2025 Festival: October 20–26
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2025 Festival Events

Welcome to the 2025 Vancouver Writers Fest! This page lists all our events from October 20–26, along with a few fall/winter Special Events taking place outside of Festival Week.

Click on the title of the event to learn more. Browse the full lineup, or filter events by date or genre. You can search by author name or event title in the search bar (enter one word only).

To learn more about this year’s Festival, visit our 2025 Festival homepage, or learn more about: Box Office | Accessibility | Venue Map

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Sept 13 @ 7:30 PM
Granville Island Stage
$65

R. F. Kuang: Katabasis

Sept 13 @ 7:30 PM
$65
Bestselling literary superstar R. F. Kuang joins us for one night only on the Vancouver stop of her Katabasis tour, in conversation with Michelle Cyca.

Participants:

Michelle Cyca
R.F. Kuang
Sept 17 @ 7:30 PM
Playhouse Theatre
$40

Arundhati Roy in Conversation with Naomi Klein

Sept 17 @ 7:30 PM
$40
Arundhati Roy’s first novel, The God of Small Things, won the Booker Prize and made her an international household name. Get up close and personal with the author’s fascinating debut memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me. She speaks with award-winning journalist, author and activist—as well as her longtime friend—Naomi Klein. 

Participants:

Naomi Klein
Arundhati Roy
Oct 20 @ 7:30 PM
Playhouse Theatre
$40

01. Oh, Canada!: The Alma Lee Opening Night

Oct 20 @ 7:30 PM
$40
No matter how you view this country of ours, the past year has brought new focus to what it means to be Canadian. In sequential talks, notable Canadian authors will illuminate, through their eyes, who we are—and who we could be, if we commit to protecting this country and making it better. Hosted by Elamin Abdelmahmoud.

Participants:

Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Kate Beaton
Brent Butt
Emma Donoghue
Bob Joseph
Canisia Lubrin
Linden MacIntyre
David Moscrop
Jack Wang
Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
Granville Island Stage
$12

02. David A. Robertson on Living with ‘Little Monsters’

Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
$12
In this talk specially curated for teens, award-winning author David A. Robertson will share his journey with anxiety and the tools he uses to manage his mental health, as chronicled in his book, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety. Moderated by Jael Richardson. Grades 8–12.

Participants:

Jael Richardson
David A. Robertson
Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
Waterfront Theatre
$12

03. Sun, Trees & Seas

Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
$12
Little ones will be enthralled by the wonder and beauty of nature with these richly illustrated picture books. This educational storytime will inspire awe and respect for the environment we live in. Grades 1–3.

Participants:

Tae Keller
Roz MacLean
Kirsten Pendreigh
Rachel Wada
Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
The NEST
$12

04. Masterclass with Wesley King

Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
$12
In this middle grade Masterclass, Wesley King will build up young writers’ confidence while sharing some of the tips and tools that made him a bestselling author. Grades 4–7.

Participants:

Wesley King
Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
Revue Stage
$12

05. Tanya Boteju: Allyship as Action

Oct 21 @ 10:15 AM
$12
As a self-proclaimed imperfect ally herself, Tanya Boteju will teach middle grade students how to acknowledge their own privileges, and the difference between allyship and being performative. Grades 4–7.

Participants:

Tanya Boteju
Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$12

06. Paranormal Activity: Ghost Stories for YA

Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Clara Kumagai (Songs for Ghosts), Rachel Hartman (Among Ghosts), and Corey Liu (He's So Possessed with Me) discuss their engrossing YA ghost stories with moderator Hudson Lin. Grades 8–12.

Participants:

Rachel Hartman
Clara Kumagai
Hudson Lin
Corey Liu
Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$12

07. Finding the Power Within

Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Linda Bailey, Kate Beaton, and David A. Robertson's characters will show young readers how to believe in themselves—even if, and especially when, things get scary. With captivating illustrations from the books, this event will provide inspiration for overcoming one’s fears. Grades 1–3.

Participants:

Linda Bailey
Kate Beaton
David A. Robertson
Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
The NEST
$12

08. Masterclass with Tanya Boteju

Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
$12
In this engaging Masterclass, Tanya Boteju will guide teens in a discussion, interactive writing activity, and Q+A period around themes of perfectionism and self-expression. Grades 8–12.

Participants:

Tanya Boteju
Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
Revue Stage
$12

09. Cracking the Case

Oct 21 @ 1:00 PM
$12
The two detectives in Claire Hatcher-Smith and Wesley King’s middle grade titles have a few things in common: they both have Down syndrome, and a knack for solving mysteries. The authors will share why they write for and about kids who are different in this fun and enlightening event, moderated by Mark Kershaw. Grades 4–7. 

Participants:

Claire Hatcher-Smith
Mark Kershaw
Wesley King
Oct 21 @ 6:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

10. Pen and Ink: Illustrated Resistance

Oct 21 @ 6:00 PM
$27
Graphic novelists Kate Beaton and Gord Hill discuss how and why they use the form to tell important stories about sociopolitical issues that have resonated with adult and teen readers from all walks of life, with moderation by Am Johal.

Participants:

Kate Beaton
Gord Hill
Am Johal
Oct 21 @ 6:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

11. Linden MacIntyre: An Accidental Villain

Oct 21 @ 6:00 PM
$27
Award-winning authout and festival favorite Linden MacIntyre sits down with moderator Marsha Lederman to discuss the subject of his latest book An Accidental Villain, which follows little-known British Major-General Sir Hugh Tudor and the brutal methods he used against the IRA during the Irish War of Independence.

