Local Writer's Showcase

The Bethesda Urban Partnership & Bethesda Magazine have partnered to honor Essay and Short Story Writers. All Essay and Short Story Contest winners will be published on the Bethesda Urban Partnership and Bethesda Magazine websites and honored at a special event during Local Writer’s Showcase in March 2023.

Essay Contest

Topic: Open
Deadline for application: Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Awards (Adult)
First Place: $500 and published in Bethesda Magazine
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150
Honorable Mentions: $100
Online Application for Adult Essay Contest

Awards (High School)
First Place: $250 and published in Bethesda Magazine
Second Place: $150
Third Place: $75
Honorable Mentions: $50
Online Application for High School Essay Contest

All winning essays will be published on the Bethesda Urban Partnership and Bethesda Magazine websites and will be honored at a special event during the Local Writer’s Showcase in March 2023.

Visit for more information on the essay contest: https://www.bethesda.org/special-events/writing-contests

Short Story Contest

Topic: Open
Deadline for application: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Online Application for Short Story Contest

Awards (Adult)
First Place: $500 and published in Bethesda Magazine
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150
Honorable Mention: $100

Awards (High School)
First Place: $250 and published in Bethesda Magazine
Second Place: $150
Third Place: $75
Honorable Mention: $50

All winning short stories will be published on the Bethesda Urban Partnership and Bethesda Magazine websites and will be honored at a special event during the Local Writer’s Showcase in March 2023.

Visit for more information on the short story contest: https://www.bethesda.org/special-events/writing-contests