All event programming, including but not limited to author appearances, panel sessions, signing times, activities, and locations, is subject to change without prior notice.
The Chocolate City Literature Festival (CCLF) will make reasonable efforts to present the published schedule as planned. Circumstances such as travel delays, illness, emergencies, safety considerations, or other unforeseen conditions may require substitutions, rescheduling, relocation, or cancellation of programming.
Admission to CCLF grants access to the event as a whole and does not guarantee participation in or access to any specific author, session, or activity.
No refunds, credits, or exchanges will be issued due to programming changes.
Attendees are responsible for reviewing official CCLF communication channels, including the event website, mobile hub, onsite signage, and announcements, for the most current information during the event.
All tickets provide access based on your selected tier. Please review the details below.
General Admission — Saturday Festival Entry
Standard entry to the Saturday Festival at Sycamore & Oak during public hours.
Includes:
Virtual line access begins at 10:00 AM after check-in. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Saturday All Access
Enhanced Saturday experience with early access benefits.
Includes:
Full Weekend All Access
Full festival experience with added perks and Friday all access.
Includes:
Also includes:
Booked in Melanin Meet & Greet
Friday | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
AC Hotel Navy Yard
Lite bites and curated drinks
Add-On Experiences
Add-on experiences are separate ticketed events.
A festival ticket is required for Saturday access.
Soft Lit Nights: PJs & Book Baes
Saturday Evening | AC Hotel Navy Yard
Includes:
Important
Virtual line access times:
All ticket sales for the Chocolate City Literature Festival (CCLF) are final. Tickets are non-refundable. By completing a purchase, the buyer enters into a binding agreement for admission to a live event occurring on fixed dates at a reserved venue.
Event tickets constitute the purchase of a time-specific service. Upon purchase, CCLF allocates venue capacity, staffing, security, equipment, and contracted author and vendor commitments. For this reason, refunds will not be issued for scheduling conflicts, travel disruptions, personal circumstances, programming adjustments, guest lineup changes, or other preference-based concerns.
Transfers & Resales
Ticket transfers and private resales are permitted only through March 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
• Transfers must be completed in full by the deadline
• The original purchaser is responsible for ensuring accuracy
• CCLF is not liable for disputes arising from private resale transactions
After March 1, 2026:
• No name changes
• No ticket transfers
• No resale recognition
• No administrative exceptions
Tickets must reflect the correct attendee name at check-in. Government-issued identification may be required. Admission may be denied if registration details do not match.
CCLF reserves the right to adjust programming, schedules, panelists, featured guests, moderators, vendors, venue layout, and event timing as necessary. Such adjustments are customary in live event production and do not constitute grounds for refund.
Payment Disputes & Chargebacks
By purchasing a ticket, the cardholder affirms that they are the authorized user of the payment method and agree to these published terms at the time of purchase.
Initiating a chargeback or payment dispute for a non-refundable ticket that complies with this policy may be considered a breach of the purchase agreement.
CCLF reserves the right to:
• Provide this policy, proof of purchase, timestamped acceptance of terms, and event fulfillment documentation to the issuing bank or payment processor
• Dispute improper chargebacks to the fullest extent permitted
• Refuse future ticket purchases from individuals who initiate bad-faith payment disputes
• Pursue recovery of fees, penalties, and administrative costs associated with reversed payments where permitted by law
Chargebacks are intended for fraudulent transactions or unauthorized use of a payment method. Dissatisfaction, scheduling conflicts, lineup changes, or misunderstanding of posted policies do not qualify as fraud.
Nothing in this section limits any rights required under District of Columbia or federal law.
Children’s activation area is available for ages 6–12.
Children under 6 are welcome but not permitted in signing rooms or panels.
Due to language/content, all panels are 18+ only.
All attendees, regardless of age, must have their own valid ticket.
Everyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and present valid ID at check-in. If a child or Teen ticket is purchased, proof of the accompanying adult ticket must be provided within 24 hours of request or the ticket will be canceled and refunded.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience. If you have specific accessibility needs, email info@cclitfest.com at least 30 days before the event so we can support you.
We are here to celebrate Black literature and community. CCLF does not allow:
Harassment, hate speech, discrimination, or offensive comments
Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention
Non-consensual photography or recording of attendees who decline
Sustained disruption of panels, signings, or programming
Stalking, intimidation, or threats
Violations may result in immediate removal without refund and a ban from future CCLF events.
If you experience or witness harassment or unsafe behavior, notify a staff member or volunteer right away. We may take any action needed to keep the space safe, including expelling offenders without refund.
All attendees must respect staff, authors, panelists, vendors, and fellow guests.
By entering CCLF events, you consent to photography, filming, and audio recording. Your image, likeness, voice, and statements may be used without compensation in CCLF promotional materials, livestreams, social media, press, and event recaps by CCLF and its partners.
Attendees assume all risks related to attendance, including potential exposure to COVID-19 or other illnesses.
Tickets are for personal use only.
No resales, no transfers, and no third-party ticket vendors.
Any fraudulent or scalped tickets will be canceled without refund.
Bags are subject to search. No wagons or flatbed carts over 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep are permitted.
No outside food or alcohol permitted unless allowed by the venue.
Recording of panels is limited to short clips for personal social use. No full-session recordings. Respect any ‘no photography’ signs at author tables or activations.
Service animals are welcome in accordance with the law. No pets.
Friday Meet and Greet – AC Hotel Navy Yard, Washington DC. Full Access Weekend Pass registration opens at 5 PM Friday.
Saturday Festival – Sycamore & Oak, 1110 Oak Dr SE, Washington, DC 20032
Hotel Block – AC Hotel Navy Yard.
If using Airbnb, search Congress Heights, Navy Yard, or Capitol Hill in Washington DC for proximity to Sycamore & Oak.
Nearest Airports – DCA is closest. BWI and IAD are alternatives.
Support our vendors and booksellers. Some signings occur at bookseller tables. Follow posted queue instructions.
No unauthorized vending, solicitation, or distribution of materials.
CCLF is a D.C.-based celebration of Black authors and independent voices through panels, signings, and community
© 2025–2026. All rights reserved.
Terms | Privacy
CCLF is a D.C.-based celebration of Black authors and independent voices through panels, signings, and community
© 2025–2026. All rights reserved.
Terms | Privacy