Participants:

Marsha Lederman
Linden MacIntyre
Oct 21 @ 6:00 PM
Revue Stage
$27

12. Debut to Bestseller

Oct 21 @ 6:00 PM
$27
Emma Knight (The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus), Jon Hickey (Big Chief), and Eliana Ramage (To the Moon and Back) discuss their ambitious, bestselling, acclaimed novels—all of which are debuts—with moderator Margaret Gallagher.

Participants:

Margaret Gallagher
Jon Hickey
Emma Knight
Eliana Ramage
Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

13. Blood in the Pen: Stories, Crises, Repair, and the Writer

Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
$27
Guest Curator Canisia Lubrin is joined for a luminous conversation about the role of the writer in times of crisis by Otoniya J. Okot Bitek (We, The Kindling), Saeed Teebi (You Will Not Kill Our Imagination), and Madeleine Thien (The Book of Records).

Participants:

Otoniya J. Okot Bitek
Canisia Lubrin
Saeed Teebi
Madeleine Thien
Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
Performance Works
$27

14. Gems of the Emerald Isle

Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
$27
The world is witnessing a new golden era of Irish literature, with contemporary authors from the Emerald Isle dominating international bestseller lists. Meet Emma Donoghue and Eimear McBride, two of Ireland’s most acclaimed novelists, at this event moderated by Robert J. Wiersema and elevated by live Irish harp music performed by Rebecca Blair. 

Participants:

Rebecca Blair
Emma Donoghue
Eimear McBride
Robert J. Wiersema
Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

15. It Runs in the Family: Georgia and Miriam Toews

Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
$27

The mother-daughter duo of Miriam Toews and Georgia Toews will shed light on their literary family dynamic, their writing lives, and both of their radiant new books that explore grief, trauma, and the many kinds of love that bind us. Moderated by David A. Robertson.

Participants:

David A. Robertson
Georgia Toews
Miriam Toews
Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
Revue Stage
$27

16. Seven Lives and One Year in Ukraine

Oct 21 @ 8:30 PM
$27
In By the Second Spring, historian Danielle Leavitt shares the experiences of a diverse group of Ukrainians as they react to being brutally overtaken by a more powerful neighbour. As the invasion continues in its fourth year, Leavitt shares this urgent new work in conversation with Ukrainian-Canadian author Maria Reva.

Participants:

Danielle Leavitt
Maria Reva
Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
Granville Island Stage
$12

17. Word! 1

Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
$12
Our Spoken Word event series, curated and hosted by award-winning poet and spoken word artist Jillian Christmas, is a highlight of our youth programming every year—and so popular that we offer two chances to hear it, both of which sell out long before Festival Week. Grades 8–12.

Participants:

Jillian Christmas
Emilee Nimetz
Anjalica Solomon
Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
Waterfront Theatre
$12

18. Good Reads for Middle Grade

Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
$12
Our Good Reads events are just that: superb books that will entertain and amaze kids without fail. Whitney Gardner Free Piano (Not Haunted), Kim Spencer (I Won’t Feel This Way Forever), and Kathleen Gros (Carousel Summer) share humour, personal stories, and insight into how kids can identify their values, true friends, and authentic selves. Moderated by Jael Richardson. Grades 4–7.

Participants:

Whitney Gardner
Kathleen Gros
Jael Richardson
Kim Spencer
Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
The NEST
$12

19. Masterclass with Rebecca Wood Barrett

Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
$12
A passionate advocate for the literary arts who teaches both emerging and established authors, Rebecca Wood Barrett brings her witty and supportive teaching style to this middle grade Masterclass. The author of My Summer Camp Has Mega Sloths will share how she crafts such exciting and unique stories, and how her wide-ranging career path has inspired her writing.

Participants:

Rebecca Wood Barrett
Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
Revue Stage
$12

20. Gord Hill: The Antifa Comic Book

Oct 22 @ 10:15 AM
$12
First published in 2018, Gord Hill's The Antifa Comic Book is an essential graphic novel for any young citizen’s shelf, acclaimed for its searing imagery documenting the history of fascism and anti-fascist movements. He’ll speak candidly with teens about the power of protest and what we can all do to resist facism, as well as his writing and illustrating process. Moderated by Christina Barber. Grades 8–12.

Participants:

Christina Barber
Gord Hill
Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$12

21. You Were Made For This World

Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Celebrated Indigenous voices from across Turtle Island speak directly to young people in this joyous and inspiring anthology of letters and art. You Were Made for This World Co-editor Stephanie Sinclair and contributors David A. Roberston and katherena vermette celebrate the potential of youth, share a sense of pride in tradition and personal teachings, and encourage young people to honour who they are and what they dream of.

Participants:

David A. Robertson
Stephanie Sinclair
Katherena Vermette
Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
Performance Works
$12

22. Kenneth Oppel in Conversation

Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Award-winning author Kenneth Oppel isn’t afraid to try new things. He’ll share more about his new book and his work to date, and how his curiosity about the world drives him to create such compelling stories across multiple genres and topics. Moderated by Shannon Ozirny. Grades 8–12. 

Participants:

Kenneth Oppel
Shannon Ozirny
Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$12

23. Masterclass with Canisia Lubrin and Jillian Christmas

Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
$12
This unmissable session will give students the chance to generate new poems together and alone, learn reading and recitation techniques, and listen to a short craft talk from Canisia Lubrin and Jillian Christmas, followed by a Q+A. Grades 10–12.

