|
WRITING FESTIVALS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
| FESTIVAL | DATE | |
|---|---|---|
|
Denman Island Readers & Writers Festival The Denman Island Readers and Writers Festival is small and intimate by design. Each year it brings together invited Canadian authors with readers, writers, and curious listeners for a concentrated weekend of readings, panels, workshops, and literary exchange. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Elephant Mountain Lit Fest |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Our 2nd annual Enderby Lit-Con is coming to the beautiful Splatsin Centre this fall. This book market meets writers workshop meets networking event will have something for all book lovers! |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Fraser Valley Writers Festival The Fraser Valley Writers Festival is an annual three-day literary festival featuring keynote addresses, readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, live podcast recordings, and more, hosted at the Abbotsford campus of the University of the Fraser Valley. Unique to the FVWF, all participating authors are commissioned to write a new work and debut it at the festival. These pieces are then archived in our Festival Magazine, which is our way of bringing the festival to you, wherever you are in the world. |
November 5-7 2026 |
|
|
Galiano Island Literary Festival |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
The Cherie Smith JCC Jewish Book Festival is a community-wide event that brings together prominent and emerging Jewish writers and non-Jewish writers on Jewish subject matter. |
March 4-9 2027 |
|
|
This festival features Asian Canadian and Asian mixed-race writers. As Canada's only Asian Canadian literary festival, events include author readings, workshops, and panel discussions. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Nestled between the towering, white-capped North Shore mountains and the deep blue waters of the Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Writers Festival brings Canadian authors and readers together to celebrate Canadian literature. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Pacific Northwest Creatives Summit A gathering of creative minds from across the Pacific Northwest, from award-winning authors and photographers to design innovators and visual storytellers. Over two days, workshops, panels, conversations, exhibitions, and performances bring the region’s creative community together to share ideas, build relationships, and imagine what comes next. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts Join Canada’s longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices… with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood’s heritage gardens. |
August 12-15 2027 |
|
|
Surrey International Writers' Conference The Surrey International Writers' Conference is the most comprehensive professional development conference of its kind in Canada. SiWC offers writers in all genres - from beginners to experts - the opportunity to hone their craft with in-person, hybrid and online-only classes. |
TBD 2027 |
|
The Sidney and Peninsula Literary Society celebrates the written word. We showcase established and emerging authors and provide regular opportunities for readers and writers to connect. We organize readings throughout the year and sponsor a biennial literary festival. Anyone who enjoys the written word is invited to become a member of the Society. | TBD 2027 | |
|
The themes for the 2026 Festival emerged during a year of reflection. How can a world so full of bad news still hold such remarkable beauty that sustains us? The books featured at this year’s Festival provide answers to this question, and renewed energy to resist the urge to stand idle. Join us on Granville Island and other venues across the city to READ, RESIST, and REPAIR; as well as to RENEW and REJOICE. |
TBD 2027 |
|
| Versus Festival of Words The mission of the Verses Festival of Words is to celebrate the transformative power of words – written, spoken or sung; to engage diverse groups in cutting-edge, live performances as both audience and participants; to present influential artists from both the oral and literary traditions, and to encourage the next generation of performers and writers. Verses embraces a wide definition of literature and orature that includes page-based poetry, spoken word, oral storytelling, and singer-songwriters. | TBD 2027 | |
|
Victoria Festival of Authors
Since 2016, the Victoria Festival of Authors (VFA) has invited writers from Vancouver Island and beyond to share their works with our community of readers. Our annual festival is a celebration of ideas to recharge our imaginations. From politics to poetry, science to music, history to thrillers, we celebrate the richness of Canada’s literary community and are passionate about providing a welcoming, respectful, and comfortable environment for all. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Victoria Poetry Project Society Festival Victoria Poetry Project Society (aka. VPP) is a small, arts not-for-profit based in Victoria, BC. VPP produces a series of spoken word open mics and poetry slams (Tongues of Fire) on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays of each month from September to May; a 3-day festival of youth spoken word arts (Victorious Voices) in April; and occasional public workshops associated with these events. Through its programming, VPP aims to provide CRD and Vancouver Island audiences access to professional and emerging spoken word artists from across Canada; to provide community members of all experience levels a stage to share their own poetry; to encourage and facilitate dialogue between spoken word and other artistic communities in Victoria; and to welcome and encourage diverse voices in the spoken word community and at VPP events. In accordance with our community values, we strive to challenge racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and systemic oppression in all forms in our programming, organizational practices, and perspectives. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Whistler Writers Festival Our mission is to connect readers to Canadian authors through access to the literary and storytelling arts, and offer craft development opportunities to writers within the Sea to Sky Corridor. The Society accomplishes this through signature programming, including the Whistler Writers Festival, Authors in the Schools, Whistler Writer in Residence, Spring Reading Events, One Day Writing Retreats, and other literary community supports. |
