Why the Sinclair Lewis Writers’ Conference Is a Must-See Event This October

If you have ever thought Sauk Centre is just a quiet town with a charming Main Street, the Sinclair Lewis Writers Conference will change your mind. Every fall, authors, poets, aspiring writers, and literary lovers from across the country converge here to celebrate craft, share stories, and draw inspiration from the legacy of Sinclair Lewis, who was born right here in town.

This year marks the 35th annual conference, which means decades of workshops, keynote speeches, community conversations, and the kind of creative energy that you can feel buzzing downtown. Writers at all levels, from high school students to seasoned authors, come to attend sessions covering fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more. The conference includes a keynote address, lunch, receptions, and opportunities to meet presenters face-to-face.

From a tourism perspective, this is more than a literary event. It is an opportunity. Visitors who attend need places to stay, places to eat, and things to do while they are here. They stroll our historic streets, shop our downtown stores, visit the Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home, tour the Palmer House, and enjoy the charm that makes Sauk Centre special. These side experiences are what turn a conference day into a memorable weekend.

If you have never been, block out Saturday, October 4, 2025, as the day to see how a whole town celebrates its literary roots. For writers, it might be a turning point in their craft. For locals, it is a chance to see Sauk Centre in the spotlight and show off what we do best.