Participants:

Jillian Christmas
Canisia Lubrin
Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
The NEST
$12

24. Masterclass with Kirsten Pendreigh

Oct 22 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Our youngest readers and future writers will be inspired to play, create, and imagine in this interactive Masterclass with returning favourite children’s author, Kirsten Pendreigh. Grades 1–3.

Participants:

Kirsten Pendreigh
Oct 22 @ 5:30 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

25. Ronald Deibert on Cyber Espionage and the Fight for Democracy

Oct 22 @ 5:30 PM
$27
We are barraged daily by chilling stories revealing data leaks of our most personal information. Cyber security expert Ronald Deibert exposes a dark underworld of digital espionage and disinformation in this talk, and in his instant bestselling book, Chasing Shadows. Moderated by William Johnson.

Participants:

Ronald J. Deibert
William Johnson
Oct 22 @ 5:30 PM
The NEST
$27

26. Fiction Beyond Imagination

Oct 22 @ 5:30 PM
$27
Discover not one, not two, but three astonishingly original works of speculative fiction by authors Amanda Leduc (Wild Life), Anne de Marcken (It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Over), and Yiming Ma (These Memories Do Not Belong to Us) that will invigorate the imaginations of even the most ravenous readers. Moderated by Jael Richardson.

Participants:

Anne de Marcken
Amanda Leduc
Yiming Ma
Jael Richardson
Oct 22 @ 5:30 PM
Revue Stage
$27

27. October 7th and Beyond: Marsha Lederman in Conversation with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Oct 22 @ 5:30 PM
$27
In conversation with CBC Commotion’s Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Marsha Lederman—one of the leading Canadian voices on Jewish identity—and a believer in Palestinian rights, opponent of Netanyahu, and daughter of Holocaust survivors who is terrified by the rise in anti-Semitism—discusses how her feelings have shifted over time since October 7th, and brings to light anti-Semitism so prevalent that it is affecting even the way AI communicates.

Participants:

Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Marsha Lederman
Oct 22 @ 7:30 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

28. Miriam Toews in Conversation with Eleanor Wachtel

Oct 22 @ 7:30 PM
$27
National treasure Miriam Toews tells her own story in a breathtaking memoir of stunning emotional force. Beginning with a deceptively simple question—“why do you write?”—A Truce That Is Not Peace weaves through Toews’ grief over her sister’s suicide and her attempts to fill the silence left behind. Interviewed by Eleanor Wachtel.

Participants:

Miriam Toews
Eleanor Wachtel
Oct 22 @ 7:30 PM
Performance Works
$27

29. Reconciliation and You

Oct 22 @ 7:30 PM
$27
There is still a great distance to walk on the path of reconciliation—and every individual has a role to play in this work. In conversation with Michelle Cyca, David A. Robertson and Bruce McIvor speak to everyone who wants to take up our collective responsibility to build a healthier, more equitable country.

Participants:

Michelle Cyca
Bruce McIvor
David A. Robertson
Oct 22 @ 8:30 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

30. You Will Not Kill Our Imagination: Saeed Teebi in Conversation

Oct 22 @ 8:30 PM
$27
What does it mean to be of the Palestinian diaspora in a moment such as this one? In this vital conversation centred around his memoir, You Will Not Kill Our Imagination, Saeed Teebi explores the effects of the genocide on the bodies, minds, and imaginations of Palestinians, and humanity as a whole. Moderated by Adel Iskandar.

Participants:

Adel Iskandar
Saeed Teebi
Oct 22 @ 8:30 PM
Revue Stage
$27

31. UBC Night Class

Oct 22 @ 8:30 PM
$27
Night Class is an interactive workshop offering writing tips and prompts across various genres, from instructors at UBC’s renowned School of Creative Writing. Learn key writing skills in five minutes or less from Ray Clark, Anosh Irani, Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, and Bronwen Tate, as each instructor guides participants through a different concept and writing exercise. Hosted by Tariq Hussain.

Participants:

Ray Clark
Tariq Hussain
Anosh Irani
Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Alex Marzano-Lesnevich
Bronwen Tate
Oct 23 @ 10:15 AM
Performance Works
$12

32. Fantastic Worlds

Oct 23 @ 10:15 AM
$12
Take a deep dive into YA worlds of wonder with three conversations featuring relatable young authors Sarah Suk (Meet Me at Blue Hour), Clara Kumagai (Songs for Ghosts), and Coltrane Seesequasis (The Threads of Time). Moderated by Christina Barber. Grades 8–12. 

Participants:

Christina Barber
Clara Kumagai
Coltrane Seesequasis
Sarah Suk
Oct 23 @ 10:15 AM
Waterfront Theatre
$12

33. Flamer: A Morning with Mike Curato

Oct 23 @ 10:15 AM
$12
Award-winning author and artist Mike Curato draws on his own experiences as a targeted gay teen in this raw, compassionate graphic novel about a gay boy who finds self-discovery and acceptance after being bullied. In this essential event, Curato shares his journey to becoming an author/illustrator, and why and how he created Flamer, along with a discussion of censorship and a Q+A session.

Participants:

Mike Curato
Oct 23 @ 10:15 AM
Revue Stage
$12

34. Storytime with Nature (And Dinos!)

Oct 23 @ 10:15 AM
$12
Little ones will be endlessly delighted by this storytime featuring three presentations from beloved, award-winning picture book authors Caroline Adderson, Linda Bailey, Tae Keller and Rachel Wada—and teachers will find recommended reads to add to their classroom shelves. Grades 1–3.

