2023 Festival Events
Dates
Categories
Genres
Or Search By Event Number
01. Between the Pages: An Evening with the Scotiabank Giller Prize Finalists
Celebrate the finalists of the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize, as they kick off the Festival with the cross-Canada Between the Pages tour.
02. Cherie Dimaline in Conversation
Cherie Dimaline digs into her writing process, her passion for storytelling, and what inspired her latest works: Funeral Songs for Dying Girls and Into the Bright Open. Grades 8–12.
03. A Morning with Jon Klassen
Multi-award-winning author and artist Jon Klassen will delve into his new book, The Skull. This is a fun morning for little ones right before Halloween. Grades 1–3.
04. Masterclass: The Best Way to Get Your Way
Tanya Lloyd Kyi, a beloved guest of the Festival and author of more than 25 books for kids, reveals tips for debating in respectful—and effective—ways. Grades 4–7.
05. Finding Your Way
When life takes a tricky turn, sometimes it’s difficult to know which path to forge. Three authors share their stories of challenge and resilience. Grades 4–7.
06. Word! (1)
Three exceptional performers—D Fretter, fanny kearse, and Em Nimetz—share poems about love, art, justice, and more. Grades 8–12. Hosted by Jillian Christmas.
07. Picture Book Storytime
Jon Klassen and Ben Clanton, beloved illustrator-authors of children’s literature share their new work with students. Grades 1–3.
08. Masterclass: Maybe a Whale
In this masterclass for little ones, author Kirsten Pendreigh and illustrator Crystal Smith come together to describe how a story becomes a book. Grades 1–3.
09. Spooky Stories
Prepare to feel goosebumps with these tales of hauntings and mysteries from bestselling writers Joel A. Sutherland and Natasha Deen. Grades 4–7.
10. Ian Ferguson & Will Ferguson in Conversation
Brothers Ian and Will Ferguson have teamed up once again, after their hugely bestselling How to Be a Canadian, to deliver a gripping thriller: I Only Read Murder.
11. The Storm Inside Us
Alicia Elliott (And Then She Fell) and Carrie Mac (Last Winter) speak to the process of writing about mental health, mental illness, and its relationship to family and community.
12. Marvelous Meta-Fiction
Books within books, protagonists who are also their authors, plot twists about the narrator: three authors with anticipated new books in this style explore the joys of such playfulness and the literary challenges of subverting common styles.
13. The Alma Lee Opening Night Event: Page-Turning Thrills
Looking for books to keep you up at night when you decide to read “just one more chapter”? Three of the world’s most celebrated thriller writers join us on stage to talk about craft, mystery, crime, and plots that get your pulse racing.
14. Roaming
Jillian and Mariko Tamaki, the critically acclaimed and Caldecott Medal-winning graphic novelists, join us with their new book Roaming. For graphic novel fans, or readers who are just exploring the genre after falling in love with Ducks, this promises to be a future classic.
15. Patrick deWitt in Conversation
Patrick deWitt is the perfect poster child for aspiring writers. Since dropping out of high school to focus on becoming a writer, he’s won the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and been a finalist for the Booker and Giller Prizes. He joins us to discuss his latest work, The Librarianist. Moderated by Bill Richardson.
16. Inheriting Truth
These books consciously deal with the weight of inheritance, whether it’s inheriting story, self-mythology, or trauma. How do we make sense of what’s been passed down to us? Three lauded novelists discuss just this with our Guest Curator Elamin Abdelmahmoud.
17. Word! (2)
Three exceptional performers—D Fretter, fanny kearse, and Em Nimetz—share poems about love, art, justice, and more. Grades 8–12. Hosted by Jillian Christmas.
18. Shadows, Wrath, and Haunting Writing
Students will be on the edge of their seats hearing from writers who have produced three of the creepiest YA books of the season! Grades 8–12.
19. Storytime
Three authors who have captivated people of all ages with their art and storytelling will offer a truly mesmerizing morning for little ones. Grades 1–3.
20. Masterclass with Tui T. Sutherland
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tui T. Sutherland will take students through her creative process in this masterclass. Students will leave with practical tips and a lot of inspiration to embark on their own projects. Grades 4–7.
21. Rise Up!
Andrea Warner’s Rise Up and Sing is an inspiring introduction to activism and social justice for young teens. She’s joined on-stage by musicians Missy D, Kimmortal, and Chris Reed/Continental Breakfast. Grades 8–12.
22. Burt the Beetle with Ashley Spires
One of the staples of our children’s programming here at the Festival, Ashley Spires will keep kids laughing while learning about insects. Grades 1–3.
