Wordfest
Readers delight when this wordy festival rolls around
- Price: Free - $150
Word nerds, book lovers, and fans of all things literary, are you ready to dive into Calgary’s 10-day festival dedicated to readers?
Wordfest is back and once again set to spark lively, illuminating and meaningful conversations between Calgary’s readers and the world’s most engaging writers. This year’s docket includes readings, workshops, panel discussions and in-school presentations from authors writing in every genre.
With over 90 artists, you are bound to find at least one event that piques your fancy. Us? We picked our top 10, not-to-be-missed events. Read on and get your tickets while you still can:
Wade Davis & Luis Fabini
October 7, 2016, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Glenbow Museum Theatre (130 9th Ave. SE)
$15
Perfect for lovers of photography, these two shooters share the backstory behind their collaboration on Cowboys of the Americas. Hosted by Russell Cobb, the presentation will also touch on Wade Davis: Photographs, featuring 150 of the celebrated anthropologist’s favourite shots.
wordfest.com
White Noise Talks: Empowered by the Pen
October 8, 2016, 4:00 – 5:30pm
Glenbow Museum Theatre (130 9th Ave. SE)
$15
This panel features unique voices from the Wordfest lineup who will filter through the white noise surrounding the charged concept of inclusivity. Featuring Lisa Charleyboy, Ivan Coyote, Salimah Kassam, and Jael Ealey Richardson, this salon-style discussion will certainly be one to remember.
wordfest.com
The Frontline of Mental Health Treatment: Dr. David Goldbloom
October 8, 2016, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Glenbow Museum Theatre (130 9th Ave. SE)
$15
Hosted by Wordfest’s own Shelley Youngblut with a topic very close to her heart, Dr. David Goldbloom offers an insightful and candid look at the profession of psychiatry. His bestseller, How Can I Help?, revolves around a week in his life as a clinician.
wordfest.com
Crawlspace (A Staged Reading)
October 11 – 15, 2016, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Motel Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$25
Governor General’s Literary Award nominated playwright, actor and director Karen Hines explores the dark side of property ownership in this intimate staged reading. Tickets are very limited so make sure you scoop yours.
wordfest.com
Literary Death Match
October 12, 2016, 9:15 – 10:45pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave SE)
$20
Always popular and very, very funny, the concept is simple—a mix of authors take the stage and perform their most electric passages before a judging panel made up of their peers. Add in a boisterous audience and you’ve got yourself a great show.
wordfest.com
Thursday Night Showcase: Curiosities
October 13, 2016, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Glenbow Museum Theatre (130 9th Ave. SE)
$20
This showcase, hosted by Marcello Di Cintio, looks to be fascinating. Mixing fiction and non-fiction writers, each one is tasked to reveal what makes the subjects of their new books so ultimately unforgettable.
wordfest.com
Naughty Bits Read-a-Thon
October 14, 2016, 9:15 – 10:45pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave SE)
$15
A big bed, an adult only night and some titivating tales—this is not your typical festival reading. From the creator and host of Wordfest’s Adult Spelling Bee, Sherwin Tjia, this cabaret-style event challenges authors from the festival lineup to read salacious passages from their favourite books.
wordfest.com
Uncivil Politics: I’m Right and You’re an Idiot
October 15, 2016, 10:00 – 11:30am
Glenbow Museum Theatre (130 9th Ave. SE)
$20
Timely and relevant, this panel explores the possibility of reclaiming civil discourse in the increasingly divided public sphere. Taking its name from James Hoggan’s new book, joining him are Taras Grescoe, James Hoggan, Jay Pitter, and Edward Riche.
wordfest.com
Adult Spelling Bee
October 15, 2016, 9:15 – 10:45pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave SE)
$15
One of the funniest events of the festival, this adult only evening returns with Sherwin Tjia once again taking on hosting duties. One by one, a group of fearless Calgarians is asked to spell a word in front of an audience of hooters and hollerers. The evening is queer, senior and trans-friendly and no photos are allowed, promoting a safe, secure and comfortable bit of naughty fun.
wordfest.com
So You Want to Go into Politics?
October 16, 2016, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave SE)
$20
Another timely offering, this panel features a few of Canada’s most astute authors sharing their personal perspectives on writing about politics versus being in politics.
wordfest.com
Wordfest runs October 7 to 16, 2016 and both individual tickets and festival passes are still available at wordfest.com.