Participants:

Caroline Adderson
Linda Bailey
Tae Keller
Rachel Wada
Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$12

35. Word! 2

Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Our Spoken Word event series, curated and hosted by award-winning poet and spoken word artist Jillian Christmas, is a highlight of our youth programming every year—and so popular that we offer two chances to hear it, both of which sell out long before Festival Week. Grades 8–12.

Participants:

Jillian Christmas
Emilee Nimetz
Anjalica Solomon
Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
Performance Works
$12

36. The Misewa Series Finale: David A. Robertson in Conversation

Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Join us to celebrate the finale of The Misewa Saga, David A. Robertson’s adventurous, award-winning, middle grade fantasy series set in a world inspired by Narnia and Indigenous culture. Moderated by Tanya Boteju. Grades 4–7.

Participants:

Tanya Boteju
David A. Robertson
Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$12

37. Storytime with Scaredy Squirrel

Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Readers of all ages love Melanie Watt’s sweetly vulnerable Scaredy Squirrel, the titular star of a bestselling book series and animated TV show. This storytime with the series’ author and illustrator will be filled with laughter and gentle lessons on courage, adaptability, and perseverance. Grades 1–3.

Participants:

Melanie Watt
Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
Revue Stage
$12

38. Masterclass with Kenneth Oppel

Oct 23 @ 1:00 PM
$12
Award-winning children’s and YA author Kenneth Oppel will shed light on his career path, how he shifts between and plays with genres, and more, in this fascinating Masterclass that will appeal to both middle grade and high school students. Grades 7–10. 

Participants:

Kenneth Oppel
Oct 23 @ 5:30 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

39. Cory Doctorow: Enshittification

Oct 23 @ 5:30 PM
$27
At last, a word has been coined by Cory Doctorow that encapsulates our modern era, that eloquently sums up the pressing issues of our times: Enshittification. Doctorow will speak with author and political commentator David Moscrop about how we reached this point, and what we can collectively do to move beyond hopelessness about our enshittified fate.

Participants:

Cory Doctorow
David Moscrop
Oct 23 @ 5:30 PM
Performance Works
$27

40. Writing in Today’s America

Oct 23 @ 5:30 PM
$27
What does it mean to create art while grappling with the realities of socio-economic ruptures, horrific acts of authoritarianism, and climate catastrophe? American authors Jess Walter, Curtis Sittenfeld, Anne de Marcken, and Leila Mottley join us for a panel discussion lead by longtime Festival friend, author, and editor John Freeman.

Participants:

Anne de Marcken
John Freeman
Leila Mottley
Curtis Sittenfeld
Jess Walter
Oct 23 @ 5:30 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

41. Jennifer Jones, Rock Star

Oct 23 @ 5:30 PM
$27
Every stone is swept home in Rock Star: My Life On and Off the Ice, the no-holds-barred memoir from Jennifer Jones, one of the greatest curlers in Canadian history. In this candid interview with Karin Larsen, Jones will open up about the personal battles she endured during her career, the challenges of balancing world-class curling with motherhood, and her inspiring achievements in what was traditionally a male-dominated sport.

Participants:

Jennifer Jones
Karin Larsen
Oct 23 @ 7:30 PM
The NEST
$27

42. Sarah Manguso in Conversation

Oct 23 @ 7:30 PM
$27
Sarah Manguso’s work—in the genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—has been recognized with an American Academy of Arts and Letters Literature Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Hodder Fellowship, and the Rome Prize. The celebrated author joins Aislinn Hunter on stage to discuss her multifarious body of work, and the topics that are driving her curiosity these days.

Participants:

Aislinn Hunter
Sarah Manguso
Oct 23 @ 8:00 PM
Revue Stage
$27

43. Queer Stories on the Map

Oct 23 @ 8:00 PM
$27
Acclaimed writers to watch from across North America—and various diaspora communities—share these tender and transformative stories about queer BIPOC characters discovering their place in a world that can be hostile to LGBTQ+ people. Ziyad Saadi (Three Parties), Iryn Tushabe (Everything Is Fine Here), and Mike Curato (Gaysians) speak with moderator Hudson Lin. 

Participants:

Mike Curato
Hudson Lin
Ziyad Saadi
Iryn Tushabe
Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

44. Literary Giants in Short Form

Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM
$27
Three luminaries of contemporary literature grace our stage with their new short story collections that brilliantly reflect the tensions and foibles of our modern lives. Hear from three acclaimed authors at the height of their powers: André Alexis (Other Worlds), Curtis Sittenfeld (Show Don’t Tell), and Jonathan Lethem (A Different Kind of Tension). Moderated by Shaena Lambert.

Participants:

André Alexis
Shaena Lambert
Jonathan Lethem
Curtis Sittenfeld
Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM
Performance Works
$27

45. The Poetry Bash

Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM
$27
For poetry connoisseurs and newcomers to the genre alike, The Poetry Bash is a gateway to discovering new-to-you poets or hearing your favourites on-stage. This atmospheric evening of readings and conviviality will be hosted by interdisciplinary and spoken word artist, and Vancouver Poetry House Artistic Director, Johnny Trinh.

Participants:

Dennis Lee
Canisia Lubrin
Marc Perez
Karen Solie
Paul Vermeersch
Katherena Vermette
Isabella Wang
Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

46. A Doctor, A Lawyer, and A Journalist Walk Into a Literary Festival

Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM
$27
A doctor, a lawyer, and a journalist walk into a literary festival. Elamin Abdelmahmoud asks, “So what brings you here?” The result is a fascinating conversation between three authors—Kyle Edwards, Bindu Suresh, and Saeed Teebi—who live dual lives as professionals in other fields.

