INDIANAPOLIS – The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (KVML) will present VonnegutFest, a multi-day celebration of Indianapolis native and acclaimed author Kurt Vonnegut, from Saturday, Nov. 7, through Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The festival features a diverse lineup of cultural, literary, and community events, including Emmy Award-winning comedian Jordan Klepper receiving the Kurt Vonnegut Humor Award, the release of the 15th annual So It Goes Journal, author discussions, a live piano performance, wellness programming, and the grand opening of a new immersive Slaughterhouse-Five exhibit.Â
VonnegutFest brings together readers, writers, artists, and community members to celebrate Vonnegut’s enduring influence, his distinctive blend of humor and social commentary, and his commitment to free expression and common decency.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- NIGHT OF VONNEGUT WITH JORDAN KLEPPER
Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, producer, and The Daily Show correspondent Jordan Klepper will receive the 2026 Kurt Vonnegut Humor Award during KVML’s signature fundraising gala. The award recognized individuals whose wit, satire, and storytelling reflect Vonnegut’s spirit and the role of humor in confronting difficult subjects. - 15TH ANNUAL SO IT GOES JOURNAL RELEASE PARTY
Sunday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.Â
Celebrate the release of the latest issue of KVML’s annual journal, which continues the museum’s work of sharing writing and ideas inspired by Vonnegut’s legacy. - BOYS, JUST BOYS: BIOGRAPHY OF A WWII INFANTRY REGIMENT BOOK DISCUSSION
Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2:30 p.m.
Author Brian Welke will discuss his book examining the World War II infantry regiment in which Vonnegut served, offering attendees an opportunity to explore this chapter of the author’s life and experiences. - CRISTIANA PEGORARO PERFORMS ROMANZA: ITALIAN LOVE, AMERICAN DREAM
Sunday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and storyteller Cristiana Pegoraro brings an intimate musical journey to the Indiana Landmarks Center. Honoring America250 and KVML’s Year of Love, the performance blends Italian opera, classical masterpieces and beloved American melodies through Pegoraro’s virtuosic piano transcriptions. - ALREADY LOVEABLE: A YIN YOGA PRACTICE OF SELF ACCEPTANCE
Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m.
Led by KVML Founder and CEO Julia Whitehead, this wellness program invites participants to explore self-acceptance through a Yin Yoga practice. - LOVEABILITY BOOK DISCUSSION
Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m.Â
CEO Julia Whitehead will lead a discussion of Robert Holden’s book Loveability, exploring themes of love, self-acceptance, and personal growth in connection with KVML’s Year of Love. - TRALFAMADORE:SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE GRAND OPENING
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.
Created through a partnership between KVML and Purdue University’s EPICS program, the new exhibit transforms the fictional world of Tralfamadore into a walk-through experience blending literature, art, and engineering. Visitors will explore themes of time, memory, and moral imagination inspired by Vonnegut’s acclaimed novel. - KURT VONNEGUT YOUTH WRITING PROGRAM
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
The festival also features a youth-focused writing program at the Student Salon designed to encourage young writers to develop their voices, share their ideas, and engage with the power of storytelling.
TICKETS & REGISTRATION: Register and get tickets for VonnegutFest events, and find more information here.
WHERE: Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, 543 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
About the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library champions the literary, artistic, and cultural contributions of Kurt Vonnegut, the acclaimed writer, artist, teacher, World War II veteran, free-speech advocate, and Indianapolis native. Located in the historic Indiana Avenue cultural district, KVML is a national cultural and educational resource offering exhibitions, literary programs, youth education, veterans’ initiatives, public conversations, and experiences that advance creativity, free expression, and common decency. The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 27-0825749.
