WILLIAMSBURG— The Ampersand International Arts Festival will return to Williamsburg March 16-22, featuring more than 50 events showcasing authors, musicians, comedians, filmmakers, visual artists and other creators from across the country.
Many festival events are free and open to the public. Organizers say the annual festival is designed to make high-quality arts programming accessible to both local residents and visitors.
Several high-profile programs headline the 2026 festival schedule.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan will appear in conversation with William & Mary professor Brian Castleberry on March 19. The discussion will focus on Egan’s novels and writing process and will be followed by a book signing and reception.
Later that evening, Humor Magazine Live will bring together award-winning comedy writers whose work has appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The New Yorker and other outlets. The program will feature short comedy performances, cartoons and audience interaction.
Actor Leslie David Baker, best known for his role as Stanley Hudson on NBC’s The Office, will take part in a live conversation March 20. Baker appeared on the series for nine seasons and has also had roles on That ’70s Show, Malcolm in the Middle, Scrubs and Key & Peele. He will share stories from his career in television and film.
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz will perform March 20 with a trio of musicians, presenting selections from her folk Americana catalog. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for a post-show meet-and-greet.
The festival will also include a poetry showcase highlighting youth and adult poets and musicians. The event, hosted by Williamsburg Poet Laureate Lacroy “Atlas” Nixon, will focus on the intergenerational nature of slam poetry and its role in bringing together diverse communities.
On March 21, actress and author Cecily Strong will appear in conversation with comedian Holly Laurent. Strong was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022 and has since starred in Apple TV+’s musical comedy series Schmigadoon, among other projects. The discussion will explore her career in comedy and performance.
In addition to spotlight programs, the festival includes film screenings, theater and dance performances, and author talks throughout the week. Ampersand’s Industry Summit will offer professional workshops, panel discussions and Q&A sessions with festival guests and William & Mary alumni.
The Ampersand International Arts Festival is sponsored by the City of Williamsburg, with additional support from Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary, the William & Mary Alumni Association and the Muscarelle Museum of Art.
A full schedule of events and ticket information is available at AmpersandFestival.com.