Attend Language Lives

2023 Festival FAQ

When & Where is the Festival?

October 5-8, 2023 Language Lives will be held at Ebsco Hall.
Thursday, Oct 5 from 6-9p
Friday, Oct 6 from 5:30-9p
Saturday, Oct 7 from 11a-6p
Sunday, Oct 8 from 11a-6p

Ebsco Hall is steps from the Ipswich Commuter Rail Station. 5 Peatfield Street, Ipswich, MA 01938

What is the cost for community members to attend the Festival

All events are open to the public at no cost. At the Saturday & Sunday Expo there will be local art and books for sale in the Exhibition Hall. Exhibitors will be independently choosing what methods of payment to accept.

What is the cost for artists, poets, writers and other exhibitors, storytellers and performers to take part?

The festival is asking for a $5 donation to secure a time on the stage. Slots are also available at a discount.
Use coupon code "Starving" to opt out of the donation.
For more information about the Poerty Showcase, Storytelling Event, and On the Stage please look at information using the navigation above.

The festival is requesting a $25 donation for a table space on the Exhibit Hall floor for a 5' table space.
The festival is requesting a $45 donation for a table space on the Exhibit Hall floor for a 8' table space.
For more information about the Expo please look at information using the navigation above.

Where do Donation go?

All people organizing the Language Lives Festival are volunteers. All donations will be used to cover the costs of setting up the event. All excesses raised will be donated to the Ipswich Art Association.

Parking and Transportation

There is limited parking at Ebsco Hall. Ipswich Residents can park in the MBTA parking lot.
We ask that out of town guests use public transportation when possible.
The lot at Ebsco Hall will be reserved for visitors with disabilities.
Performers and Exhibitors can unload at Ebsco Hall and then move their vehicle to the Public Parking lot between Market Street and Hammatt Street in Downtown Ipswich.
Ebsco Hall is steps from the Ipswich Commuter Rail Station. 5 Peatfield Street, Ipswich, MA 01938

From North Station. Commuter Rail (Purple) Ipswich / Newburyport
Ipswich Commuter Rail Station. Upon exiting the train travel right down the platform. At the end of the platform, turn left towards 5 Peatfield Street, keeping the parking lot on your left. Approximately 0.2 miles.

Reminder: The Commuter Rail is $10 for the whole weekend. One Ticket can be used Saturday-Monday.

Event Overview

October 5th

Help kick off Illuminations 2023 at Ebsco Hall
Join Language Lives for Poetry & Spoken Word

The community is invited to listen to a range of poets and voice actors read or perform their favorite pieces from 6p-9p.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants are able to register online to secure a spot using the links above. No registration is required to attend.

Theme: Illuminate

October 6th

5:30-6:00 pm Stories of Illumination for Families. All Stories must be family friendly and be centered around the concept of light in the world. Stories of the summer in Ipswich under the sun, fireworks, stories of doing good deeds.

7-8pm Stories of Illumination for Teens. All stories should take us back in time to high school or college. All ages are welcome to perform.

8-9pm Stories that focus on Language and how people communicate. Bring stories of confusion, misunderstanding and how what we say and what we mean might not always line up. Stories should be intended for adult audiences.

October 7th

The Ebsco Hall is Transformed into an Exhibition Hall for the space where Words and Art work together to create amazing images and stories.

Throughout the day the stage will be used as an intimate space for a range of talks, book signings, and activities. Watch the schedule as we plan the details for Saturday.

October 8th

The Ebsco Hall is Transformed into an Exhibition Hall for the space where Words and Art work together to create amazing images and stories.

Throughout the day the stage will be used as an intimate space for a range of talks, book signings, and activities. Watch the schedule as we plan the details for Sunday.