2023 Festival:
October 16–22

2023 Season

Youth
Programming

Youth Education Programming

Vancouver Writers Fest offers students in Vancouver and across British Columbia the opportunity to interact with celebrated writers through a variety of programs. We reach more than 12,000 students across the province each year. Discover how your students can engage with world-renowned writers or keep up to date on the latest, recommended releases by exploring our offerings.

Logo British Columbia
Our Youth Education Programming is presented thanks to the support of the Government of British Columbia, Bonnie Mah, Robin Pascoe, Rodney Briggs, and Wendi MacKay.

 

Festival
Youth Events

Students from kindergarten to grade 12 can join us to hear from inspiring authors at the 2023 Festival, from October 16–22! For event details, browse Youth events online or download the Youth Programming Guide PDF.

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 13.

Writers in the Classroom

Our popular Writers in the Classroom program returns for Fall 2023! Designed to connect children and youth to authors through live, interactive events, the Fall instalment will take place in-person (unless otherwise specified) from October to December. Invite an author from our stellar 2023 Vancouver Writers Fest lineup to discuss their most recent title (and share secrets of the writing craft) with your class.

These visits will enliven and enrich classroom discussion in the lead-up to the author’s appearance, and leave you much to unpack with your students afterwards.

Writers in the Classroom is offered FREE of cost to schools, thanks to our generous supporters!

Deadline to apply: September 29, 2023

Writers in the Classroom has allowed and impelled my students to believe that anyone can become a writer and to stay passionate in writing. Authors have given students personal tips and advice that worked for them and ignited young minds to be open to new possibilities!

I would highly recommend becoming involved in the VWF for entertainment but also to impress upon students that they can write about anything and with practice, their writing will improve. It is wonderful to see reluctant writers become unstoppable authors.

Thank you to the Vancouver Writers Fest for the virtual ‘Writers in the Classroom’ event with Indigenous author Michelle Good. Having an experienced author from a marginalized voice was very empowering for our students. Good’s presence allowed my students to engage in the process of literary analysis from the back end; how does authorship work, what are intentions and imperatives set, the experience of being intentional with their message.

Kevin and Basil Sylvester’s virtual Writers in the Classroom event led us to some important conversations about identity and I love that the authors told my students that the message of their book is to love and accept yourself. It is so important for them to hear that.

My Roots
Writing Workshop for Immigrant Youth

For the first time in 2023, the Vancouver Writers Fest offered our signature My Roots Writing Workshop to upper high-school students, thanks to the generous support of Robin Pascoe and Rodney Briggs.

Led by acclaimed author Tanya Boteju, this in-person workshop provided young writers from 16–19 with an opportunity to deepen and enrich their writing.

Stay tuned for details about the 2024 My Roots Writing Workshop.