GrubStreet Presents: A Conversation with Colson Whitehead

The evening will feature a moderated conversation and audience Q&A exploring Whitehead's writing life, creative process, and the role storytelling plays in helping us better understand ourselves and the world around us.

One of the most celebrated contemporary writers today, Whitehead is known for his powerful, genre-defying novels that have shaped national conversations and expanded the possibilities of literary fiction.

Every ticket includes one copy of Whitehead's acclaimed new novel, Cool Machine, available for pickup at the event.

This special event serves as GrubStreet's annual fundraising benefit for 2026. Every ticket purchased sustains our programming and helps expand access to exceptional creative writing education through scholarships, free community and youth writing programs, and other vital opportunities for writers of many backgrounds.

Ticket Options

General Admission

• Admission to the event
• Includes one copy of Cool Machine
• Cost: $69 (+ Eventbrite fees)

Premium

• Reserved premium seating
• Includes one copy of Cool Machine
• Cost: $150 (+ Eventbrite fees)

VIP

• Join us for an intimate pre-event reception beginning at 5:30 PM. Enjoy light refreshments, connect with fellow supporters of GrubStreet, and meet Colson in a relaxed setting before the conversation begins. Reception guests will also have the opportunity to have their books personalized and signed by Colson before taking their seats for the evening's program.
• Reserved premium seating
• Includes one copy of Cool Machine
• Early entry
• Cost: $300 (+ Eventbrite fees)

About Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twelve works of fiction and nonfiction, and is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, for The Nickel Boys and The Underground Railroad, which also won the National Book Award. A recipient of MacArthur and Guggenheim fellowships, he lives in New York City. For more information on Colson Whitehead, please visit https://www.prhspeakers.com.

About GrubStreet

GrubStreet is one of the nation’s leading independent creative writing centers, serving thousands of writers and readers annually through nationally recognized creative writing programs, public events, and community partnerships.

Proceeds from this event directly support:

• Nationally recognized creative writing programs for teens and adults
• Local teaching artists who mentor, inspire, and strengthen Boston’s literary community
• Fully funded opportunities for more than 2,000 students annually
• Programming for over 400 high school students across Metro Boston
• Expanded access to the Center for Creative Writing – a vibrant cultural hub for writers, readers, and artists from across Boston.