Participants:

Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Kyle Edwards
Bindu Suresh
Saeed Teebi
Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
Granville Island Stage
$27

47. Indigenous Voices: A Steady Brightness of Being

Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
$27
Stephanie Sinclair, co-editor of A Steady Brightness of Being, joins us on-stage for an essential conversation with award-winning contributors from across Turtle Island, David A. Robertson and Kyle Edwards.

Participants:

Kyle Edwards
David A. Robertson
Niigaan Sinclair
Stephanie Sinclair
Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
Performance Works
$27

48. The Costs of Exploitation and Sustainability

Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
$27
The global economy is fueled by exploitative industries that drain their profits from the planet’s most vulnerable people and places. Don Gillmor (On Oil), Vince Beiser (Power Metal), and Marcello Di Cintio (Precarious) take the stage to analyze the heavy human and environmental costs of abusive resource extraction, and illuminate a better path forward. Moderated by David Beers. 

Participants:

David Beers
Vince Beiser
Marcello Di Cintio
Don Gillmor
Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

49. Visions of Chinatown

Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
$27
Vancouver’s Chinatown is a vibrant cultural hub, and two locally published titles by Donna Seto (Chinatown Vancouver) and Carol Lee (Vitality) capture both its striking visual ambience, and the rich and diverse histories contained within. This event will be a feast for the eyes, while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Chinatown’s communities. Moderated by Anna Ling Kaye. 

Participants:

Carol Lee
Anna Ling Kaye
Donna Seto
Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
Revue Stage
$27

50. On Book Banning and Censorship 

Oct 24 @ 10:00AM
$27
The freedom to read is under attack. From the destruction of libraries in ancient Rome to today’s state-sponsored efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ literature, book bans and censorship arise from the impulse toward social control. This will be a vital conversation about freedom of speech and the state of censorship today with authors Ira Wells, Mike Curato, and Jeremy Tiang. Moderated by Marian Botsford Fraser.

Participants:

Marian Botsford Fraser
Mike Curato
Jeremy Tiang
Ira Wells
Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

51. Elbows Up!

Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
$27
This is Canada; never the 51st state. Elamin Abdelmahmoud, editor of Elbows Up! Canadian Voices of Resilience and Resistance will host a panel conversation on this pivotal moment in our country’s history with some of the book’s esteemed and influential contributors: Jen Sookfong Lee, David Moscrop, Niigaan Sinclair, and Leslie Hurtig.

Participants:

Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Leslie Hurtig
Jen Sookfong Lee
David Moscrop
Niigaan Sinclair
Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
Performance Works
$27

52. The Conversations

Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
$27
This event is like witnessing a live recording of your favourite literary podcast—no headphones required. Moderator Tara McGuire conducts back-to-back interviews with Elaine Feeney (Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way), Ian Williams (You’ve Changed), and Jack Wang (The Riveter). 

Participants:

Elaine Feeney
Tara McGuire
Jack Wang
Ian Williams
Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

53. The Next Generation

Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
$27
These Gen Z and Millennial authors are topping bestseller charts, going viral on BookTok, being nominated for prestigious awards, and tackling the pressing issues of our times. Leila Mottley (The Girls Who Grew Big), Liann Zhang (Julie Chan Is Dead), and Michelle Wong (House of the Beast) will discuss their buzzworthy books, and what it’s like to be an up-and-coming writer in a world turning upside down. Moderated by Rachel Sargeant.

Participants:

Leila Mottley
Rachel Sargeant
Michelle Wong
Liann Zhang
Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
Revue Stage

54. CANCELLED – The City of Vancouver Book Award Ceremony

Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
This event has unfortunately been cancelled. It has been replaced with a new event: 54. Beneath Dark Waters: Eve Lazarus in Conversation
Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
Revue Stage
$27

54. Beneath Dark Waters: Eve Lazarus in Conversation

Oct 24 @ 1:00 PM
$27
Renowned local historian and author Eve Lazarus brings history vibrantly to life in her bestselling books, and in her popular talks on everything from Vancouver’s quirky history to murder. Her latest work of nonfiction is another epic and absorbing chronicle, recounting the worst maritime disaster to occur during peacetime in Canadian history—which claimed the lives of more passengers than the Titanic. Moderated by Mark Kershaw.

Participants:

Mark Kershaw
Eve Lazarus
Oct 24 @ 5:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

55. Curtis Sittenfeld in Conversation

Oct 24 @ 5:00 PM
$27
With her distinctive voice, astute observations, and ability to write characters so complex and real they seem like old friends, Curtis Sittenfeld peels back the layers of our lives—both in her bestselling novels, such as Prep, Rodham, and Romantic Comedy, as well as her dazzling latest short story collection: Show Don’t Tell. She speaks with Alix Ohlin.

Participants:

Alix Ohlin
Curtis Sittenfeld
Oct 24 @ 5:00 PM
Performance Works
$27

56. Souvankham Thammavongsa in Conversation

Oct 24 @ 5:00 PM
$27
Souvankham Thammavongsa’s much anticipated first novel unfolds over a single day in the life of a nail salon owner. Thammavongsa speaks about Pick A Colour, and telling the nuanced stories of immigrants with solidarity and grace, with moderator Doretta Lau.

Participants:

Doretta Lau
Souvankham Thammavongsa
Oct 24 @ 5:00 PM
Revue Stage
$27

57. Walter Mosley in Conversation

Oct 24 @ 5:00 PM
$27
Walter Mosley, multi-award-winning author of the Easy Rawlins series, is a pioneer of the crime-fiction genre. As an esteemed non-fiction author, Mosley will also discuss his essay in the new anthology California Rewritten, edited by John Freeman, who will interview him on-stage.

