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
Galiano Island, BC
March
Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival
Vancouver, BC
April
Sidney Lit Fest
Sidney, BC
News Brunswick
the largest literary event in Atlantic Canada
bilingual
Quebec
Festival of Literary Diversity (Fold)
Brampton, Ontario
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario
Festival of Trees
'the largest literary event for young readers in Canada'
Waterloo, Ontario
London, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
Alice Munro Festival of the short story
Huron County, Ontario
Take a break. Read a book. Write a story.
Lakefield Literary Festival
Lakefield, Ontario
Read by the Sea
River John, Nova Scotia
May
Festival of Literary Diversity (Fold)
Brampton, Ontario
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario
Festival of Trees
'the largest literary event for young readers in Canada'
Waterloo, Ontario
London, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
Alice Munro Festival of the short story
Huron County, Ontario
June
Take a break. Read a book. Write a story.
July
Lakefield Literary Festival
Lakefield, Ontario
Read by the Sea
River John, Nova Scotia
Children's Festival
River John, Nova Scotia
Ochre Pit Cove
Conception Bay, Newfoundland
London, 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
The Winnipeg International Writers Festival (Thin Air)
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Kingston Writers Fest
Kingston, Ontario
Word Vancouver
Vancouver, BC
Victoria Festival of Authors
Victoria, BC
Lunenburg Lit Festival
September
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
The Winnipeg International Writers Festival (Thin Air)
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Kingston Writers Fest
Kingston, Ontario
Word Vancouver
Vancouver, BC
Victoria Festival of Authors
Victoria, BC
Lunenburg Lit Festival
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Whistler Writers Festival
Whistler, BC
Book Bash Canadian Literature Festival
Chatham-Kent, Ontario
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario
Toronto International Festival of Authors
Harbourfront Centre
Toronto, Ontario
Stratford Writer's Festival
Stratford, Ontario
Surrey International Writers' Conference
Surrey, BC
Cuddle up with a good book and dream of next year's literary festivals
Canadian Festivals and Reading Series
The Writers' Union of Canada
Question: (maybe you have the same one) Why are there no Canadian literary festivals in June? Huh?
October
Whistler Writers Festival
Whistler, BC
Book Bash Canadian Literature Festival
Chatham-Kent, Ontario
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario
Toronto International Festival of Authors
Harbourfront Centre
Toronto, Ontario
Stratford Writer's Festival
Stratford, Ontario
Surrey International Writers' Conference
Surrey, BC
November
London, Ontario
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
Question: (maybe you have the same one) Why are there no Canadian literary festivals in June? Huh?
