February
Award-winning author and Globe and Mail feature columnist Doug Saunders argues we need 100 million Canadians if we're to outgrow our colonial past and build a safer, greener, more prosperous future. Join the Centre for Newcomers and Wordfest for an unforgettable conversation with Doug Saunders, author of MAXIMUM CANADA. Hosted by Zain Velji.
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Who better to offer a fresh perspective on the upcoming provincial election than this stellar lineup, all of whom exemplify Alberta Views magazine's trademark intellectual rigour?
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What could the proposed Events Centre/Arena, in conjunction with the BMO expansion and Arts Commons upgrade, mean for Calgary’s artists, arts organizations and arts lovers? Please join us for an informal — and informed — conversation, hosted by cultural connector Karen Ball and Wordfest’s CEO & Creative Ringleader Shelley Youngblut.
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In celebration of Freedom to Read Week, join us for the Calgary premiere of Three Feathers, the feature length film adaptation of Richard Van Camp's novel by the same name. Presented in partnership with Wordfest and the Calgary Public Library, this event includes an 85 minute film screening, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing with Richard Van Camp. Cash bar available.
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Looking for the chance to chat about what you’ve read (or haven’t read yet) with an equally engaged group of book lovers? Sign up for Calgary’s most entertaining and friendly book club, hosted by Anne Logan.
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March
Join us for an evening with renowned poet, novelist, public talker, and journalist, Eileen Myles. They will be presenting their latest poetry book called, Evolution, which has been called, “Chicken soup for the queer soul” by Ashley Tomaszewski of the Literati Bookstore. They will also be presenting their book, Afterglow: A Dog Memoir, about their relationship with their pit bull named Rosie.
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Finally, a “book” club for people who don’t only read books – and are obsessed with episodic television. We know you’re dying to talk about your favourite on-demand series, so we’ve created a monthly opportunity to geek out with your fellow small-screen aficionados. Next up is The Handmaid’s Tale (a month ahead of the release of the third season). Hosted by Shelley Youngblut, Wordfest's CEO & Creative Ringleader. Cash bar available.
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Don't miss this tantalizing event with Ann Hui, The Globe and Mail's national food reporter. Part memoir, part history and part road trip, Chop Suey Nation is the sweet and sour story of immigration told through the kitchens of small-town Canadian Chinese restaurants, including Calgary’s iconic Silver Dragon. Calgary’s beloved Julie Van Rosendaal will be doing the on-stage interview, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. This event will leave you feeling hungry.
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Come prepared to delve into Tommy Orange's national bestseller, There There. The book has been called, "A gripping deep dive into urban indigenous community in California: an astonishing literary debut!" by Margaret Atwood and a “Sweeping and subtle…pure soaring beauty" by Colm Toibin of The New York Times.
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April
The perfect night out for fans of The Crown, don’t miss best-selling author Jennifer Robson as she presents her new novel about one of the most famous dresses of the 20th Century — Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown — and the fascinating women who made it. In the tradition of something old and something new, you’re invited to come wearing attire from your special day.
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Don’t miss upcoming event announcements and updates on more than 50 events held throughout the year and at Calgary’s #1 Readers Festival each spring and fall. Sign up and we’ll send you our hallmark Wordy Goodness straight to your inbox.
Photos of Past Events
Wordfest featured over 150 events in last year and is dreaming big for 2018. Visit our Flickr page for photos of past events.
View Festival Photos
Recaps of Past Events
Using a platform called Storify, 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 10,000 young readers this year will experience the magic of interacting with live authors 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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