Wordfest FAQs
Quick Answers to General Questions
General Inquiries
Click to reveal the answer to our most commonly asked questions.
How do I contact the Wordfest Box Office?
For assistance, please contact the Wordfest office by email at boxoffice@wordfest.com.
When is the 2026 Imaginairium Festival?
Wordfest’s fall festival runs Oct. 13 to 18, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta. Find out more about Canada’s Liveliest Literary Festival here.
Where can I learn more about upcoming Wordfest shows happening throughout the year?
Wordfest showcases the world’s most intriguing authors (in every genre!) from January through December in Calgary. You can browse our year-round schedule here, and join our email list here to be the first to know when new shows are announced. They often sell out quickly.
Where are Wordfest’s Main Venues?
Wordfest, Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor
1221 2nd Street SW, Calgary
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library
800 3 St SE, Calgary
DJD Dance Centre
111 12 Avenue SE, Calgary
Bella Concert Hall, Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts
4825 Mt. Royal Gate SW, Calgary
How does an author get programmed at Wordfest?
Authors showcased by Wordfest have been pitched to us by their publishers, with whom we work closely to showcase a wide variety of writers and genres. They are primarily promoting new work. Click here for more information.
AI SCAM ALERT: Invitations to appear at Wordfest are sent by publishers to their authors. If you receive any communication from an email account (particularly a gmail account) purporting to be from a Wordfest representative, it is likely an AI-generated scam. We only work through publishers to avoid this unconscionable exploitation and our official emails are from emails ending in wordfest.com. We never charge authors or artists to be part of our programming.
Where can I find Wordfest on Social Media?
Please join our authors and become active members of the Wordfest community by sharing photos and posts online. Share your favourite moments with us! Use #wordfest and #Imaginairium, and tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads using @wordfest.
What to Expect at a Wordfest Show
How early should I arrive at a Wordfest show?
We recommend arriving when doors open (noted on your ticket) as Wordfest tickets are general admission. Arriving early gives you a chance to find a great seat, grab a libation from the venue’s lobby bar, and browse the bookseller and merch tables.
Are books available for sale at Wordfest shows?
Yes, come early and browse the pop-up bookstore in the venue lobby before and after every Wordfest show. Here you’ll find the featured titles from each event as well as a selection of backlist and other recommended reads from the show’s themes. During the Imaginairium, discover the full collection of festival books, all in one place, at the pop-up bookstores in Memorial Park Library and DJD Dance Centre!
At standalone shows throughout the year, we partner with independent booksellers such as Owl’s Nest Books, Shelf Life Books, Slow Burn Books, and Nocturne Books.
Does Wordfest have merch?
Yes! At most shows, the onsite bookseller will have a selection of Wordfest swag and merch available for purchase, including custom tote bags, stickers, and new Human-Focused Mission buttons! All Wordfest merch proceeds go to Wordfest Youth (fuelling teen literacy in Calgary). We never use AI and always pay the artists.
Will the author sign books after a Wordfest show?
Most Wordfest shows include a signing after the show where you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the author, get a selfie, and have your books personalized.
However, we recommend checking the details of the show description to confirm, as some experiences (at the request of the author) may offer presigned books, limited personalizations, no selfies, or a post-show photo opportunity only (no signing).
Can I preorder my book before a Wordfest show?
Every show has a pre-order link. Patrons can purchase books through the bookseller in advance.
Want your book signed before the show? Arrive early, purchase your book(s) and let the onsite bookseller know. If the author has time in the green room, we will get them to sign in advance.
Which Wordfest venues have bar service?
Bar service is available at Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor (for events after noon) and at DJD Dance Centre and Central Library (evening events). Drinks can be enjoyed in lobby spaces and at your seat during the show. We feature alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Can I access recordings of past Wordfest shows?
We turn the audio recordings of our most memorable in-person shows into new episodes of Imagine On Air, available here. Check back regularly for more thought-provoking episodes, custom-crafted for you by Wordfest.
We’ve also assembled a hand-picked selection of our most memorable online shows and other feature films, available here.
Where can I find photos or recaps of the Wordfest show I just attended?
Indeed, “The FOMO is Reel.” Look for post-show recaps from Wordfest’s social media team and a selection of the best photos from our official photographer David Kotsibie on our Instagram Reels page here.
For select shows (e.g. where a professional photo with the author is included in the experience), we provide ticket holders with a link to download and share their photos.
Planning Your Visit
Memorial Park Library
What parking options are available at Memorial Park Library?
Wordfest’s primary performance space is located on the second floor of Memorial Park Library, 1221 2 Street SW. Parking is available on the surrounding streets and public parking lots. A list of City of Calgary parking locations can be found here.
Is there elevator access at Memorial Park Library?
Elevator access to Wordfest’s theatre on the 2nd floor is available from the ground level via the exterior doors on the north-west corner of the building (please ring the Wordfest buzzer for assistance). There is also a drop-off location for individuals with reduced mobility accessible via a driveway to the building off 12 Avenue SW (Drop-Offs Only. No Parking).
Please email us at boxoffice@wordfest.com if you are joining us with a mobility device or if you require assistance entering the venue.
Where are the washrooms and other amenities in Wordfest’s space at Memorial Park Library?
There are accessible and gender-neutral washroom facilities available on the 2nd floor, to the right of the stage. Washrooms are also available on the main floor during the Calgary Public Library’s hours of operation.
Complimentary filtered water is available at the Libations Bar. To reduce waste, we encourage you to bring your own water bottle.
Where can I find coffee shops near Memorial Park Library?
