Atlantic Festival 2025: Tom Hanks, Robert Downey Jr. Headline Event

The Atlantic Festival, a prominent cultural event celebrating literature, arts, and media, will make its debut in New York City from September 18 to 20, 2025. This year's festival promises an impressive lineup of celebrity speakers and engaging panel discussions, including appearances by Hollywood heavyweights Tom Hanks and Robert Downey Jr., as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar and comedian Richard Ayoade.

This marks a significant expansion for The Atlantic, a publication known for its in-depth analysis and commentary on contemporary issues. According to Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, the festival's move to New York is a reflection of the publication's growth and its substantial subscriber base in the metropolitan area. Goldberg stated, "Half of our employees work out of our New York headquarters now, and we have so many subscribers across the metropolitan area. The Atlantic Festival, which is meant to be a convening of some of the greatest writers, scientists, and cultural figures working today, is a great fit for a world capital like New York" (Goldberg, 2025).

The festival will include an exclusive first look at the third season of Netflix's "The Diplomat," featuring a discussion with stars Keri Russell and Allison Janney, as well as creator Debora Cahn. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a sneak peek of FX's "The Lowdown," along with a conversation with its creator, Sterlin Harjo, and actor Ethan Hawke. The event will also premiere Ken Burns' documentary series "The American Revolution", where Burns will be joined by Tom Hanks, who lends his voice to several historical figures in the series.

The Atlantic Festival will be hosted at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, with additional events scheduled at various iconic venues in the city, including the Tenement Museum and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. New to this year's lineup are the "Out and Abouts" category, featuring community-focused events such as book talks with authors Walter Mosley and Susan Orlean, and discussions on pivotal topics like "What Does It Mean to Be an American?" at the Tenement Museum.

In an era where cultural events often serve as platforms for dialogue surrounding social and political issues, the Atlantic Festival provides a unique opportunity for both attendees and speakers to engage in meaningful conversations that resonate with contemporary society. The inclusion of diverse voices, from established celebrities to emerging talents, reflects the festival's commitment to fostering a rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives.

As the festival nears, anticipation builds, not only for the star-studded lineup but also for the insightful discussions that will undoubtedly arise from the intersection of art, politics, and culture. The Atlantic Festival's inaugural New York event stands poised to become a significant fixture in the city's cultural calendar, offering a space for reflection, debate, and inspiration in a rapidly changing world.