Throughout the year, Lighthouse hosts weekend festivals celebrating specific genres, communities, or areas of interest. Our mission is to connect writers with similar interests to each other and their craft, and leave everyone inspired to continue working. Fests are full of craft seminars (taught by our amazing faculty and visiting authors), eye-opening panels, in-conversations and readings, social gatherings, and more. Join us and find your place in Lighthouse’s growing community.
Previous iterations have included YA fest, Nonfiction Fest, Poetry Fest, Short Form Fest, and Thrills and Chills Fest.
Spec Fest
August 29–30, 2026 | Denver
For fiction and nonfiction alike!
Registration available spring 2026.
Queer Creatives Fest
October 10-11, 2026 | Denver
A weekend retreat for LGBTQIA+ Writers.
Registration will open summer 2026.
West Fest
November 7–8, 2026 | Denver
For writers of the west, ecological ideas, climate change, and nature.
Registration will open summer 2026.
Writing in Color Fest
A weekend retreat for BIPOC+ Writers
The 2026 took place in March. Details on the dates for the 2027 Fest are coming soon!