SFILF News:
SANTA FE — The Santa Fe International Literary Festival, in partnership with Los Poblanos, the School for Advanced Research, Commonweal Conservancy, and the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, today announced a curated series of literary events bookending the Literary Festival weekend, taking place May 15-17, 2026.
From intimate author luncheons to the beloved “Writing on the Rails” sunset mini retreat, the lineup offers readers and writers an immersive celebration of literature, landscape, and community. Trip descriptions are listed below, and registration for all trips is limited.
Full information and registration links can be found on the Festival website.
Literary Luncheon with Kyle Paoletta at Los Poblanos
Friday, April 17 | 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | $85 per person
Los Poblanos and the Literary Festival invite guests to La Quinta Cultural Center for a Literary Luncheon with Kyle Paoletta, author of the celebrated 2025 book American Oasis. Paoletta’s work offers a sweeping historical exploration of the settlers of the American Southwest and poses urgent questions about the region’s future.
Writing on the Rails
Thursday, May 14 | 7:10–9:10 p.m. | $65 per person
Building on last year’s sold-out success, the Writing on the Rails mini writing retreat returns for its second year. The event will be co-hosted by Hakim Bellamy, Albuquerque’s inaugural poet laureate, and Logan Phillips, a Tucson-based poet and author of the newly released collection Reckon. Passengers will write, share, and discuss prose and poetry inspired by writing prompts and the breathtaking high-desert scenery.
D.H. Lawrence in Taos, with Garrett Peck
Thursday, May 14 | 8:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | $195 per person
This full-day excursion led by author and historian Garrett Peck traces D. H. and Frieda Lawrence’s storied time in Taos. Stops include the San Francisco de Asís Church, the Mabel Dodge Luhan House—where both Willa Cather and Georgia O’Keeffe also stayed—and the D. H. Lawrence Ranch, near San Cristobal.
Literary Days at the School for Advanced Research
Friday, May 15, and Monday, May 18 | $60 per person
Three of the past four National Book Award winners for nonfiction have been SAR scholars. Here, festivalgoers enjoy guided tours and readings, with morning and afternoon sessions available on both days. Lunches will feature readings by writers from the MFA Creative Writing Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts and New Mexico authors.
Wonder Walk at the Galisteo Basin Preserve
Monday, May 18 | 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | $60 per person
Join the Commonweal Conservancy, the Nomadic School of Wonder, and special guest Rebecca Solnit for a meditative “wonder walk” at the Galisteo Basin Preserve, an open space encompassing more than 12,000 acres of forested hills, sandstone escarpments, and high-desert grasslands. Led by Ted Harrison, founder of Commonweal Conservancy, and Barb Groth, founder of the Nomadic School of Wonder, the gathering will focus on deep observation, storytelling, and connection with nature.
Book Talk in the Garden with Priyanka Kumar
Monday, May 18 | 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $50 (ticket only) / $82 (ticket + book)
The Santa Fe Botanical Garden hosts nationally acclaimed naturalist and author Priyanka Kumar for a book talk and Q&A in one of the city’s most beautiful settings. Kumar will speak about her practice as a naturalist and the inspiration behind her work, including her forthcoming fall 2026 book The Grassland Queen.
“Our hugely popular Literary Day Trips are an exciting way to spark creativity and engage with the literary world,” said Megan Mulry, executive director of the Festival. “Gathering and learning together in inspiring spaces where literary greatness has taken root enhances our understanding of New Mexico’s place in literary history and makes a rich complement to our weekend events.”
For more information about the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, visit sfilf.org. To arrange interviews and obtain photographs, please contact Susanna Space, 505.699.7185 or susanna@sfinternationallitfest.org.
About the Santa Fe International Literary Festival
The 2026 Santa Fe International Literary Festival, taking place May 15–17, 2026, brings together world-renowned authors, thinkers, and readers to celebrate the power of story in a city known for its beauty, history, and artistic inspiration. The Festival believes in the power of story as an invitation to learn about ourselves and others—and to create extraordinary change. Each year we celebrate the deep literary history of Santa Fe and New Mexico and our diverse community of writers, creating opportunities to foster a love of storytelling, both during the Festival and beyond.
The Santa Fe International Literary Festival is a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.