Participants:

John Freeman
Walter Mosley
Oct 24 @ 7:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

58. The Feminine Grotesque

Oct 24 @ 7:00 PM
$27
Returning Festival fan favourites Mona Awad (We Love You, Bunny), Jen Sookfong Lee (The Hunger We Pass Down), and Silvia Moreno-Garcia (The Bewitching) deliver page-turning chills in their latest novels. They’re joined in conversation by Mattea Roach, host of CBC’s Bookends.

Participants:

Mona Awad
Jen Sookfong Lee
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mattea Roach
Oct 24 @ 8:00 PM
Performance Works
$27

59. Ahead By A Century: Lyrics Night 

Oct 24 @ 8:00 PM
$27
This year’s lyrics night—a fan-favourite event featuring dramatic readings of song lyrics with some of your favourite authors—focuses on Rockin’ in the Free World by Canadian artists. As you hear a new take on your favourite Anthem, reinterpreted by literary icons, you’ll be saying “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.” Hosted by Elamin Abdelmahmoud, with DJ Ice B on the turntables. Receive a 50% discount to 62. Shake It Off: Dance Party when you purchase the tickets at the same time!

Participants:

Holly Brickley
Claire Cameron
Marcello Di Cintio
Antonio Michael Downing
Terry Fallis
Jill Yonit Goldberg
Yiming Ma
Haley Mlotek
David A. Robertson
Bindu Suresh
Eddy Boudel Tan
Georgia Toews
Oct 24 @ 8:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

60. The Art of Living

Oct 24 @ 8:00 PM
$27
Art is inseparable from life in these luminous novels by Christine Estima (Letters to Kafka), Martha Bátiz (A Daughter’s Place), and Thomas Schlesser (Mona’s Eyes) that explore the myriad ways art can shape and drive our fates. Moderated by Paloma Pacheco.

Participants:

Martha Bátiz
Christine Estima
Paloma Pacheco
Thomas Schlesser
Oct 24 @ 8:00 PM
Revue Stage
$27

61. Guy Gavriel Kay in Conversation

Oct 24 @ 8:00 PM
$27
Guy Gavriel Kay is one of our most decorated fantasy writers—and a skilled worldbuilder who blends history and fantasy to bring entirely original narratives to life. He’ll speak about his latest masterpiece, Written on the Dark, with Robert J. Wiersema.

Participants:

Guy Gavriel Kay
Robert J. Wiersema
Oct 24 @ 9:30 PM
Performance Works
$10

62. Shake It Off: Dance Party

Oct 24 @ 9:30 PM
$10
Bring your Moves Like Jagger to this party that will have you Dance the Night Away. Featuring DJ Ice B on the turntables.

Receive a 50% discount to the dance party if you purchase tickets to 59. Lyrics Night at the same time!

Participants:

Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
Granville Island Stage
$27

63. Verses of Transformation

Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
$27
Join an awe-inspiring lineup of poets—Guest Curator Canisia Lubrin, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Junie Désil, Cecily Nicholson, Danez Smith, Karen Solie, and Paul Vermeersch—as they read and reflect on a secret question drawn from a bag on-stage and posed, one poet to the next, in a carousel-style reading and fireside-style chat.

Participants:

Billy-Ray Belcourt
Junie Désil
Canisia Lubrin
Cecily Nicholson
Danez Smith
Karen Solie
Paul Vermeersch
Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
Performance Works
$27

64. Tim Cook on The Good Allies: Canada and the US in Wartime

Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
$27
Bestselling author and Chief Historian at the Canadian War Museum Tim Cook joins us with The Good Allies: a masterful account of how Canada and the US made the transition from wary rivals to steadfast allies during the Second World War. Moderated by Stephen Quinn.

Participants:

Tim Cook
Stephen Quinn
Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

65. Raising Hare

Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
$27
In February 2021, Chloe Dalton rescued a newborn hare that had been chased by a dog. Raising Hare is a poignant account of their remarkable friendship, which is a portrait of all humankind’s relationship with nature. Dalton speaks about her New York Times bestselling debut with Aislinn Hunter.

Participants:

Chloe Dalton
Aislinn Hunter
Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
The NEST
$27

66. Bitter and Sweet: Bonny Reichert and Karolina Ramqvist

Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
$27
Food is nourishment, love, a holder of memories; it can be fraught with fear and vulnerability, and—often overlooked by those living in comfort—it is necessary for human survival. Bonny Reichert (How to Share an Egg) and Karolina Ramqvist (Bread and Milk) share profound journeys through the complex emotions and relationships attached to what we consume, and what consumes us.

Participants:

Karolina Ramqvist
Bonny Reichert
Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
Revue Stage
$27

67. Building Suspense

Oct 25 @ 10:30 AM
$27
Fans of intricately twisting plots and high-stakes suspense will not want to miss this year’s crime and thriller fiction event, featuring three page-turners from acclaimed authors: Terry Fallis, Eddy Boudel Tan, and Jonathan Lethem. Moderated by Robert J. Wiersema.

Participants:

Terry Fallis
Jonathan Lethem
Eddy Boudel Tan
Robert J. Wiersema
Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

68. Terry O’Reilly: Against the Grain

Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
$27
Author, host of CBC Radio’s Under the Influence, and award-winning advertiser Terry O’Reilly profiles fascinating mavericks across various industries in Against the Grain: Defiant Giants Who Changed the World. Gain valuable insight as O’Reilly recounts these stories in a captivating talk with Kathryn Gretsinger.

