Wordfest's Fall Imaginairium Festival Returns Oct. 13-18, 2026
Welcome to The Imaginairium, Canada’s Liveliest Literary Festival. Act Now. Shows are selling out fast.
This fall, Wordfest is where your imagination goes to get real. We’re thrilled to present 41 shows featuring the 60 authors appearing at our 31st annual festival: Superstars who personify the dazzling range of Canadian and international storytelling. They are the very best humans, which makes the opportunity for you to connect with each of them in person even more magical.
Tickets on sale now. Or get your Festival Pass for the best value—and access to our liveliest shows, such as The Way We… Talk About Animals, Literary Death Match, The Morning Yap, The Kris Demeanor & Deborah Willis Variety Show, and The Way We… Wear. If you’ve never been to a Wordfest show, these are the experiences that will blow your minds (in the best ways).
AI SCAM ALERT: Invitations to appear at Wordfest are sent by publishers to their authors. If you receive any communication from an email account (particularly a gmail account) purporting to be from a Wordfest representative, it is likely an AI-generated scam. We only work through publishers to avoid this unconscionable exploitation and our official emails are from emails ending in wordfest.com. We never charge authors or artists to be part of our programming.
What to Expect at a Wordfest Show
Click to reveal the answer to our most commonly asked questions.
How early should I arrive at a Wordfest show?
We recommend arriving when doors open (noted on your ticket) as Wordfest tickets are general admission. Arriving early gives you a chance to find a great seat, grab a libation from the venue’s lobby bar, and browse the bookseller and merch tables.
Are books available for sale at Wordfest shows?
Yes, come early and browse the pop-up bookstore in the venue lobby before and after every Wordfest show. Here you’ll find the featured titles from each event as well as a selection of backlist and other recommended reads from the show’s themes. During the Imaginairium, discover the full collection of festival books, all in one place, at the pop-up bookstores in Memorial Park Library and DJD Dance Centre!
At standalone shows throughout the year, we partner with independent booksellers such as Owl’s Nest Books, Shelf Life Books, Slow Burn Books, and Nocturne Books.
Will the author sign books after a Wordfest show?
Most Wordfest shows include a signing after the show where you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the author, get a selfie, and have your books personalized.
However, we recommend checking the details of the show description to confirm, as some experiences (at the request of the author) may offer presigned books, limited personalizations, no selfies, or a post-show photo opportunity only (no signing).
Can I preorder my book before a Wordfest show?
Every show has a pre-order link. Patrons can purchase books through the bookseller in advance.
Want your book signed before the show? Arrive early, purchase your book(s) and let the onsite bookseller know. If the author has time in the green room, we will get them to sign in advance.
Is an Audience Q&A part of every show?
During the Imaginairium festival, the conversation-based shows are 60 minutes and do not include an Audience Q&A. We are building in extra time so you can participate in the signing line, explore the pop-up bookstore, grab a drink or snack in the neighbourhood, and still get to the next show. There is always an opportunity to connect with the authors in the signing line.
For our year-round programming, conversation-based, 75-minute shows at Wordfest usually include an opportunity to ask the author(s) questions at the end. The goal is to enhance everyone’s understanding and experience.
The best questions are short and end in a question mark (which means they are not a comment, an editorial, or a personal anecdote). The best questions are based on things that came up during the conversation or on the author’s work (and not, for example, on larger social issues or unrelated topics).
Our theatrical variety-show and storytelling formats do not include a Q&A. Shows at the Bella Concert Hall include pre-submitted audience questions through a supplied link when you purchase your ticket. The venue is just too magnificently large to be able to identify audience members quickly and bring them a microphone so that everyone can hear the questions.
Can I come to Wordfest shows solo?
Yes! Many Wordfesters think of our shows as a singular treat to themselves. You can just chill out on your own or strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you or waiting in the signing line. (And you can often score the best seats.) The Wordfest team is here to welcome you into this relaxed, friendly community. And if you become a passholder, there are even more opportunities to make new connections.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Wordfest strives to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Please strive with us. Embracing and encouraging diversity is an essential part of our programming and our values.
All festival venues are accessible to those with limited mobility. Courtesy seating is available upon request. Please contact boxoffice@wordfest.com with any questions or concerns.
The Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall at Central Library, DJD Dance Centre, the Bella Concert Hall at the Taylor Centre for the Performaning Arts, and Wordfest’s space at Memorial Park Library include gender neutral bathroom facilities.
Patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the box office to request an audio recording and transcript of the show. Please inquire ahead of time for a faster turnaround.
If your financial situation limits your ability to experience our festival, please contact us. We have a limited number of complimentary passes and tickets, thanks to the generosity of our individual donors. For more information, please email boxoffice@wordfest.com
Does Wordfest have merch?
Yes! At most shows, the onsite bookseller will have a selection of Wordfest swag and merch available for purchase, including custom tote bags, stickers, and new Human-Focused Mission buttons! All Wordfest merch proceeds go to Wordfest Youth (fuelling teen literacy in Calgary). We never use AI and always pay the artists.
