The Twelfth Annual Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is sold out.

It will be held January 28–30, 2026.

The Twelfth Annual Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is sold out. It will be held January 28–30, 2026.

America's Best
Writers Festival

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Program Guide

We’re thrilled to unveil our curated lineup of featured presentations, conversations and panels.

Livestreams

The 2026 Writers Festival will be livestreamed free of charge. Watch it here from January 28 to 30.

Angel Night Livestream

Ken Burns joins Rick Atkinson for a fascinating conversation. Watch January 27 at 7 pm PST.

Online Schedule

Our new electronic daily schedule has real-time updates and info on each session and speaker.

Featured 2026 writers

  • Michael Connelly

    Michael Connelly

    AWARD-WINNING CRIME NOVELIST

  • Taylor Jenkins Reid

    Taylor Jenkins Reid

    BESTSELLING NOVELIST

  • Ryan Holiday

    Ryan Holiday

    PHILOSOPHER + AUTHOR

  • Erik Larson

    Erik Larson

    BESTSELLING AUTHOR

  • Karine Jean-Pierre

    Karine Jean-Pierre

    FORMER WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY + SENIOR ADVISOR—BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

  • Andrew Ross Sorkin

    Andrew Ross Sorkin

    FINANCIAL COLUMNIST + EDITOR OF DEALBOOK

  • Rachel Kushner

    Rachel Kushner

    AWARD-WINNING NOVELIST

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About Us

The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is a world-class gathering of writers, thinkers, and readers who come together to celebrate the power of ideas and the beauty of the written word. Each year, the festival brings literary giants, emerging voices, and thought leaders to the desert for engaging conversations, inspiring discussions, and unforgettable moments.

Known as the “Coachella for the brain,” the festival offers audiences the rare opportunity to hear from bestselling authors, Pulitzer Prize winners, and influential voices across literature, politics, history, and culture—all in an intimate and welcoming setting.

At the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival, we believe books connect us, ideas inspire us, and conversations change us. Join us, and be part of a celebration where words truly matter.

Who We are
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SOLD OUT

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SOLD OUT •

SOLD OUT

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SOLD OUT •

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2026 Festival
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Previous Writers
Giving BAck
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FAQs

In The News

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The RMWF experience is
all year long!

The Writers Series, sponsored by Jordan Schnitzer, presents a free series of talks by eminent authors throughout the year at the award-winning Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory.

See upcoming events
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Press

Read Press Articles

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Videos

Watch Festival Videos

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What Writers Are Saying about the Festival

  • Jeffrey Toobin

    "I’ve been to a lot of book festivals—yours is the best. Every moment reflects your passion and enthusiasm. I felt privileged to be a part of it. Thanks for all that you do for the embattled written word."

    Jeffrey Toobin

    Author of The Pardon: Nixon, Ford and the Politics of Presidential Mercy

  • Allison Pataki

    "I see why you call Rancho Mirage Writers Festival the Best Writers Festival in America— it’s the truth. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of last week’s truly unique and enriching experience."

    Allison Pataki

    Author of Finding Margaret Fuller

  • Rita Braver

    "The whole event was so meaningful…and so well run. Too many highlights to single out, but I had a grand time and thank you so much for including me."

    Rita Braver

    National correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning

  • Photograph of a man with curly gray hair and a neutral expression, wearing a dark shirt.

    "I have rarely attended a writers’ festival with such a compelling line up of presentations and authors."

    Wade Davis

    Author of Los guardianes de la sabiduria ancestral

  • Close-up portrait of a middle-aged man with short, gray hair and light skin, wearing a dark blazer and white shirt, against a neutral background.

    "Writers invited to speak at festivals don’t only want to be heard; they want to listen too—and I can’t remember being as spoiled for choice in terms of talks and panels as I was at Rancho Mirage this year. In every way, it was a wonderfully stimulating three days. And great fun too!"

    Geoff Dyer

    Author of Broadsword Calling Danny Boy

  • A middle-aged man with short dark hair, wearing a white collared shirt and a dark sweater, sitting indoors with a neutral expression.

    "It strikes me that you now have the most starry and invigorating list of writers I’ve ever seen gathered in one place—politicians, pundits, travelers, historians and wonderful actors."

    Pico Iyer

    Author of Sun After Dark

  • A middle-aged man with glasses and short hair, wearing a dark shirt, standing indoors near a window.

    "The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is brilliantly organized and executed—satisfying in every way, stimulating, pleasurable and enlightening. The best one I’ve ever attended"

    Paul Theroux

    Author of Figures in a Landscape

  • Portrait of a young woman with light brown hair smiling against a light background.

    "RMWF is a first rate festival with some of the best literary minds. It’s an annual source of inspiration."

    Amie Parnes

    Author of Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign

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