LitUp Festival

2025 LitUp Fest

September 20, 2025
Woodneath Library Center

LitUp is an all-day event that brings Kansas City-area teens together with authors, poets, illustrators, and other creators. Not only will attendees be able to meet their favorite authors, but they will also learn new ways to harness their own creative talents! 

We are honored to welcome New York Times Best Selling Author Angeline Boulley as this year’s keynote speaker. Her keynote will kick off the event and set the stage with her powerful storytelling and unique insights into writing and creativity.

Following the keynote, attendees will also hear from award-winning author Byron Graves, fantasy storyteller Swati Teerdhala, graphic novelist Ngozi Ukazu, and debut author Jenni Howell. Each guest brings their own creative expertise, offering teens the chance to hear inspiring stories, ask questions, and gain insight into the writing and artistic process. From powerful novels to captivating illustrations, these creators will spark ideas and encourage attendees to explore their own voices and imaginations.

Register

Schedule of Events

• 8:30 – Doors open
• 9:00 a.m.
  • A Conversation with New York Times Best Selling Author Angeline Boulley
• 10:15 a.m. 
  • How I Found my Voice as an Indigenous Author
  • Building Fantasy Worlds That Feel Real
  • Getting Started with Making Cosplays
  • Writing with Aesthetics: From Moodboards to Manuscript
• 11:30 a.m.
  • Making a Graphic Novel—Panel by Panel
  • Dark Academia 101: School of Nightmares
  • The Reluctant DM: How to go from Player to Storyteller 
  • Podcasting 101
• 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch Break
• 1:45 p.m.
  • Featured Author Panel
• 2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Book Signing