the panel discussion before the panel discussion--that's me on the right
photo by bdyck
photo by bdyck
I've greatly benefitted from attending writing festivals in so many ways--skill development and inspiration and encouragement and networking and improved self-esteem and... Whether you're attempting to write your first story or just released your 50th book, I highly recommend attending one or several. Here's a year's worth--for your consideration (this isn't a complete list, but I've tried). If you're disappointed by the brevity of the list--bless you--there are more extensive lists at the end of the post.
February
'Festival of picture book authors, indie bands and DIY crafts'
Toronto, ON
February 2
Galiano Literary Festival
Galiano Island, BC
February 22-24
March
Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival
Vancouver, BC
March 8 - 17
Lit Fest New West
New Westminister, BC
March 29 - 31
April
Sidney Lit Fest
featuring award-winning author Esi Edugyan
Sidney, BC
April 11-14
May
Festival of Literary Diversity (Fold)
Brampton, Ontario
May 2
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario
May 2 - 7
Festival of Trees
'the largest literary event for young readers in Canada'
Waterloo, Ontario May 8
London, Ontario May 10
Toronto, Ontario May 14 - 16
Alice Munro Festival of the short story
Huron County, Ontario
May 24 - 26
June
Take a break. Read a book. Write a story.
July
Lakefield Literary Festival
Lakefield, Ontario
July 12 - 14
August
Writers at Woody Point
Bonne Bay, Newfoundland
September
Eden Mills Writers Festival
Eden Mills, Ontario
The Word on the Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Word on the Street
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Telling Tales Festival
'inspiring a love of reading and raising awareness of literacy'
Rockton, Ontario
September 15
The Winnipeg International Writers Festival (Thin Air)
Winnipeg, Manitoba
September 20 - 28
Kingston Writers Fest
Kingston, Ontario
September 25 - 29
The Festival of Literary Diversity
Kids Book Fest
Brampton, Ontario
September 27-29
Word Vancouver
celebrating its 25th festival
Vancouver, BC
Victoria Festival of Authors
schedule to be announced summer 2019
Victoria, BC
Cabot Trail Writers Festival
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
October
Fog Lit Festival
Saint John, New Brunswick
October 2 - 6
Whistler Writers Festival
Whistler, BC
October 17 - 20
Book Bash Canadian Literature Festival
Chatham-Kent
October 23
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario
October 24 - 29
Toronto International Festival of Authors
celebrating their 40th edition
Harbourfront Centre
Toronto, Ontario
October 24 - November 3
Stratford Writers Festival
Stratford, Ontario
October 18 - 27
Surrey International Writers' Conference
Surrey, BC
October 25 - 27
November, December, January
Cuddle up with a good book and dream of next year's literary festivals
more extensive lists...
Canadian Festivals and Reading Series
The Writers' Union of Canada
A Guide to Canadian Literary Festivals
compiled by the CBC
Question: (may you have the same one) Why are there no Canadian literary festivals in June? Huh?
