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It’s finally here: the schedule for Wordfest’s 2025 Imaginairium (Oct. 14-19). Our six-day festival of ideas has been designed to be a bright light in dark times, an antidote to exhaustion, and exuberant connection with writers and readers. It’s a Supernova Celebration of Wordfest’s 30 years. Discover more about the 50+ luminaries appearing at the 2025 Imaginairium Festival, October 14-19 in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood. Scoop up their latest releases and timeless backlists. Get tickets to 30+ life-affirming experiences starting at 10 AM (MT) on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. But wait, Wordfest is MORE than a festival. We also present the world’s most intriguing authors year round, from January through December. Scroll down to see who is coming to Calgary starting in September.
How to Wordfest in 78 Seconds

When the world’s brightest and most interesting people write a book, they bring it to Calgarians through Wordfest. Watch this short video for everything you need to know about experiencing one of our shows!

A Brief History of Wordfest

Founding Executive Director Anne Green and current CEO & Creative Ringleader Shelley Youngblut take you through 30 years of Wordy Goodness, from Margaret Atwood and George Saunders to Max Kerman and Zadie Smith.

Our Year-Round Shows

December

Wordfest presents Margaret Atwood

LOW TICKET ALERT

Dec 10 @ 7:30 PM $29.95-$49.95
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons
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Wordfest is thrilled to present Margaret Atwood in celebration of Book of Lives, her long-awaited memoir (of sorts). She lent her lustre to the our first festival back in 1996, which makes it even more special that she will be the star of the grand finale of our 30th Anniversary year—hosted by the astonishing Heather O’Neill. Pre-order your copy here from Owl’s Nest Books (publication date is Nov. 4.) Act fast! Less than 200 tickets remain.

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Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

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