Join us for the best book(ish) party in Brooklyn! The First Novel Fête is one of our favorite traditions, celebrating the seven authors shortlisted for our First Novel Prize. Enjoy readings from the finalists' work, door prizes from our generous supporters, tarot readings, whisky tastings, and more. Featuring this year's fabulous emcee, Emmy-winning comedian, writer, and director Auguste White; seasonal bites and desserts courtesy of WINNER; signature cocktails courtesy of Johnnie Walker, and wine provided by Selection Massale. The Fête once again promises to be a fun, festive evening—we can't wait to see you there.

The Fête also helps sustain our work for readers and writers of all ages. Proceeds support The Center's KidsRead program with New York City public schools, our fellowships and awards for emerging writers, community programs, and more.

Dress code: Literary chic—from bold and festive to cocktail sleek.

Be sure to purchase your door prize (raffle) tickets from our generous in-kind sponsors! This year's prizes include (but are not limited to):

• A two-night stay at the Spruceton Inn in the Catskills

• An all-inclusive Page Break retreat 
  
• A $500 gift card from garment line Naomi Nomi
• A six-month Yoga Joint membership
• A 5-class gift card to a Heatwise hot yoga studio
• A $150 gift card to Zig Zag Oyster Bar

• Memberships to a variety of cultural institutions, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Brooklyn Museum, Film at Lincoln Center, Film Forum, and MacDowell

• Merch, subscriptions, tickets, and swag from a variety of in-demand publications and organizations, including Cake Zine, New York, The Paris Review, and Verso
  

• Kato Sake Works tasting and tour program

• A "Struggling Writer" bundle from Little Mo Wines & Spirits

• A "Cat Lovers" package including gift certificates to cat café Meow Parlour, and a selection of books from The Center for Fiction 

• Two tickets to a candle-making workshop at Mise en Scènt

• A gift certificate for an 8-week course at the Jalopy Theatre and School of Music

Can't make it to this year's Fête? We invite you to support the work of The Center for Fiction by making a donation.

Admission and door prize tickets serve as donations to The Center for Fiction and are non-refundable.

Thank You to Our Early Supporters

Farrar, Straus and Giroux
DJ McManus Foundation


Thank You to Our 2026 Culinary & Bar Sponsors

Johnnie Walker
Selection Massale
WINNER

The 2026 Fête Committee

Co-Chairs
Emily Burns
Meaghan Leahy

Stephen Altobelli, Mieke Chew, Kate Gester, Sage Gilbert, Ava Grandfield, Sasha Greensfelder, Sarah Haeckel, Zoe Harris, Alicia Kroell, Chrisinda Lynch, Maya Raiford Cohen, Patricia Rivera, Madeline Ticknor, Katie Yee

JOHNNIE WALKER. Imported by Diageo, New York, NY. Please drink responsibly, and don’t share with anyone under 21.