Box Office Information
TERMS & CONDITIONS
We offer no exchanges or refunds except if an event is cancelled. Check your order carefully before you click Pay. Everything in our program guide is subject to change, so refer to our website’s event pages for the most up-to-date information.
We do our best to accommodate latecomers but late entry is not guaranteed. Your tickets will not be refunded if you miss an event due to being late.
For the comfort of all our patrons, staff and volunteers, please minimize the use of cologne, perfume, and strongly scented lotions.
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
Online: writersfest.bc.ca
Over the phone: Call Showpass at (844) 307-7469
- Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm
- Sat – Sun: 9am – 6pm
In-person: Tickets can be purchased at the venue up-to 45 minutes before the event starts
Debit or Credit only.
CONTACT US
Questions about an event or accessibility needs? You can reach our staff at boxoffice@writersfest.bc.ca or by phone at 778-658-0462.
- Mon – Thurs: 11am – 3pm
Ticket sales must be completed online or over the phone with Showpass.
2025 FESTIVAL DATES
2025 Festival: October 20–26
Program Guide released to VWF Members: August 28
Program Guide released to the public: September 3
Tickets on sale to VWF Members: September 9, 10am
Tickets on sale to schools: September 11, 8am
Tickets on sale to the general public: September 16, 10am
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
If an event is sold out, the best way to find out if we’re planning to release more tickets in the coming days or weeks is to subscribe to our newsletter. There is no waitlist.
For most events, we will offer a standby line outside the venue in case there are empty seats at the last minute. If you’d like to chance it, please bundle up and arrive up-to 45 minutes early. Entry is not guaranteed.
ACCESSIBILITY
We do our best to make the Festival a safer, inclusive, low-barrier experience for you. Visit our accessibility information page for details about our venues and policies. Please reach out with additional requests and questions to access@writersfest.bc.ca.
Priority seating is available: if we have a seat that meets your needs we can reserve it for you in advance. Please contact the box office for more information.
Some of our events feature ASL interpretation. View our pre-arranged ASL interpreted events here. You can contact the Box Office to request priority seating with a clear view of the interpreter. If you would benefit from ASL interpretation of other events, please email us with at least two weeks’ notice and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS
Our daytime programming features events for students from kindergarten to grade 12. For event details, browse Youth events online.
You can find additional information for teachers, including ticket and bus subsidy information, on our Information for Teachers page.
Tickets go on sale to schools September 11.
PRICES
Ticket prices include GST and service fees, so there will be no surprises at checkout.
October Festival events in theatres are $27 except where indicated. Discounts on Standard events are offered for members (10%), seniors (10%), or youth under 25 ($15 flat fee; some events excluded). Learn more about Membership here.
Special and Premium Event ticket prices may vary. Incite is always free.
Youth Festival events are $12 per person. Our digital youth events are all free.
BUYING TICKETS ONLINE
Why do I need a password? We must password-protect accounts where we are transacting with your credit card details. By clicking on “forgot your password” or calling Showpass customer support, you can be quickly up-and-running to complete your purchase.
I don’t have a credit card, or I need to ask questions before I book. Our box office staff want to chat with you, see our contact information at the top of the page.
Something doesn’t work! If you’re experiencing an error, Showpass customer service or our box office staff can assist. We also recommend updating your browser, or trying on a different device, if anything doesn’t look right.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I BOOK?
Events in theatres
You’ll receive an order confirmation which includes your PDF ticket(s) by email at the time of booking and again 24 hours before the event. You can display it on your phone or print it out. An usher will scan your ticket at the door, so please have it ready when you arrive.
Youth events
Youth events are all available both in-person and by livestream. If you select the livestream option, you’ll receive a link to watch the event on YouTube on-demand anytime between the livestream and the end of October. Our Youth events run under 60 minutes.