Word on the Street
A Hillsborough/Orange County Literary Arts Festival
Saturday March 20–Sunday March 21, 2027
What is Word on the Street?
Word on the Street is a free two-day literary arts festival planned to celebrate our local literary heritage and to honor the writers who have shaped the cultural identity of Hillsborough and the greater Orange County area.
Designed as a literary mosaic, the festival features author readings—spanning genres and voices—held at different locations at scheduled times throughout downtown Hillsborough. The format brings together writers and readers, strengthens community connections, and reflects the full diversity of literary expression and styles that make this region distinctive.
Hillsborough has long been home to a remarkable concentration of writers, poets, storytellers, and literary artists. A keynote address and author tribute will officially launch the event on Saturday.
Why Sponsor Word on the Street?
In a word: impact.
The festival’s format draws residents and others attending into shared literary experiences at venues throughout Hillsborough. Everyone in the community has a part to play—writers, audiences, and businesses.
As a sponsor, you’ll have the ability to build and strengthen our vibrant community while offering visibility to our exceptional range of literary artists.
Word on the Street is supported by a grant from the Orange County Arts Commission, as well as receiving support from:
Representative Renée Price
Mayor Mark Bell of Hillsborough
Hillsborough Arts Council
The News of Orange County
Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce
Orange County Public Library
Friends of the Orange County Public Library
Purple Crow Books
Snow Approach Foundation
Author Lee Smith
NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green
Author Jill McCorkle
Author John Claude Bemis
Photographer Elizabeth Matheson
This level of early support speaks to both the responsiveness of the project to community interests and the benefit to our local businesses.
Word on the Street is the collaborative endeavor of four Orange County literary artists.
Dale Edwards
Journalist
Melora Fern
Historical Fiction Author
Steven Petrow
Journalist, Nonfiction Author
Patricia Sullivan
Nonfiction Author
Festival Highlights
Author Book Sales and Signings + Children's Programming at the Orange County Library on Saturday
The Orange County Library in Hillsborough will serve as a hub for the festival's more formal programming:
book sales and signings featuring participating authors
dedicated children's author readings for families
Other Event Highlights
opening ceremony with a keynote author panel & tribute to local writers
‘Last Lines’ celebration to close the festival
scheduled book readings with over 60 literary artists