Which Wordfest venues have beverage service?
Bar service is available at Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor (for events after noon) and at DJD Dance Centre and Central Library (evening events). Drinks can be enjoyed in lobby spaces and at your seat during the show. We feature alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Can I access recordings of past Wordfest shows?
We turn the audio recordings of our most memorable in-person shows into new episodes of Imagine On Air, available here. Check back regularly for more thought-provoking episodes, custom-crafted for you by Wordfest.
We’ve also assembled a hand-picked selection of our most memorable online shows and other feature films, available here.
Where can I find photos or recaps of the Wordfest show I just attended?
Indeed, “The FOMO is Reel.” Look for post-show recaps from Wordfest’s social media team and a selection of the best photos from our official photographer David Kotsibie on our Instagram Reels page here.
For select shows (e.g. where a professional photo with the author is included in the experience), we provide ticket holders with a link to download and share their photos.
Memorial Park Library
What parking options are available at Memorial Park Library?
Wordfest’s primary performance space is located on the second floor of Memorial Park Library, 1221 2 Street SW. Parking is available on the surrounding streets and public parking lots. A list of City of Calgary parking locations can be found here.
Is there elevator access at Memorial Park Library?
Elevator access to Wordfest’s theatre on the 2nd floor is available from the ground level via the exterior doors on the north-west corner of the building (please ring the Wordfest buzzer for assistance). There is also a drop-off location for individuals with reduced mobility accessible via a driveway to the building off 12 Avenue SW (Drop-Offs Only. No Parking).
Please email us at boxoffice@wordfest.com if you are joining us with a mobility device or if you require assistance entering the venue.
Where are the washrooms and other amenities in Wordfest’s space at Memorial Park Library?
There are accessible and gender-neutral washroom facilities available on the 2nd floor, to the right of the stage. Washrooms are also available on the main floor during the Calgary Public Library’s hours of operation.
Complimentary filtered water is available at the Libations Bar. To reduce waste, we encourage you to bring your own water bottle.
Where can I find coffee shops near Memorial Park Library?
Deville Coffee
The District
227 12th Ave SW
Alforno at First Street Market
1327 1 St SW
I Love You Coffee Shop
348b 14th Ave SW (basement)
Starbucks
156 13th Ave SW (southwest corner of Hotel Arts)
Tim Hortons
1015 4th St SW
DJD Dance Centre
What parking options are available at DJD Dance Centre?
The DJD Dance Centre parkade offers FREE underground parking Monday to Friday after 5PM and on Saturdays and Sundays to valid ticket holders attending Wordfest shows. A code and further instructions is provided by email on the day of your show. Two large paid-public parking lots are located at the South and East sides of the building.
Where is the DJD Dance Centre Theatre located in the building?
The DJD Dance Centre Theatre is located on the 2nd floor.
If arriving through the main doors off 12th avenue, simply look for Wordfest signage and our box office table in the lobby immediately to your left as you enter. Our friendly staff will scan your tickets and direct you to the theatre on the 2nd floor via the staircase or elevators.
If arriving from the DJD underground parkade, follow the signage and directions to the elevator and then select the main floor to have your ticket scanned and to browse the bookseller tables before joining us on the 2nd floor for the show.
Is there elevator access to the DJD Dance Centre Theatre?
Yes, there is an elevator to DJD Dance Centre Theatre on the 2nd floor, accessible from the main floor and underground parkade.
Please email us at boxoffice@wordfest.com if you are joining us with a mobility device or if you require assistance entering the venue.
Central Library
What parking options are available at Central Library?
Central Library is located at 800 3 Street SE, directly east of City Hall. Public bike racks are located on all sides of the building, and bus routes stop on 3 Street SE and on 9 Avenue SE. The closest CTrain stop is City Hall, on both the Red and Blue lines. There is paid parking in the City Hall parkade, and Platform Parkade (Lot 62). Visit this link for more information on planning your visit to Central Library.
Where is the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall located in the building?
The theatre is located on Level 1 of the Central Library (800 3 St SE, Calgary). Simply enter through the main doors under the exterior archway and look for Wordfest signage and our box office table inside, immediately to your left as you enter.
Is there elevator access to the Patricia A. Whelan theatre?
On the west side of the Central Library Building (800 3 St SE, Calgary), there is an intercom at the doors near the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall. Visitors with mobility challenges can use this intercom to contact security in order to use these doors. Or, continue up the sloped walkway to reach the main entrance (Level 1).
For more information about accessibility at Central Library, click here.
Please email us at boxoffice@wordfest.com if you are joining us with a mobility device or if you require assistance entering the venue.
In the Spotlight
Experience MORE with a 2026 Festival Pass!
Meet incredible authors, discover exceptional books, expand your social circle, and make lasting connections. Customize your Imaginairium experience in 2026 with a Festival Pass! Given how many of our shows sell out quickly, it’s the best way to avoid FOMO and guarantee life-changing experiences, while being able to experiment with new-to-you authors and formats. >> READ MORE
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