Frequently Asked Questions

New to literary festivals? Don’t worry, we got you covered whether you are an author or lover of books.

For Readers

For Writers

For Readers

When is the Festival?
The annual WordFest: Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival takes place each October in week following Thanksgiving.

Where is the Festival?

The Festival is held in Banff and Calgary in theatres, libraries, university lecture halls, galleries, studios and unique spots to Calgary.

What happens at the Festival?
Events at the WordFest: Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival take many forms: readings, panel discussions, performances or interviews. Some events also offer programming in multiple languages like French and Spanish.

How can I get involved with WordFest?
You can be an audience member, a volunteer or support us through a sponsorship or donation. Anyone is welcome to become a part of the WordFest volunteer team. For more information, check out the “Support Us” section of the site.

Are there events in French?
Yes, WordFest puts on a French-language program called Festival des mots. This program hosts emerging and award-winning Francophone writers from acrossCanada and French-speaking countries

Est que WordFest propose des évènements en français ?

Oui, WordFest comprend un programme francophone, le Festival des mots. Ce programme accueille des auteurs francophones reconnus ou faisant leurs débuts, originaires du Canada ou d’autres pays francophones.

I’m a teacher, how can I get my class involved with WordFest?
You can become a part of First Calgary Financial Book Rapport, an education program for young readers. Go to our BookRapport website for more information on booking an author event for your students.

Is the organization a registered charity?
Yes, our charitable registration number is 884944984RR0001. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt for donations over $20. Your support is appreciated. Click here to donate.

How can I buy tickets?
Individual ticket prices vary from $6 to $20 depending on the event. You can buy tickets at the following box offices: WordFest Box Office, EPCOR Centre Box Office or The Banff Centre Box Office forBanff events only.

Please go to our Tickets page for more information.

Do I need an appointment to visit the WordFest office?

You are welcome to visit our office at 200 Barclay Parade SW in the Eau Claire Market to see our office or ask questions or join our Volunteer Reader Program. Our office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday.

For Writers

I’m a writer, how do I arrange my appearance at the Festival?

Each Festival, around 70 writers are chosen to participate in WordFest. The vast majority of writers invited are pitched to the programming team of WordFest by publishing houses. WordFest accepts personal submissions, but most successful applicants are pitched by a third party.

How do I submit my work to the festival?

Have your publisher send us some review material for your new book. The full instructions are available here.

How are writers selected?

Many factors culminate in a Festival invitation for an author. The genre of the book, the author and their presentation style, as well as their publishing house are just a few of the considerations that are involved. Children’s authors and French-speaking artists also make up a portion of the line-up. Most participants are promoting their new book.

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