The San Miguel Writers’ Conference is the largest and most prestigious literary gathering in Latin America, held annually in February in the enchanting colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. Founded in 2006, the conference has grown from a small gathering of aspiring writers into an internationally recognized event that consistently draws some of the biggest names in publishing, alongside hundreds of writers at every stage of their journey.

What Makes This Conference Special

Unlike the sprawling, impersonal conventions found in major cities, the San Miguel Writers’ Conference retains an intimate, community-centered feel. Past keynote speakers have included literary stars like Erica Jong, Margaret Atwood, Barbara Kingsolver, and Joyce Carol Oates. Yet even with such luminaries on stage, the atmosphere is warm and accessible — you’re as likely to find a best-selling author chatting over coffee in the courtyard as you are to hear them deliver a keynote.

What the Conference Offers

Keynote addresses from internationally acclaimed authors
Intensive workshops in fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, screenwriting, and more
Agent and editor pitch sessions — a rare opportunity to present your work directly to publishing professionals
Panel discussions on the craft and business of writing
One-on-one consultations with published authors and industry experts
Networking events that foster lasting creative connections
Evening readings and open mic nights in some of San Miguel’s most atmospheric venues

Why San Miguel?

San Miguel de Allende has long been a magnet for writers. Beat poet Neal Cassady spent his final days here. W.D. Snodgrass, Sandra Gulland, Tony Cohan, and countless others have called the city home. There’s something about the quality of light on the colonial stone, the rhythm of daily life, and the creative energy that pulses through the cobblestone streets that inspires the written word. The conference harnesses this magic, turning the entire city into a backdrop for literary discovery.

San Miguel Poetry Week

In addition to the main conference, the affiliated San Miguel Poetry Week — founded in 1997 by poets Jennifer Clement and Barbara Sibley — runs in early January, offering intensive poetry workshops and readings with leading poets from Mexico, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Together with the February conference, these events bookend what has become a true literary season in San Miguel.

Practical Information

Dates: February 10–14, 2027 (based on the traditional mid-February dates; official dates to be confirmed)
Venue: Hotel Real de Minas, a short walk from the historic center
Tickets: Full conference passes typically range from $450–$550 USD. Early-bird pricing and day passes are usually available. Registration opens several months before the event.
Accommodation: San Miguel has extensive lodging options. Hotel Real de Minas offers a special conference rate, but nearby boutique hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals abound. Book early — the conference draws hundreds of attendees.
Language: The conference is conducted primarily in English, with some bilingual sessions.
Getting here: The closest airports are Querétaro (QRO, ~1 hour) and León/Guanajuato (BJX, ~1.5 hours). Private shuttles and buses connect both airports to San Miguel.

Who Should Attend

The conference welcomes everyone from complete beginners to published authors. Whether you’re working on your first short story, polishing a memoir, or seeking an agent for your third novel, you’ll find workshops and connections suited to your level. The real magic, attendees often say, is the community — the friendships forged, the collaborations sparked, and the sense that in San Miguel, anything is possible on the page.

Visit the official conference website for the 2027 program, faculty announcements, and registration details as they become available.