Join us May 1-2, 2026, Oshkosh, WI
EVERYONE HAS A STORY!
The Lakefly Writers Conference and the Lakefly Book Fair are two exciting events taking place the same weekend at the Oshkosh Convention Center—something for writers and readers alike.
The Lakefly Writers Conference runs for two days—Friday and Saturday, May 1–2—and is designed to inspire and support writers at every stage. Conference registration includes engaging writing workshops, lunch, door prizes, and other conference perks.
The Lakefly Book Fair is a one-day event on Saturday, May 2. Free and open to the public, the book fair is a celebration of books and storytelling, featuring opportunities to buy and sell books along with related merchandise and services.
If you register for both the conference and the book fair, you’ll have plenty of flexibility. Book fair fees are charged per table, not per person, so you can bring someone to staff your table while you attend conference sessions, share a table with another author and take turns, or simply let readers know when you’ll be back. These options have worked well for past vendors and make it easy to enjoy both events.
Both events are proudly sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library. Additional sponsors for the Writers Conference include the Oshkosh Community Foundation, Oshkosh Area Writers Club, and Orange Hat Publishing.
Learn
Attend seminars curated by published authors, editors, librarians, and more.
Connect
Build your community with fellow writers. You never know who you might meet.
Celebrate
Take part in the writing contest, get a table at the book fair, or win the raffle.
This Year’s Special Events
Both events are held at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Register for one or both!
Writing Contest
To kick off the year, we’ll open submissions for the Lakefly Writing Contests in January 2026. Cash prizes; no entry fee. Sorry, only Wisconsin residents are eligible to enter!
The Writers Conference is on Friday, May 1, from 1:00pm to 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday, May 2. Events include a keynote speaker, workshops, panel discussions and one-on-one consultations with industry experts. Registration will open in February 2026.
Deadline for submissions: Feb 23
Book Fair
The Book Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. This event is free and open to the public!
Registration for vendor tables opens in February, 2026.
Table Information:
Table Size: 96” by 30”
Included: Linen skirt, two chairs
Cost: $40 per table (sharing of tables is permitted)
Ready to write?
Get signed up, mark your calendar, and highlight your seminars. A conference can change the course of your life forever—just ask Dave Chesson.
How To Get the Most Out of a Writer’s Conference, by Dave Chesson
The Lakefly Writers Conference and Book Fair are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.
