Stonington Literary Festival - James Merrill Centennial

October 2–4, 2026 | Stonington, Connecticut

A three-day celebration of the life, work, and legacy of James Merrill featuring renowned poets, scholars, musicians, including many former Merrill Fellows. 

Schedule:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
• Matthew Aucoin and Nicholas Phan Merrill Songs Concert and Reception (6:00PM) at La Grua Center

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
• Block A Sessions (9:00–10:00 AM) at Borough Hall, NESS, Fire House, and La Grua Center
• Block B Sessions (11:00 AM–12:00 PM) at Borough Hall, NESS, Fire House, and La Grua Center
• Festival Lunch (12:00–1:30 PM) at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society
• Block C Sessions (2:00–3:00 PM) at Borough Hall, NESS, and Fire House
• Evening Keynote Program with Henri Cole (5:00 PM) at La Grua Center
• Centennial Celebration Dinner Honoring the Merrill Family (6:30–9 PM) at The Hounds

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
• Morning Panel moderated by Stephen Yenser and Lanny Hammer (10:00 AM–12:15 PM) at La Grua Center
• Festival Lunch (12:15–1:45 PM) at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society
• Hilton Als Reading (2:00 PM) at La Grua Center

• Water Street reading (3:00PM) at La Grua Center

THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
• Exhibition at La Grua Center
• Tours of the James Merrill Apartment
• Stonington Village Literary Walking Tours
• Poets Corner Cemetery Tours
• Registration, information, and merchandise at the James Merrill House Visitors Center

​We are pleased to offer complimentary  admission to students for all Saturday and Sunday daytime Centennial events. Enter the promo code “STUDENT” at checkout on the bottom left of the screen.  A valid student ID may be requested upon arrival.

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All programming is subject to change.