23. The Strength of Owls, Turtles… and Kids
Each of these books showcases the hidden strengths in nature—and in us. Kids will be amazed by the abilities of owls and turtles, and inspired by Firefox, who’s surrounded by animals on her own adventures. Grades 4–7.
24. Masterclass with Sarah Suk
Vancouver-based author Sarah Suk is known for her gripping, atmospheric YA novels. She’ll share her latest work, The Space between Here & Now, and her writing insights with students in this informative, engaging masterclass. Grades 8–12.
25. Bestselling Teen Fiction for a Reason
Cherie Dimaline and Jen Ferguson are two of the biggest names in YA. Both write about Indigenous teens and the struggles they face, whether in this world or others. This is a chance for students to discover more about admired authors, and hear about their brand new books. Grades 8–12.
26. The Strength of Storytelling
Three of the most lauded and creative Indigenous writers speak to the process of writing their poignant, nuanced, exceptionally moving stories; the strength of Indigenous women at the heart of their latest works; and the nuance of beauty and heartbreak interwoven in stories and life.
27. Night Class – A Workshop with UBC School of Creative Writing
Now a staple of the Festival, this interactive, unpredictable workshop offers writing tips, tricks, and cues from five members of UBC School of Creative Writing’s illustrious department.
28. On Being Human (or not): Exceptional Short Stories
Good short stories can share expansive truths with the smallest details. Each of these authors offer mesmerizing insights into what it means to be human in their collections.
29. The Company We Keep
They say that a friend is someone who knows you and loves you anyway. Three thought-provoking authors speak to the beauty of unusual company and surprising friendships, as shared in their latest works.
30. She’s A Scream
There are plenty of things for women to be terrified about—from reproductive rights erasure to violence in rising temperatures, to wrinkles, friendship betrayals, and even things that go bump in the night. These three hugely popular writers share what makes for a gripping read, in a discussion likely to be warm, funny, and ever so clever.
31. Blackness as a Portal, Blackness as the Frame
Each of these writers analyze their relationship to Blackness from different vantage points and from different ends. In what promises to be a fascinating, powerful discussion, they will share why they write about Black experience, whether through memoir, historical analysis, or cultural criticism, and their relationship to Blackness.
32. Anne Berest in Conversation with Marsha Lederman
Anne Berest, one of Europe’s most celebrated authors, will speak with Marsha Lederman about family history and secrets in the face of abject destruction.
33. Season of the Witch
In spite of centuries of persecution, Hollywood stereotypes, and cultural misunderstandings, witchcraft is seeing a renaissance, and more and more women are exploring the power and feminism steeped in this practice. Our authors will talk with Guest Curator Elamin Abdelmahmoud about why the concept of the witch is such a fertile playground for writing.
34. Good Reads for YA
Our Good Reads events feature books of the season that can’t be put down. Each of these new YA titles offers captivating stories that share important topics with youth. Grades 8–12.
35. Adventures in the Pacific Northwest
The Sueño Bay Adventures graphic novel series, by Nancy & Mike Deas, teaches kids about environmentalism, friendship, and home, and regularly receives starred reviews. Nancy and Mike will take students on a magical romp through strange, fascinating places. Grades 2–4.
36. Masterclass with Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Writer, cultural commentator, podcast host, and this year’s Guest Curator Elamin Abdelmahmoud shares some of his tips and tricks on storytelling and presenting in this masterclass, perfect for budding producers, writers, and media makers. Grades 8–12.
37. Good Reads for Middle Grade
Three books for middle grade readers will underscore how our differences are nothing to be ashamed of, imparting a strength that comes from just being you. Grades 4–7. Moderated by France Perras.
38. Using Pop Culture
Looking to pop culture to create meaning in our own lives is an important part of every adolescent journey—and beyond. Two engaging, insightful authors touch on elements of pop culture with Festival Guest Curator Elamin Abdelmahmoud. Grades 8–12.
39. Wings of Fire: Tui T. Sutherland in Conversation
Tui T. Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series is a #1 New York Times bestseller topping the lists for 122 weeks in total. Tui will reveal her inspiration behind this epic fantasy series and what her success has felt like as she creates such imaginative, bold worlds. Grades 4–7.
40. Masterclass with Ben Clanton
Ben Clanton, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, will show budding artists how he begins his drawings, and how those drawings can tell emotive stories. Grades 2–4.
41. Fantastical Fantasy
Step into worlds never before fathomed with three YA fantasy writers who use magic realism and new realms to reveal valuable insights about navigating teenage years—and society—with strength and fairness. Grades 8–12.
42. It Stops Here: Rueben George in Conversation
Rueben George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation shares the story of the spiritual, cultural, and political resurgence of a nation taking action to reclaim their lands, waters, law, and food systems in the face of colonization in his memoir, It Stops Here. Join us for this important conversation.
