Wordfest
It’s a readers delight when this wordy festival rolls around
- Price: Free - $150
Calling all word nerds, book lovers, and fans of all things literary. Here’s your chance to dive into Calgary’s festival dedicated to readers as Wordfest returns with over 60 events this October.
Fall is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, so get ready as the festival gears up 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.
And with over 85 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:
Alligator Pie All-Ages Launch Event
October 9, 2017, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free
Kick start your festival with Wordfest Youth and its homage to Alligator Pie. Featuring outdoor and indoor activities for the whole family, enjoy origami, face painting, break dancing, sweet and savoury alligator pies from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, as well as a giant balloon alligator in the park (created by Michael Grills). You can even get a taste of Alberta Theatre Projects’ upcoming production of Charlotte’s Web.
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House of Anansi 50th Anniversary Celebration
October 10, 2017, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Glenbow Theatre (130 9th Ave. SE)
$17 – $20
Join House of Anansi co-founder Dennis Lee and four of Anansi’s authors as they celebrate the Golden Anniversary of this iconic independent Canadian publishing house.
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How to Be… Wordy & Wild
October 10, 2017, 9:15 – 10:45pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$17 – $20
When singer-songwriter Geoff Berner published How To Be An Accordion Player, the first of instructional booklets with Kolakovsky Press of Canada, little did we know that this series would become a cult favourite. This late-night cabaret includes irreverent readings and performances from Kris Demeanor, Rae Spoon, and more.
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Wordfest & ProArts Society Present Roz Nay & Andrew Pyper
October 11, 2017, 12:00 – 1:30pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free
The beautiful interior of one of Calgary’s oldest churches is the setting for this free lunchtime event featuring two suspense writers—veteran Andrew Pyper and debut novelist Roz Nay.
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Adult Fairy Tales
October 11, 2017, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$17 – $20
Join Montreal author Heather O’Neill, JUNO-Award winning recording artist Ron Sexsmith, and Toronto author Peter Unwin as they share dazzling, whimsical stories, proving fairy tales are not just for children.
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Literary Death Match
October 12, 2017, 9:15 – 11:00pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$20.40 – $24
Always a festival favourite, this year’s Literary Death Match brings together an eclectic mix of young adult and children’s authors to perform their most electric passages. They have seven minutes to sway a judging panel made up of their peers while being cheered on by a boisterous audience.
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Poetry Cabaret
October 13, 2017, 9:15 – 11:00pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$17 – $20
Hosted by Dymphny Dronyk with live musical accompaniment from Kenna Burima, enjoy a unique and poetic perspective on topics ranging from feminism, LGBTQ+ issues, Indigenous interests, and everyday mysteries.
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Sane Takes on an Insane World
October 14, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30pm
Glenbow Theatre (130 9th Ave. SE)
$17 – $20
A timely showcase featuring an uncensored conversation exploring the vulnerability of human rights in an increasingly polarized world, these four authors delve into hot-button topics such as the refugee crisis, extremist politics, and genocide.
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Saturday Night Showcase: Timely & Tasty Indigenous Voices
October 14, 2017, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$17 – $20
Presented in partnership with the Calgary Foundation, join five of Canada’s most provocative Indigenous writers alongside New Zealand’s Maori pioneer Witi Ihimaera for this multi-genre showcase.
eventbrite.ca
An Afternoon with Will Ferguson
October 15, 2017, 2:30 – 4:00pm
John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Tr. SE)
$17 – $20
Launching his new book, The Shoe on the Roof, in his hometown of Calgary, join Scotiabank Giller Prize winner Will Ferguson as he shares insight into this startling, funny, and heartbreaking story of a psychological experiment gone wrong.
eventbrite.ca
Wordfest runs October 9 to 15, 2017 and both individual tickets and festival passes are still available at wordfest.com.
