More than 35 authors will appear at this year’s Literary Festival hosted at the Dock Street Theatre, including poet Nikki Giovanni, novelist Catherine Lacey, Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro, and screenwriter Attica Locke. Listen to writers discuss their works, which range from critiques on diet culture and examinations of race relations to fictional tales of espionage and biographical accounts of celebrities and influential historical figures. Now in its eighth year, the festival lineup also includes the A Black & White Masked Literary Feast hosted at Festival Hall on November 1, as well as the introduction of its Young Writers Awards, which recognizes local high school students with exceptional talent and encourages creative growth. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Times vary. Author events, $45-$10; Literary Feast, $360. (843) 619-3000, www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com