Participants:

Kathryn Gretsinger
Terry O’Reilly
Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
The NEST
$27

69. Dennis Lee: Wrestling with Cadence

Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
$27
In a career-spanning new collection of critical and personal essays, Wrestling with Cadence, Dennis Lee reflects on how the mysterious force he calls cadence has driven and defined his work. He’ll alternate between readings of his poems, and conversation with Vancouver Poet Laureate Elee Kraljii Gardiner about the force that structures them.

Participants:

Elee Kraljii Gardiner
Dennis Lee
Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
Revue Stage
$27

70. Give Love a Chance

Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
$27
Discover love when and where you least expect it with the relatable protagonists of these heartwarming, page-turning romance novels. Lexi LaFleur Brown (Shoot Your Shot: A Hockey Rom-Com), Katrina Kwan (Knives, Seasoning, and a Dash of Love), and Sophie Sullivan (Get Lost with You) are joined by moderator Amy Pelletier, the owner of Vancouver's first romance-themed bookstore, Perfect Match Bookshop.

Participants:

Lexi LaFleur Brown
Katrina Kwan
Amy Pelletier
Sophie Sullivan
Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
Revue Stage
$27

70. CANCELLED – Christian Allaire: From the Rez to the Runway

Oct 25 @ 1:30 PM
$27
This event has unfortunately been cancelled, as Christian Allaire is no longer able to join us at the Festival. Stay tuned for further programming updates.
Oct 25 @ 5:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

71. Crosscurrents of History

Oct 25 @ 5:00 PM
$27
Writers are often thought of as existing between worlds. Jeremy Tiang, Kyle Edwards and Maria Reva cross the livewires of recent history with their books, attending to fractures of time, chance, and place. They discuss with Guest Curator Canisia Lubrin.

Participants:

Kyle Edwards
Canisia Lubrin
Maria Reva
Jeremy Tiang
Oct 25 @ 5:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

72. Women’s Stories, Written & Rewritten

Oct 25 @ 5:00 PM
$27
With age comes experience and wisdom that can sometimes be overlooked by society—particularly when the holder of such insight is a woman. Katherine Ashenburg, Kathy Page, and Merilyn Simonds boldly defy erasure with expansive stories that celebrate resilience, share daring writing across genres, and challenge the notion that invention and self-reinvention could be restricted by age. Moderated by Marian Botsford Fraser.

Participants:

Katherine Ashenburg
Marian Botsford Fraser
Kathy Page
Merilyn Simonds
Oct 25 @ 5:00 PM
Revue Stage
$27

73. Short Stories from Here

Oct 25 @ 5:00 PM
$27
Enjoy a thought-provoking conversation and readings from three local authors of outstanding new short story collections: Bill Gaston (Tunnel Island), Clea Young (Welcome to the Neighbourhood), and Jacquelyn Zong-Li Ross (The Longest Way to Eat a Melon). Moderated by Holly Flauto.

Participants:

Holly Flauto
Bill Gaston
Jacquelyn Zong-Li Ross
Clea Young
Oct 25 @ 7:30 PM
Performance Works
$55

74. The Lit Cab

Oct 25 @ 7:30 PM
$55
A perennial favourite that sells out every year, the Literary Cabaret is a guaranteed hit: combine six acclaimed and award-winning authors with one band and a table of friends for a night of art and delight! Benjamin Millman returns as our charismatic Musical Director, leading his band, The Oxymorons, in accompanying lyrical readings from literary greats.

Participants:

Michael Bennett
Anne de Marcken
Antonio Michael Downing
Fiona McFarlane
Benjamin Millman
Michael Redhill
Danez Smith
Oct 25 @ 8:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

75. On Tyranny: Timothy Snyder in Conversation

Oct 25 @ 8:00 PM
$27
Esteemed author and thinker Timothy Snyder returns to the Festival with a book that has only grown in relevance in the years since it was published: the #1 New York Times bestselling guide for surviving and resisting America’s turn towards authoritarianism, On Tyranny. Moderated by John Freeman.

Participants:

John Freeman
Timothy Snyder
Oct 25 @ 8:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

76. Mona Awad in Conversation

Oct 25 @ 8:00 PM
$27
Mona Awad’s dark and wickedly funny novels have been a fixture of bestseller and “Best Of” lists, and won her a devoted fanbase. She returns with the highly anticipated follow-up to Bunny. Follow the Bunnies on a surreal journey into the heart of dark academia, as Awad spills secrets from one of the most talked-about releases of the season. Moderated by Robert J. Wiersema.

Participants:

Mona Awad
Robert J. Wiersema
Oct 25 @ 8:00 PM
Revue Stage
$27

77. Soundtrack of Life

Oct 25 @ 8:00 PM
$27
These books can’t stay silent; their music-infused storylines will have you humming along to the rhythm. Three authors—Jill Yonit Goldberg, Holly Brickley, and Michael V. Smith—convene to share narratives, memories, characters, and themes that are inextricably shaped by the soundtrack of life. Moderated by Margaret Gallagher.

Participants:

Holly Brickley
Margaret Gallagher
Jill Yonit Goldberg
Michael V. Smith
Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
Performance Works
$40

78. Food for Thought

Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
$40
Six authors of intriguing nonfiction titles explore topics at the forefront of our minds, in this popular returning event where TED Talk meets café social, with a morning snack included. Hosted by Kathryn Gretsinger. 