43. Mona Awad in Conversation
Snow White meets Eyes Wide Shut in Mona Awad’s Rouge—a surreal descent into the dark side of beauty, envy, grief, and the complicated love between mothers and daughters. Don’t miss what’s sure to be a fun, clever evening of conversation.
44. Rewriting History
If we could rewrite history, what injustices would we right? We may not have time machines (yet) but writing about history at least offers the chance to recast historical figures in a more complex light. These three authors do just this with their captivating works that offer a new perspective on the past.
45. Celeste Ng in Conversation
Lauded author Celeste Ng—whose work has sold millions of copies worldwide and been published in more than 30 languages—will speak to her work to date… and what comes next.
46. Smells Like… 90s Lyrics Night
A highlight of last year’s Festival, lyrics night is back! We Truly Madly Deeply loved the 90s when many of us were Livin’ La Vida Loca. Hosted by Elamin Abdelmahmoud, celebrated authors read their favourite lyrics from the era like they’re still in Vogue.
47. Cli-Fi: Fiction for our Times
The climate crisis is here, and as we grapple with what this means (and what to do about it), some writers offer warnings of what comes next in their fiction. This is Cli-Fi and it’s here to stay.
48. The Best of History
The past is always fertile ground for rich stories, expansive epics, and high-stakes drama, but the very best writers of historical fiction also remind us of the shared humanity of people across the centuries. Four of the most celebrated writers of this genre—all of them bestsellers and award-winners—speak to just this within their latest works.
49. 90s Dance Party
Whether you’re reminiscing over nights on the dance floor when slip dresses and Doc Martens were in style, or simply want to move to the beat after sitting immersed in the rest of our events, our 90s Dance Party is sure to bring a smile to your face. Featuring DJ Ice B on the turntables.
50. On the Edge
Our modern state is a precarious one and these three writers offer very different approaches to exploring and analyzing our age of decline through memoir, cultural commentary, and a novel.
51. Memoirs of Belonging
These three authors have led remarkable lives, and their memoirs are enveloping tapestries of storytelling about family and belonging. They’ll speak to ties across generations, the complexity of identity in the face of historic ills and colonialism, and more.
52. Debut Fiction
Each year, this event showcases authors you may not have heard of but whose debut fiction is buzzworthy—and likely appears on some of the biggest prize lists in the country. That is to say: you heard them here first, folks! Discover these remarkable voices.
53. Book Banning in a Precarious Age
Book banning is on the rise. In the United States, 2,532 books were banned in 2021/22. Marsha Lederman speaks with three writers whose works remind us that human rights should be non-negotiable, in literature and beyond.
54. Blending Genres
Each of these authors combine the unexpected—either writing in many genres across works, or blending multiple genres in one book. We delve into these kaleidoscopic offerings before a ceremony for the VMI Betsy Warland Between Genres Award.
55. AI, Quantum Physics and Simplifying the Unknown: In Conversation with Jérémie Harris
Update: This is now a free, online event, which can be watched at any time from October 16–22!
Physicist, AI risk expert, and international AI security consultant Jérémie Harris joins us with his new book, Quantum Physics Made Me Do It: A Simple Guide to the Fundamental Nature of Everything.
56. Carving Space
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Indigenous Voices Awards, Carving Space shares works of its finalists over the past five years. We welcome Carleigh Baker and three contributors to the anthology, and former finalists of the Awards.
57. Women Talking
These literary works may delve into very different circumstances, but at the heart of each are women protagonists navigating complexity to build their own futures in bold and sweeping narratives.
58. Suzette Mayr in Conversation
An Oprah pick, a Giller Prize-winner, and on just about every eligible prize shortlist or Best of the Year list, Suzette Mayr’s The Sleeping Car Porter was one of the biggest literary sensations of recent years. She’ll discuss the journey with Jael Richardson.
59. Latin Expressions in Three Conversations
Celebrating international authors and discovering writers from different cultures is one of the many highlights of the Festival, and this year we delve into works from Latin American writers. Each offers fascinating, heady insight into the lives of women.
60. The Poetry Bash
Entrancing, surprising, and memorable: The Poetry Bash is a gateway to discovering new-to-you poets or hearing your favourites.
61. Lauren Groff in Conversation
Lauren Groff’s visit to the 2021 Festival was electric, humorous, and insightful. All the more reason to be excited by this intimate event with the three-time National Book Award finalist discussing her latest book, The Vaster Wilds.
62. Freeman’s Conclusions
John Freeman’s latest anthology explores Conclusions in all their forms. This year, the tables turn and the editor will be interviewed about this latest release in the series, by issue contributor, friend, and award-winning author Omar El Akkad.
