Wordfest's Fall Imaginairium Festival Returns Oct. 13-18, 2026
Welcome to The Imaginairium, Canada’s Liveliest Literary Festival. Festival Passes on sale now.
This fall, Wordfest is where your imagination goes to get real. We’re thrilled to present more than 41 showcases featuring 50+ 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.
Get your Festival Pass now for the best value—and access to our most popular shows, such as The Way We… Wear and Literary Death Match. We just revealed the full festival schedule, and you can get the inside scoop on all 41 shows at the Festival Preview on Sept. 10 (followed by a bonus show featuring Téa Muntonji).
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.
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.
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.
Which Wordfest venues have bar 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.
Visiting from Out of Town?
Whether you’re visiting the city for a Wordfest show, or looking to build a special staycation experience, we have options!
What hotel do you recommend for shows near Memorial Park Library?
We recommend the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites (239 12th Avenue SW, Calgary), which is located directly across from Wordfest’s home at Memorial Park Library.
Here is their booking link to reserve a room at the preferred Wordfest rate.
Guests can also book by phone at 1‑888‑236‑2427 and reference the “Wordfest Fall Imaginairium Festival Room Block”. Some restrictions apply. Please inquire when calling.
What hotel do you recommend for shows near Central Library?
We recommend Alt Hotel East Village (635 Confluence Way SE, Calgary).
Valid during the Imaginairium Festival Only (Oct. 13-18, 2026): Please use is this booking link (or reference room block 2610WORDFE if reserving by phone) to book rooms at the Wordfest rate.
For shows outside the festival: Please make your reservation by phone and reference the booking block name WORDFEST.
Guests may contact the hotel at 1-833-391-0482 for Front Desk assistance. Some restrictions apply. Please inquire when calling.
Meet the 2026 Imaginairists!
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
2025 Imaginairium Highlights
A lively sampling of last year’s festivities. And a taste of what to expect in 2026!
Thank You to Our Public Funders
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Community Supporters
