Your GGO Weekend Starts Here
Everything you need to arrive ready, find your way, and make the most of your GGO weekend.
This isn't your typical writers conference.
Griot & Grey Owl brings writers, readers, storytellers, artists, educators, and community together for a weekend centered on stories, connection, and the Black Southern experience.
Rest
Space to breathe, reflect, slow down, and simply be.
Resilience
Conversations, craft, and community rooted in the stories that carry us.
Radical Joy
Celebration, connection, laughter, performance, and the joy of gathering together.
You don't have to be a published writer to belong here.
Come ready to learn, listen, discover new work, meet new people, and experience GGO at your own pace.
Your GGO home base is RTP.
GGO takes place across several locations within the RTP campus. Most conference programming happens at Frontier RTP, with select experiences just down Park Offices Drive.
Boxyard RTP
900 Park Offices Dr, Durham, NC 27713
Get DirectionsHUB RTP Experience Center
300 Park Offices Dr, Durham, NC 27713
Get DirectionsHUB RTP Stage
3151 Elion Dr, Durham, NC 27713
Get DirectionsRaleigh-Durham International Airport
Approximately 8 minutes from Frontier RTP
Arrive. Park. You're here.
Parking is available at GGO venues throughout the RTP campus.
For events at the HUB RTP Stage, free public parking is available across the street from the Stage.
Most of GGO is close by.
GGO venues are clustered within the RTP and Hub RTP area.
The HUB RTP Experience Center is approximately a four-minute walk from Frontier RTP.
Walking to the HUB RTP Stage from Frontier? Head down Sancar Way.
Make GGO your home for the weekend.
Stay close to the conference and connect with the GGO community beyond the sessions. Our official hotel block is available at the DoubleTree by Hilton near Research Triangle Park.
DoubleTree by Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park
What to know before you check in.
Complimentary RDU airport shuttle
4:30 AM–12:30 AM — call hotel
Hotel amenities, policies, parking, shuttle service, check-in times, and other hotel details are based on information currently published by Hilton and may change. Please confirm current details with the hotel before your stay.
Hotel information verified from Hilton on October 3, 2026. View Current Hotel InformationGood stories need good food.
Whether you're sitting down for a GGO meal or grabbing something between sessions, here's what to know about eating during your GGO weekend.
Boxyard RTP
Grab a bite, coffee, dessert, or drink without leaving the GGO Vendor Market at Boxyard RTP.
Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream
The Pudding Man
RTP Uncorked
Dietary needs?
Menus and ingredients vary by vendor. Please check directly with individual vendors regarding gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and allergen needs.
Outside food & drinks
Boxyard RTP currently does not permit outside food or drinks.
Boxyard RTP vendors, menus, hours, and availability may change. Information shown here is based on information currently published by Boxyard RTP. Check Boxyard RTP and individual vendors for current offerings before your visit.
Vendor information verified from Boxyard RTP on October 3, 2026. View Current VendorsPack for the experience.
A few essentials can make your GGO weekend a whole lot easier. Here's what we recommend having with you.
The Essentials
Your GGO ticket
Have your ticket or QR code ready on your phone. Can’t find it? We can look up your ticket using the purchaser’s name and email address.
Photo ID
Keep a valid ID with you throughout the weekend.
Phone + charger
For your schedule, directions, photos, and staying connected.
Notebook + pen
For the line, idea, or recommendation you do not want to forget.
For the Experience
A book for signing
Bringing work by one of our Griots? Pack it.
Your contact info
Business cards, a QR code, or an easy way to stay connected with the people you meet.
A tote or extra bag
You may be going home with books, merch, and something from the Vendor Market.
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated while moving through the weekend.
A light layer
Conference spaces can feel cooler than expected.
Optional, But Smart
Portable charger
A long conference day can be a long day for your battery too.
Payment method
Bring a card or preferred payment method for food, books, merch, and vendors.
Personal essentials
Medications and anything else you may need to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Weather gear
Check the Durham forecast before you leave and pack accordingly.
Make the weekend yours.
There is a lot happening at GGO. A little planning can help you find your must-sees without scheduling every moment of your weekend.
Choose your must-sees.
Review the schedule before the weekend begins. Pick the sessions and experiences you do not want to miss — then leave a little room for discovery.
You do not have to do everything.
Give yourself permission to rest, change plans, sit with a conversation, or follow something unexpected. Your GGO weekend does not have to look like anyone else’s.
The hallway counts too.
Meet somebody. Visit the Vendor Market. Buy a book. Grab something to eat. Hydrate. Take a minute. Some of the best parts of GGO may happen outside the scheduled sessions.
Take something home with you.
Exchange information with the people you want to know after Sunday. Buy the book you kept thinking about. Take the picture. Write down what you want to carry with you beyond GGO.
Still have questions?
We’ve got you. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about attending GGO.
Tickets & Registration
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Have your ticket or QR code ready on your phone. If you cannot find it, we can look up your ticket using the purchaser’s name and/or email address.
Can I purchase a ticket at the door?
Tickets will not be sold at the door. If tickets are still available, you may purchase one through the GGO website.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes. To request a ticket transfer, email GGO from the email address used by the original purchaser so we can update the attendee information.
Who Can Attend
Do I have to be a writer to attend GGO?
No. GGO welcomes writers, readers, storytellers, artists, educators, and people who simply love literature and community.
Is GGO open to everyone?
Most GGO programming is intentionally created for people of color. Events open to everyone include Friday’s free programming, the Poetry Slam with a ticket, and the final Open Brunch. Friday Movie Night is not included in the free public programming.
Can children attend GGO?
Yes. Attendees ages 13 and older require a ticket. Children under 13 may attend free. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Arrival & Accessibility
Where do I check in?
Conference check-in will be located in the lobby of Frontier RTP.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes before your first scheduled event, especially on your first day, to allow time for check-in and getting settled.
Are GGO venues accessible?
Yes. GGO venues are accessible, although some locations require traveling farther across the RTP campus. If you need assistance navigating between venues or have an accessibility need, please contact us.
Where do I park?
Parking is available throughout the GGO venues on the RTP campus. Please see the Getting Here section above for venue-specific parking and directions.
Food & Meals
Which GGO tickets include meals?
All Access tickets include the Griot Dinner and Sunday Griot Brunch. VIP tickets include the Sunday Griot Brunch.
Can GGO accommodate dietary needs?
We are working to accommodate dietary needs for GGO-provided meals. If you have a specific dietary concern, please contact us before the conference so we can discuss your needs.
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted indoors at GGO venues.
The GGO Experience
Will books and merchandise be available?
Yes. Attendees will have opportunities throughout the weekend to purchase books, GGO merchandise, and items from participating vendors.
Can I bring a book to have signed?
Absolutely. Bring your books with you. Signing opportunities will depend on the individual Griot and the event or session.
Can I take photos or video?
Yes. Personal photos and video are welcome as long as they do not disrupt a session or experience. Please tag Griot & Grey Owl when you share your GGO moments.
What should I wear?
Come as you are. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and ready to experience GGO. We also recommend bringing a light layer since indoor temperatures can vary.
Changes & Help
What happens if the schedule changes?
The schedule on the GGO website is the most current source for conference programming. Sessions, times, rooms, and participants may change, so we recommend checking the schedule throughout the weekend.
Where can I get help during GGO?
Visit the GGO check-in area in the Frontier RTP lobby or speak with a GGO staff member or volunteer during the weekend.
How do I contact GGO before the conference?
Email us at Griotandgreyowl@gmail.com and our team will be happy to help.