63. Landbridge
Author and English Professor Y-Dang Troeung passed away in 2022 after completing her brilliant book Landbridge. Four revered writers, friends, and colleagues of the author and academic celebrate her work and share more about her life.
64. Rebecca Solnit in Conversation
“The voice of the resistance” is just another accolade that public intellectual, feminist, multi-award winning writer, environmentalist, and human rights activist Rebecca Solnit can add to her global recognition. In this intimate interview, she speaks to her lifelong work as an activist and feminist.
65. Chinatown: Past and Future
In this important, prescient event, writers, and artists explore what it means to be Chinese in North America. They explore threats to Chinese North American heritage, community, and wellbeing including spreading gentrification across Vancouver, Toronto, and San Francisco, home to the largest Chinese diasporic populations in the West.
66. Fest Talks on Field Notes
Field Notes from Biblioasis are slim, pocket-sized books with insightful forays into topics of importance. They’re as brilliant as they are concise. Four authors of recent Field Notes will each speak to the subject of their book and passion.
67. Good Reads
The premise of our Good Reads event each year is simple: hear from three authors of must-read, unputdownable books.
68. Novel Ideas: Conversations with Michael Crummey, Emma Donoghue, and Elizabeth Hay
Three of the best loved names in CanLit sit down with longtime friend of the Festival, Marsha Lederman, to discuss their latest works.
69. Short Stories Continued
That tiny detail which holds insight into the most expansive of experiences; despite their spare canvases, short stories are often profound. This is certainly the case for these three, deeply creative collections.
70. Poets in Conversation
Intellectual, versatile, and brilliant: these three writers’ works are perfect examples of how poetry can expand our consciousness.
71. Crime Time
Why are we so drawn to stories of crime? And is it harmless entertainment, or something more sinister? Three authors of crime novels or works about the impact of crime explore why we love the dastardly.
72. Michelle Good in Conversation
Michelle Good has moved and inspired millions of people with Five Little Indians, which won Canada Reads, a Governor General’s Literary Award, an Amazon First Novel Award, and more. She joins us to speak about her new non-fiction work, Truth Telling.
73. Silvia Moreno-Garcia in Conversation
Silvia Moreno-Garcia produces highly-original works across genres and worlds. Her latest, Silver Nitrate, is a fabulous meld of Mexican horror movies and Nazi occultism.
74. Poets on Family and Time
Lorna Crozier (After That) and Susan Musgrave (Exculpatory Lilies) are two of the most celebrated poets in Canada. In conversation with former Artistic Director of the Festival, Hal Wake, they speak to their deeply moving latest collections.
75. Doppelganger: Naomi Klein
Naomi Klein’s new book, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World, braids elements of tragi-comic memoir, chilling political reportage, and cobweb-clearing cultural analysis.
Tickets for this event are sold by The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Click here to purchase your tickets.
76. The Literary Cabaret
It’s a formula that never fails: combine six acclaimed and award-winning authors with one band and a table of friends for a night of exceptional art and delight.
77. Gripping Domestic Thrillers
Ashley Audrain’s debut novel, The Push, was a New York Times, Sunday Times (UK), and #1 international bestseller. She speaks with Robert Wiersema about her new work, The Whispers—is a propulsive page-turner about four families whose lives are changed when the unthinkable happens.
78. Christina Sharpe in Conversation
Christina Sharpe’s Ordinary Notes is a dazzlingly inventive, intellectually bracing exploration of pain and beauty, private memory and public monument, art and complexity in contemporary Black life. She speaks with David Chariandy.
79. Food for Thought
A revitalized take on our Sunday Brunch, Food for Thought presents six authors exploring topics at the forefront of our minds. Guests will also enjoy a continental breakfast as they listen.
80. The Conversations: Jenny Erpenbeck and Elaine Feeney
Marsha Lederman will separately interview two of the most talked-about international writers on our roster. This is an opportunity to be immersed in conversation with women of world repute.
81. Pulse-Racing Thrillers
These three thriller writers use the everyday to cast tales of mystery and intrigue, showing that all is not what it seems in our complex world.
82. Emerge
Join us at this free event to celebrate the latest work from The Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University: emerge 23: The Writer’s Studio Anthology.
83. Pictures on the Wall: The Power of Art
Our authors discuss the role art can play in our personal and public lives, and the joys of paying a little more attention to the beauty surrounding us.
84. The Afternoon Tea
The Afternoon Tea is always special: a chance to immerse in readings from a lineup of bestselling, award-winning and celebrated authors while savouring a high tea selection of treats with friends.
85. Not Too Late: The Climate Conversation
What can we do to truly engage with this pivotal moment for humankind and our planet? Three of the most revered contemporary non-fiction writers speak about the climate crisis… and what comes next.