WORD VANCOUVER LITERARY FESTIVAL

Finding joy in darkness will be the 2026 theme of Word Vancouver, Western Canada's largest free literary festival. This year, guest Indigenous curator, playwright Frances Koncan, and guest 2SLGBTQIA+ curator, playwright Nicola Harwood are collaborating to bring together a select group of BC writers that span generations, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2S+ experiences while remaining rooted in humour and exploration of the human experience. On the theme of finding joy, Executive Director Bonnie Nish stated, "With the state of the world we wanted to lean into humanity by highlighting that there is always joy in creativity, from children's literature to poetry, plays, and novels. That spark of wellbeing and peace connects us all." From September 10-26, 2026 with festival day Saturday September 19, 2026 at UBC Robson Square (800 Robson Street) in downtown Vancouver. With new panelists and beloved favourites making a comeback, this year's festival includes workshops, online events, readings, and an onsite literary and art fair. With no admission charge, Word Vancouver allows Vancouverites, BC literary lovers, and tourists to participate, connect, and find inspiration for their own creative endeavors while continuing to grow the BC literary community. Find time from September 10-26, 2026 to head into a new season full of joy while celebrating the stories that make Vancouver and BC great at Word Vancouver. Full program can be found at wordvancouver.ca — Tickets: Free