September
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl is making her only Canadian appearance to launch a new series. In Tidelands, Philippa Gregory turns from the glamour of the royal courts to tell the story of an ordinary woman, Alinor, who cannot bear to conform to the life that lies before her. This presentation-style event will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. READ MORE
For a true insider’s take on the upcoming 2019 Imaginairium (Oct. 14-23), please come early to this special edition of the We've Read This Book Club for a free festival preview night with Shelley Youngblut, Wordfest's CEO, as she dishes out all the festival delights ahead (6:30-7:30pm). Then stay for our monthly book club event starting at 7:30pm, and come prepared to delve into Amy Jones's newest novel, Every Little Piece of Me. READ MORE
If you want a true insider’s take on Wordfest's upcoming festival, The Imaginairium (Oct. 14-23, 2019), please save the date for this free preview night on Sept. 11 when Shelley Youngblut, Wordfest's CEO dishes out all the festival delights ahead. Click here to see details on the authors announced so far (with more to come!), including the world’s most popular advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, Chigozie Obioma (recently longlisted for the 2019 Booker Prize, Indigenous educator Bob Joseph, best-selling essayist Alicia Elliott, the New Yorker’s divine Comma Queen Mary Norris, and the delightful (and prolific) Emma Donoghue. READ MORE
An insider’s take on the leadership of Justin Trudeau
Sep 14 @ 10 AM $15 - $20
Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor
1221 2nd Street SW
An insider’s take on the leadership of Justin Trudeau. Don’t miss political journalist Aaron Wherry as he presents his timely book about the successes and failures of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in advance of the 2019 Federal election on Oct. 21. This event includes an on-stage interview and reading, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. READ MORE
Do You Know the Difference Between a Vagina and a Vulva?
Sep 25 @ 7 PM $16 - $20
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, 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
October
Gain entry to all regular events and make the most of your Imaginairium experience in Calgary from October 16 to 23, 2019. Pass holders have the option of reserving tickets in advance (subject to availability) or are admitted on a first come, first served basis at the door. This pass excludes food-related Imaginairium events and events occurring outside the fall festival program. Pass holders who purchase before the deadline will receive a hidden link where they may reserve a ticket for Louise Penny's appearance at the Imaginairium on October 23, 2019 (included in all passes). This $30 event goes on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on August 26, so registering in advance for this event is strongly recommended. READ MORE
We're thrilled to be presenting one of Wordfest's most beloved authors and raconteurs to celebrate the 20th book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. Expertly and gently crafted by Alexander McCall Smith, To the Land of Long Lost Friends reminds us of the value of tried and true wisdom and to never judge a book by its cover. This event includes an on-stage interview, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. 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.
Photos of Past Events
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 MoreFuel Exceptional Kids Here.
Wordfest is a registered charity, non-profit arts presenter and “legacy-startup” (with 24 years under our belt) that relies on contributions from individuals like you. Find out how you can help fuel unique opportunities for kids in Grades 5 to 12 with a donation to Wordfest that’s generously matched through Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink.
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