Deville Coffee
The District
227 12th Ave SW
Alforno at First Street Market
1327 1 St SW
I Love You Coffee Shop
348b 14th Ave SW (basement)
Starbucks
156 13th Ave SW (southwest corner of Hotel Arts)
Tim Hortons
1015 4th St SW
Central Library
What parking options are available at Central Library?
Central Library is located at 800 3 Street SE, directly east of City Hall. Public bike racks are located on all sides of the building, and bus routes stop on 3 Street SE and on 9 Avenue SE. The closest CTrain stop is City Hall, on both the Red and Blue lines. There is paid parking in the City Hall parkade, and Platform Parkade (Lot 62). Visit this link for more information on planning your visit to Central Library.
Where is the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall located in the building?
The theatre is located on Level 1 of the Central Library (800 3 St SE, Calgary). Simply enter through the main doors under the exterior archway and look for Wordfest signage and our box office table inside, immediately to your left as you enter.
Is there elevator access to the Patricia A. Whelan theatre?
On the west side of the Central Library Building (800 3 St SE, Calgary), there is an intercom at the doors near the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall. Visitors with mobility challenges can use this intercom to contact security in order to use these doors. Or, continue up the sloped walkway to reach the main entrance (Level 1).
For more information about accessibility at Central Library, click here.
Please email us at boxoffice@wordfest.com if you are joining us with a mobility device or if you require assistance entering the venue.
DJD Dance Centre
What parking options are available at DJD Dance Centre?
Wordfest’s primary performance space is located on the second floor of Memorial Park Library, 1221 2 Street SW. Parking is available on the surrounding streets and public parking lots. A list of City of Calgary parking locations can be found here.
Where is the DJD Dance Centre Theatre located in the building?
The DJD Dance Centre Theatre is located on the 2nd floor.
If arriving through the main doors off 12th avenue, simply look for Wordfest signage and our box office table in the lobby immediately to your left as you enter. Our friendly staff will scan your tickets and direct you to the theatre on the 2nd floor via the staircase or elevators.
If arriving from the DJD underground parkade, follow the signage and directions to the elevator and then select the main floor to have your ticket scanned and to browse the bookseller tables before joining us on the 2nd floor for the show.
Is there elevator access to the DJD Dance Centre Theatre?
Yes, there is an elevator to DJD Dance Centre Theatre on the 2nd floor, accessible from the main floor and underground parkade.
Please email us at boxoffice@wordfest.com if you are joining us with a mobility device or if you require assistance entering the venue.
Visiting from Out of Town?
Whether you’re visiting the city for a Wordfest show, or looking to build a special staycation experience, we have options!
What hotel do you recommend for shows near Memorial Park Library?
We recommend the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites (239 12th Avenue SW, Calgary), which is located directly across from Wordfest’s home at Memorial Park Library.
Here is their booking link to reserve a room at the preferred Wordfest rate.
Guests can also book by phone at 1‑888‑236‑2427 and reference the “Wordfest Fall Imaginairium Festival Room Block”. Some restrictions apply. Please inquire when calling.
What hotel do you recommend for shows near Central Library?
We recommend Alt Hotel East Village (635 Confluence Way SE, Calgary).
Valid during the Imaginairium Festival Only (Oct. 13-18, 2026): Please use is this booking link (or reference room block 2610WORDFE if reserving by phone) to book rooms at the Wordfest rate.
For shows outside the festival: Please make your reservation by phone and reference the booking block name WORDFEST.
Guests may contact the hotel at 1-833-391-0482 for Front Desk assistance. Some restrictions apply. Please inquire when calling.
Our Policies
Code of Conduct
Wordfest is dedicated to maintaining an environment that respects and supports the dignity of all artists, attendees, employees, volunteers, and community partners at its events. All participants have the right to an environment free from harassment where individual differences are welcomed and valued. Failure to comply with our Code of Conduct will result in the suspension of access to our programming.
Respect for Others
- Patrons will be treated in a consistent professional and courteous manner by Wordfest staff and volunteers.
- Patrons will treat all individuals with dignity and respect regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or background.
- Harassment, discrimination, abusive language, or threatening behavior will not be tolerated.
- Disruptive or intoxicated behavior that interferes with the enjoyment of others may result in removal from the premises.
Harassment is any conduct that is:
- Unwelcome and ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.
- Based on any of the prohibited grounds listed below; or
- Detrimental and affects the environment or leads to adverse consequences for the person being harassed.
The prohibited grounds of discrimination referred to above are set out and defined in the Provincial Human Rights Code/Acts, specifically, including race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical disability, mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, and age.
Examples of harassment can include, but are not limited to, the following behaviours:
- Unwelcome remarks, jokes, nicknames, slurs, innuendo or taunting related to any of the prohibited grounds;
- Unwelcome, inappropriate comments about a person’s perceived sexual attractiveness or unattractiveness;
- Unwelcome romantic or sexual advances.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Wordfest strives to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Please strive with us. Embracing and encouraging diversity is an essential part of our programming and our values.
All festival venues are accessible to those with limited mobility. Courtesy seating is available upon request. Please contact boxoffice@wordfest.com with any questions or concerns.
The Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall at Central Library, DJD Dance Centre, the Bella Concert Hall at the Taylor Centre for the Performaning Arts, and Wordfest’s space at Memorial Park Library include gender neutral bathroom facilities.
Patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the box office to request an audio recording and transcript of the show. Please inquire ahead of time for a faster turnaround.
If your financial situation limits your ability to experience our festival, please contact us. We have a limited number of complimentary passes and tickets, thanks to the generosity of our individual donors. For more information, please email boxoffice@wordfest.com.