LitFest 2026

Litfest is where non-fiction comes to life in Edmonton - and not just in the city! This is Canada’s largest non-fiction festival. It takes over downtown Edmonton in October, bringing true stories off of the page and in to real life conversations, events and panels. There’s workshops, gatherings, author meet and greets - it’s one of the key literary festivals in the country!

Event Details

  • Dates: October 2026 - dates will be announced in September

  • Location: Multiple venues throughout downtown Edmonton (occasionally Old Strathcona)

  • Admission: Mix of free and ticketed single events; a Community Access Program offers free or by-donation tickets first-come, first-served

  • Tickets: litfestalberta.org

About LitFest

With virtual and in-person events, this festival has grown from a modest book fair into Canada’s only festival devoted entirely to non fiction reading. There are 30+ events through the festival, where authors and readers can come together to tackle big ideas. Life stories, science, art, social justice, politics - through the intimate on stage conversations, immersive reasons and premieres.

Highlights

  • Author conversations & readings where you can meet writers behind buzzed-about nonfiction, memoir, and journalism

  • Panels on big ideas from climate and money to identity and joy

  • Writing workshops including hands-on sessions with working authors

  • Special gatherings like opening-night events, trivia (SUPERQUIZ!), and gourmet experiences

  • Virtual access to stream select events from home

Tickets & Access

Litfest has a combination of free and paid events. Ticketed events are individually ticketed through the official website, and through ticketing platforms. There are a number of free or by-donation tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets go on sale in September - watch the festival website.

Getting There

LitFest events cluster around downtown, well served by the Capital, Metro, and Valley Line LRT plus ETS buses — the easiest way to hop between venues. Check each event's specific venue when you book, as locations vary across the festival.