June
Have you vowed to wean yourself off Netflix and get some serious reading done this spring – then have a great chat about what you’ve read with an equally engaged group of book lovers? Come prepared to delve into Bitter Orange, from the author of the Desmond Elliott Prize winning book, Our Endless Numbered Days, Claire Fuller. READ MORE
A Humorous Exploration of Identity & Belonging with Naomi K. Lewis
Jun 25 @ 7 PM $15 - $20
Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor
1221 2nd Street SW
Don’t miss Naomi K. Lewis’s launch of Tiny Lights for Travellers. Vulnerable and funny, her much anticipated memoir explores Jewish identity, family, the Holocaust, and belonging. This event will feature an on-stage interview with host Samantha Warwick, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. READ MORE
Taffy Brodesser-Akner (Fleishman is in Trouble)
Jun 28 @ 7 PM $39.95 - $49.95
Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor
1221 2nd Street SW
This is THE must-see author of spring 2019 according to Wordfest CEO & Creative Ringleader, Shelley Youngblut. "Taffy Brodesser-Akner is my hero — such a smart, funny, and deliciously original writer. If you're looking for an experience that embodies my perfect Wordfest event, this is it!" READ MORE
How to Write About Anyone with Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Jun 29 @ 10 AM $39.95 - $49.95
Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor
1221 2nd Street SW
Presented in partnership with the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, this event features an on-stage interview about the highs and lows of writing about celebrities, followed by an audience Q&A. Your ticket includes a copy of Taffy's debut novel, Fleishman is in Trouble ($36 retail price). READ MORE
July
Have you vowed to wean yourself off Netflix and get some serious reading done this spring – then have a great chat about what you’ve read with an equally engaged group of book lovers? Come prepared to delve into Nancy Jo Cullen's novel, The Western Alienation Merit Badge. The book has been called, "A queer prairie novel of my dreams – electric, funny, hot, heartbreaking, scathing, like a mix of Sarah Schulman and Chandra Mayor" by Casey Plett. This event is hosted by blogger and book reviewer Anne Logan of ivereadthis.com, and is part of Wordfest's monthly book club series on the top floor of Memorial Park Library. READ MORE
August
Have you vowed to wean yourself off Netflix and get some serious reading done this spring – then have a great chat about what you’ve read with an equally engaged group of book lovers? Come prepared to delve into Nazanine Hozar's debut novel, Aria. The book has been called, "A feminist odyssey, about a girl in a time of intolerance as the revolution in Iran is breaking out . . . a poised and dramatic historical novel with contemporary relevance" by John Irving. READ MORE
September
Do You Know the Difference Between a Vagina and a Vulva?
Sep 25 @ 7 PM $20 - $25
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, New Central Library
800 3 Street SE
Finally, an all-encompassing repository of accurate information based on science for vagina owners and lovers. Dr. Jen Gunter shares her expert understanding of the sexual health needs (and questions) of contemporary girls and women. Including a chapter on trans vaginas, and another on cannabis and the vagina, this is the modern, unfiltered, anti-patriarchal guide to female health. READ MORE
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to see Margaret Atwood live at Calgary's Bella Concert Hall, as she presents The Testaments, the long-awaited sequel to 1985’s incendiary The Handmaid’s Tale. This event will include a reading and an on-stage interview. For the first time, we're offering pre-assigned seating—the best seats will go quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets. READ MORE
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Wordfest will present more than 150 amazing experiences in 2019, with new authors and thinkers being booked all the time. Sign up for our newsletter — it’s the only way you won’t miss out on exciting announcements, special offers and some pretty swell surprises.
Photos of Past Events
Wordfest featured more than 170 events last year and is dreaming big for 2019. Visit our Flickr page for photos of past events.
View Festival Photos
Recaps of Past Events
Using a platform called Wakelet, we’ve collected all of the social media buzz, live-tweets, snapshots and live illustrations captured during Wordfest.
Recaps of Past Events
Youth & School Programming
Over 7,000+ young readers annually will experience the magic of interacting with inspirational writers, artists and thinkers in schools and in theatres.
Learn MoreBecome a Wordy Do-Gooder
A huge thank you to all of our supporters! Wordfest relies on government funding, sponsorships from corporations and foundations, volunteer support and charitable donations from individuals like you to ensure that we are able to continue our 23-year history of sparking live experiences for readers and writers. We invite you to consider donating to Wordfest this season as we plan for another year of igniting ideas and building community – one inspiring story at a time.
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