Montclair State University hosts day of literature, arts and culture on May 9

Montclair State University will host a vibrant day of creativity, dialogue, and discovery on Saturday, May 9, in partnership with the Montclair Literary Festival. The day will feature a rich lineup of author discussions, book talks, hands-on workshops, and interactive experiences as part of the Express Yourself! program.

Blending words, movement, music, and creative practice, Express Yourself! invites participants to share experiences, learn new skills, and engage with one another in meaningful and inspiring ways.

“There’s a special kind of energy that happens when a university and its community come together—and that’s exactly what we’re inviting you to experience on May 9. ” said Dr. Fatma Mili, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Montclair State University. “As we welcome the Montclair Literary Festival to campus alongside Express Yourself!, we’re creating a space where students, faculty, authors, artists, and neighbors don’t just attend events—they enrich one another. Come be part of a day where creativity sparks conversation, and everyone leaves feeling more connected than when they arrived. ”

The day begins with movement and performance workshops in Life Hall, including improvisational theater and beginner-friendly dance sessions. At the same time, author and thinker Mark Peres will discuss his speculative AI novel, while three New Jersey poets will read from their work followed by a conversation exploring individual and related themes.

Midday highlights include a conversation with bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez on her new novel Last Night in Brooklyn, in discussion with Montclair creative writing assistant professor Cleyvis Natera. Food and culture enthusiasts can join Luke Barr and Sylvie Bigar as they explore the world of modern French chefs in conversation with Montclair professor Mark Rotella.

Around the same time, attendees can take part in hands-on creative workshops, including mixed-media collage and sculpture, as well as a digital photography session led by a professional photographer.

Afternoon programming features acclaimed novelist and critic Francine Prose discussing her latest work, Five Weeks in the Country, a fictional account inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s extended stay with Charles Dickens. The festival will also spotlight emerging voices with readings from students at Glen Ridge High School, Montclair Kimberley Academy, Montclair High School, and Nutley High School. Fans of suspense fiction can hear from a panel of thriller authors, including UK-based writer Ilona Bannister.

Additional panels explore themes of memory, identity, and resilience. A powerful memoir discussion brings together Siri Hustvedt and Rachel Eliza Griffiths, in conversation with Montclair author Benilde Little, reflecting on loss, love, and personal history. A debut fiction panel featuring Jaquira Díaz, Natalie Guerrero, and Cleyvis Natera will examine complex characters navigating grief, belonging, and self-discovery.

Global perspectives take center stage as CNN International anchor Zain E. Asher discusses Days of Love and Rage with New Yorker reporter Anand Gopal, sharing stories of Syrians confronting war and the pursuit of democracy. Meanwhile, Rutgers MFA professor Alice Elliott Dark joins authors Bonnie Friedman and Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney to discuss the complexities of desire and relationships in contemporary fiction.

The Express Yourself! program concludes with a lively West African drumming, singing, and dancing session on the Feliciano School of Business lawn, along with a poetry workshop designed to help participants bring personal memories to life on the page.

To close the day, bestselling author Maria Semple (Where’d You Go, Bernadette) will discuss her latest novel, Go Gentle – April’s Oprah Book Club selection – a semi-autobiographical story exploring reinvention, ambition, and the search for a simpler life.

This full day of programming is open to the public and promises something for everyone – from aspiring writers and artists to avid readers and lifelong learners.

All Express Yourself! events are open to all and free but registration is required. Sign up for a single workshop or six! Register to attend here tinyurl.com/expressyourself2026.

Montclair Literary Festival tickets, the full event schedule, and additional festival details are available at succeed2gether.org/mlf26.

The festival is supported by Montclair State University, Watchung Booksellers, the Montclair Public Library, alongside a generous network of community supporters whose contributions help keep most events free and accessible.