Vancouver Writers Fest 2026

The Vancouver Writers Fest is a non-profit organization that produces a variety of literary events in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its main event is the Vancouver Writers Fest, which is an annual week-long literary festival held on Granville Island, Vancouver in the third week of October. Writers from Canada and abroad attend the festival to perform readings, interviews and panel discussions.

Language

English

Genres

general lit, thriller

Format

in-person

Duration (days)

8

Next edition

18–25 Oct 2026

Author participation

Invited programme; in-person + online; box office via writersfest.bc.ca

Audience

With an intimate theatre venue on Granville Island and a pop-up bar for socializing, attendees are invited to connect more deeply with other members of the local literary community—and meet the esteemed authors who grace the stage—in a modern space for exchanging ideas.

Age policy

36 sessions aimed at children and youth during the October Festival

Accessibility

2026 Festival Events Box Office About Who We Are FAQ Inclusivity Team Programs Accessibility Youth Overview Youth Writing Contest Writers in the Classroom Support Us Donate Membership Legacy Funds Supporters Raff

Language notes

Listed working language: English

Genre notes

Primary focus: general lit, thriller

Programme

Writers from Canada and abroad attend the festival to perform readings, interviews and panel discussions.

Past guests

Martin Amis, Margaret Atwood, Maeve Binchy, Peter Carey, Roddy Doyle, Timothy Findley, John Irving, P. D. James, Thomas Keneally, Andrea Levy, Frank McCourt, Rohinton Mistry

Past editions

1988, 2010, 2012, 2025

Travel

Writers in the Classroom: free author visits to schools in Metro Vancouver

Festival site