Free and open to the public, the Pee Dee Fiction and Poetry Festival celebrates and promotes literature and reading. During the day, renowned authors discuss their work in various panel discussions. Each evening, two writers read from their work. All readings are followed by a book signing as well as a reception at The Cottage. Books will be on sale at the event. Auditoriums and The Cottage are wheelchair-accessible.

The Pee Dee Fiction and Poetry Festival originated in 2006 as the Pee Dee Fiction Festival, the brainchild of Francis Marion University President Luther F. Carter. Now an annual autumn event coordinated by members of the Francis Marion University English faculty, the festival has expanded to include poets as well as fiction writers.

Writers featured in past Pee Dee Fiction and Poetry Festivals include Dorothy Allison, Tobias Wolff, Dorianne Laux, Naomi Shihab-Nye, Ross Gay, Emily St. John Mandel, Kay Ryan, Nikky Finney, Jane Yolen, Phil Klay, Tracy K. Smith, Li-Young Lee, Daniel Woodrell, and Terrance Hayes.