Participants:

Chloe Dalton
Kathryn Gretsinger
Jay Ingram
Eve Lazarus
Scott McIntyre
Karolina Ramqvist
Nilo Tabrizy
Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

79. The Divorce Diaries

Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
$27
Though divorce rates are at their lowest in decades, readers have never been more enamoured with the stories that come from humans parting ways. From fiction to memoir, Haley Mlotek and Sarah Manguso explore how ending a partnership can reclaim agency, challenge patriarchy—or even release unbridled and long-held rage. Moderated by Cori Howard.

Participants:

Cori Howard
Sarah Manguso
Haley Mlotek
Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
The NEST
$27

80. Reconciling

Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
$27
The son of a Musqueam cultural leader and an immigrant from China, Larry Grant tells the story of his extraordinary life and heritage in Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong. Mirroring the book’s format, Scott Steedman will interview Larry on-stage, in a wise conversation with much to teach us.

Participants:

Larry Grant
Scott Steedman
Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
Revue Stage
$27

81. Global Political Narratives

Oct 26 @ 10:30 AM
$27
Take an international journey with three razor-sharp novels by Sheung-King, Maria Reva, and Jeremy Tiang that offer up stunning storylines, while shedding light on significant political conflicts and acts of resistance around the world. Moderated by Renée Sarojini Saklikar. 

Participants:

Maria Reva
Renée Sarojini Saklikar
Sheung-King
Jeremy Tiang
Oct 26 @ 2:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

82. Kiran Desai in Conversation 

Oct 26 @ 2:00 PM
$27
Fans of Kiran Desai’s work have been eagerly awaiting a new novel for nearly 20 years. Masterpieces take time, and it was undeniably worth waiting for The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, which has once again earned her a nomination for The Booker Prize. Desai speaks with Eleanor Wachtel. 

Participants:

Kiran Desai
Eleanor Wachtel
Oct 26 @ 2:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

83. A Trio of Vast Ideas

Oct 26 @ 2:00 PM
$27
These immersive, short interviews reveal profound observations, as Minelle Mahtani sits down with three authors of transformative non-fiction titles in back-to-back talks. Hear from Claire Cameron (How to Survive a Bear Attack), Niigaan Sinclair (Wînipêk), and elin kelsey (How to Be Hopeful). 

Participants:

Claire Cameron
Elin Kelsey
Minelle Mahtani
Niigaan Sinclair
Oct 26 @ 2:00 PM
Revue Stage
Free

84. Emerge

Oct 26 @ 2:00 PM
Free
Celebrate the latest work from The Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University, and their anthology series’ twenty-fifth anniversary! emerge 25: The Writer’s Studio Anthology collects the work of this year’s graduating class. Hear readings from those who have participated in the illustrious studio, and insights from the writers who mentored them along the way.

Participants:

Oct 26 @ 3:30 PM
Performance Works
$50

85. The Afternoon Tea 

Oct 26 @ 3:30 PM
$50
Savour an afternoon of outstanding readings and high tea delicacies, at this beloved Writers Fest tradition first started by our late founding artistic director, Alma Lee. The tables will be laden with scones, sandwiches, and cookies; the tea and coffee will be flowing, alongside a signature glass of sherry. Hosted by Sophie Lui.

Participants:

Katherine Ashenburg
Michael Bennett
Terry Fallis
Sophie Lui
Fiona McFarlane
Susin Nielsen
Michael Redhill
Oct 26 @ 7:00 PM
Granville Island Stage
$27

86. Closing Night Event: Susan Orlean with The Current’s Matt Galloway

Oct 26 @ 7:00 PM
$27
Our closing night event features Susan Orlean, an author and journalist who has been shaping the cultural narrative for decades. Having enthralled us with bestselling books like The Library Book and The Orchid Thief, Orlean invites readers into her own extraordinary story in her eighth book, Joyride. She speaks with CBC The Current’s Matt Galloway. 

Participants:

Matt Galloway
Susan Orlean
Oct 26 @ 7:00 PM
Waterfront Theatre
$27

87. The Crime Scene

Oct 26 @ 7:00 PM
$27
Some of the most exciting writers working in the crime and thriller genres today—Michael Bennett, Walter Mosley, and Sam Wiebe—gather from New Zealand, the US, and Vancouver, for an evening of page-turning crime fiction rooted in place and culture. Moderated by Jerry Wasserman.

Participants:

Michael Bennett
Walter Mosley
Jerry Wasserman
Sam Wiebe
Nov 15 @ 7:30 PM
Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema
$70

Chris Hadfield: Final Orbit

Nov 15 @ 7:30 PM
$70
Chris Hadfield is one of the most seasoned and accomplished astronauts in the world. He’s since turned his talents and experience to writing works of both fiction and nonfiction that bookstores can hardly keep on the shelves. His new interstellar thriller, Final Orbit, captures the beauty and terror of survival 270 miles above Earth. Tickets for this event include a copy of Final Orbit (a value of $39). 

Participants:

Chris Hadfield
André Picard
Dec 9 @ 7:30 PM
Orpheum Theatre
$50

Margaret Atwood in Conversation with Carol Off

Dec 9 @ 7:30 PM
$50
Internationally renowned literary legend Margaret Atwood joins us with her long-awaited autobiography, Book of Lives. She’ll share more about how her life has shaped her art, and vice versa, in this conversation with Carol Off spanning the entirety of her staggering career. This event will also include special musical guests!

Participants:

Margaret Atwood
Carol Off