Celebrate 20 years of LitFest this Oct. 14 to 18

A message from LitFest:

For 20 years, LitFest: Canada's Original Nonfiction Festival has brought readers, writers, and curious minds together to celebrate the power of true stories. Each October, downtown Edmonton comes alive as bestselling authors, award-winning journalists, emerging voices, and local storytellers gather to share their work.

From Oct. 14 to 18, 2026, LitFest welcomes readers into vibrant spaces where ideas flourish and meaningful connections are made. Through author readings, interactive workshops, and special events, festival-goers can discover new books, meet the people behind them, and connect with others who share a love of reading.

This year's theme, "Nonfiction shows us who we are," celebrates the narratives that shape our identities, deepen our understanding of one another, and inspire empathy. Whether exploring memoir, history, science, journalism, or cultural commentary, nonfiction invites us to see the world — and ourselves — with fresh eyes. It addresses not only the readers and writers of nonfiction, but the people who live these very stories.

Nonfiction writers and their stories reflect back to us at the core of who we are as individuals, as a city, a province, and what defines us as Canadians. They ask us to truly consider the world around us, our place in it, and the impact it has on how we define ourselves. Nonfiction writers share with us their journeys; they make us laugh, inspire us to change, and challenge us to explore new ideas and topics.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, LitFest will feature a diverse cast of nonfiction writers. Some of those involved include Vivek Shraya, Kai Cheng Thom, Richard Kelly Kemick, Rachel Phan, Trina Moyles, Yasuko Thanh, Will Ferguson, Alice Major, and many more. There is something for everyone with this dynamic festival — book launches, panels, local press showcases, workshops, and more.

Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations, LitFest offers something for everyone. Discover new ideas, find your next favourite book, meet remarkable authors, and become part of a vibrant community that believes stories have the power to change the world. Get your tickets today.