November 5-8 2026 |
|
|
Wine Country Writers’ Festival Wine Country Writers’ Festival is a creative gathering for emerging and established writers and the audiences who love them. It’s a place to grow your craft, connect with lovers of literature, build genuine community, and experience the magic of storytelling in one of Canada’s most scenic regions. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
The Shuswap Association of Writers’ mandate is to organize events to enrich cultural life in the BC Interior, especially the written and spoken arts. We have the following goals:
|
TBD 2027 |
|
|
To foster the joy of the written word and inspire creativity by bringing together readers and writers from all backgrounds in an annual, inclusive, and free literary arts festival, connecting local communities and celebrating literary arts through the collective experience. We aspire to embrace innovation, encourage discourse, and provide a safe and accessible experience for all members of our richly diverse communities. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Words on the Water: Campbell River Writers’ Festival Words on the Water is Campbell River’s annual celebration of writers, readers, and the power of storytelling. Each year, the festival brings together acclaimed authors and an engaged community to celebrate literature in all its forms. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Vancouver Island, Words on the Water creates a welcoming space to discover new voices, exchange ideas, and share a love of books and writing. |
March 5-6 2027 |
|
Write on Bowen strives to feature a diversity of workshop facilitators from both Bowen Island and off-island. To promote diversity, inclusion, and access, we are committed to providing opportunities for marginalized and equity-deserving communities. Facilitators and presenters who have not been featured in previous years will be given priority. | TBD 2027 |
ALBERTA
| FESTIVAL | DATE | |
|---|---|---|
|
Held in Calgary, Alberta every August, When Words Collide is Canada's largest multi-genre, writer/reader/fan/festival. Meet artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children's books, poetry, and more, from across Canada and the world. |
August 27-29 2027 |
ONTARIO
| FESTIVAL | DATE | |
|---|---|---|
|
Provocation brings together disparate voices working for positive change. Since our launch in Toronto in 2022, we've expanded to Stratford, Ontario and are preparing to bring this community-driven model of imagination and civic engagement to more places that want to dream and build together. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) Founded in 2016 with the launch of the Festival of Literary Diversity, FOLD celebrates extraordinary voices by championing underrepresented authors and storytellers through a range of meaningful festivals and initiatives. Based in Brampton, Ontario, FOLD reaches local, national, and international audiences through accessible programs that celebrate critical voices and advance the future of Canada’s literary landscape. |
April 25-May 2 2027 |
|
FOLD Kids Book Fest is an annual celebration of books, stories, and creativity for young readers, educators, and families. The festival features diverse Canadian authors, illustrators, and storytellers through virtual programming designed for educators to share in classrooms across Canada, alongside a vibrant in-person weekend in Brampton. | TBD 2027 | |
|
Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) inspires and connects through the art of stories, offering book lovers a breadth of bold, ambitious, and accessible literary experiences. The charitable organization provides engaging opportunities to meet, hear, and learn from the world’s best authors and artists across the range of literary genres, and to celebrate the power of stories. |
September 9-19 2027 |
|
|
Word on the Street The Word On The Street is a national celebration of literacy and Canadian writing. Every year we host hundreds of author readings for visitors of all ages and a vibrant marketplace featuring the best selection of books and magazines in Canada. Join us (for free!) as we celebrate the stories that connect us. |
TBD 2027 |
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
| FESTIVAL | DATE | |
|---|---|---|
|
At NorthWords NWT, we are dedicated to supporting and promoting the literary culture of the Northwest Territories. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the stories and voices from our region, providing a platform for local writers and storytellers to connect with a broader audience. Through our support, we aim to weave the rich narratives of the North into the wider fabric of Canadian literature. |
May 27-30 2027 |
OTHER FESTIVALS OF INTEREST:
| FESTIVAL | DATE | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ontario Library Association & Book and Periodical Council's Freedom to Read Week Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. As of 2024, Freedom to Read Week entered a new phase led by Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Book and Periodical Council. |
February 21-27 2027 |
|
|
Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada Storytellers of Canada – Conteurs du Canada is devoted to connecting people, reflecting culture, and inspiring learning and creativity through the art of storytelling. |
TBD 2027 |
|
|
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) VIFF strives to engage and empower communities, encourage dialogue, educate, and champion local artists. Through decades of experience and inspired program development, VIFF has evolved into an acclaimed annual festival, a premier arthouse cinema, and now the home to the Institute for the Moving Image. With a complex and impactful festival and year-round program that boasts over 1,500 annual screenings and events, VIFF has become the most prolific and engaging cinematic entity in the region, connecting audiences to bold storytelling while advancing the art and industry of the moving image. |
TBD 2027 |

