literature and culture, the festival gives visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of the literary world’s most prestigious international prizes right here in Norman.
All events are free and open to the public.
Meet 2026 Neustadt Laureate Ibrahim Nasrallah
Born in 1954 in a refugee camp in Amman, Jordan, to Palestinian parents who had been displaced in 1948, Ibrahim Nasrallah is a poet, novelist, painter and photographer whose work has reached readers around the world.
Nasrallah has published 16 poetry collections, 26 novels, an autobiography and two books of film criticism, with his books translated into more than 50 languages.
In 1985, he began writing The Palestinian Tragicomedy, an ongoing series of novels spanning 250 years of Palestinian history. Each novel stands on its own while collectively creating a sweeping portrait of the Palestinian experience. Sixteen novels have been released as part of the project, many earning major literary awards in the Arab world.
During the Neustadt Lit Fest, visitors will have several opportunities to hear directly from Nasrallah and explore his work through conversations with writers, translators and scholars.
Meet Acclaimed Authors at the 2027 NSK Prize Jury Reading
Tuesday, Sept. 29, brings another opportunity for book lovers, with a reading and signing featuring the jury for the 2027 NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature.
The nine-member jury includes acclaimed writers and artists Phil Bildner, Cynthia Levinson, Kyle Lukoff, Daniel Nayeri, Bao Phi, Kavita Ramchandran, Hannah V. Sawyerr, Lola M. Schaefer and Elisa Stone Leahy.
Among them is Oklahoma-connected author Daniel Nayeri, whose Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story) won the Michael L. Printz Award. His work also includes The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams and The Teacher of Nomad Land, both Newbery Honor books.
2026 Neustadt Lit Fest Schedule
Monday, Sept. 28 | Scholars Room, OMU 315
12:50–1 p.m.
Opening Ceremony
12:55–2:10 p.m.
Literary Roundtable on the Work of Ibrahim Nasrallah
2:15–3:30 p.m.
Politics and Culture in the Work of Ibrahim Nasrallah
Tuesday, Sept. 29 | Oklahoma Memorial Union
4:30–5:45 p.m. | Scholars Room, OMU 315
Reading and Book Signing by the 2027 NSK Prize Jury
6–8 p.m. | Beaird Lounge, OMU 201
Neustadt Night at the Union and announcement of the 2027 NSK Neustadt Prize laureate
Wednesday, Sept. 30 | Meacham Auditorium, OMU 242
10:30–11 a.m.
Poetry Reading by Ibrahim Nasrallah
11 a.m.–noon
The 2026 Neustadt Prize Lecture by Ibrahim Nasrallah, followed by audience Q&A
Plan Your Visit to Norman
Books will be available during the festival through Green Feather Book Company, the official bookstore of the 2026 Neustadt Lit Fest, with opportunities for book signings during select events.
For readers, writers and travelers drawn to literature and culture, the Neustadt Lit Fest offers the chance to experience internationally recognized voices and ideas in an intimate university setting.
And while you’re here, make a trip of it. Explore Norman’s local restaurants, independent shops, museums, public art and other things to do before or after the festival.
View the complete festival schedule and learn more about the Neustadt International Prize for Literature at NeustadtPrize.org.
