By The Center for Fiction
Brooklyn, NY 11217
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 tickets here!
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.
See you there! I can't wait to party at the First Novel Fête.
Standard Tickets include 1 ticket to The First Novel Fête at full price. The evening will feature readings with the First Novel Prize finalists, tarot readings, book matchmaking, an open bar, light bites, and more!
Note: Standard Tickets do not guarantee a seat in the Auditorium during the First Novel Prize finalists' readings. A livestream of the readings will be projected on a large screen in our second-floor lounge. To guarantee a seat in the Auditorium, please register at the First Novel Fan ticket level or higher.
Marking my calendar now! I can't wait to attend and support emerging writers.
First Novel Fan tickets include:
Your First Novel Fan ticket also helps create community for readers and writers.
Counting down the days already. I'm excited to help create a community for readers and writers at The Center.
Fête Favorite tickets include:
Your Fête Favorite ticket also helps create community for readers and writers.
I wouldn't miss this for the world! I can't wait to attend the First Novel Fête.
Sustainer Tickets include:
Your Sustainer ticket also helps create community for readers and writers.