Coming September 12, 2026
RoadTrip Music Festival invites festival-goers to experience an unforgettable one-day celebration of discovery, community, and music in downtown Kingston.
Just as a great road trip blends anticipation, adventure, and memorable stops along the way, RoadTrip Music Festival promises a seamless day-to-night journey—one that blends music, shopping, food, and community spirit—establishing Kingston’s newest cultural anchor, designed to surprise, grow and inspire year after year.
Thanks so much for your purchase — you're officially headed to the very first 'RoadTrip Music Festival' in Kingston, Ontario!
Your tickets are attached as a PDF. You can download them to your digital wallet, print them out, or simply save the PDF to your phone — you'll need it to check in on the day of the festival. You can also download the Showpass App for easy access (instructions below).
Everything you need to know is outlined below. Keep an eye on your inbox — we'll be sending a few emails as we lead up to the festival with the latest news, lineup details, and updates before anyone else.
What to expect on the day
There will be a series of daytime performances on 3 stages located on Princess St. as a part of the overall festival experience. In between musical performances, wander freely and soak in the street festival atmosphere, complete with retail shopping, lively patios, unique culinary experiences, vendors, one-of-a-kind art, and more. The street festival is free to enjoy for everyone from 10 am to 5:50 pm.
The Main Stage Event in Springer Market Square, downtown Kingston (ticketed)*
As the sun sets, Springer Market Square transforms into an unforgettable evening of live music. The night opens with the lovely Katie Tupper followed by a local favourite - Kasador. Gabriel Jacoby brings the energy to a peak before Peach Pit closes out the summer in style. Your ticket grants you access to the licensed main stage area and to an amazing evening of talent.
Click here for schedule
Know someone who'd love to join you? Send them to roadtripkingston.ca to grab their tickets!
See you on the road!
The RoadTrip Team
*Please note: schedule subject to change. Limit of 12 tickets per customer (max 4 per transaction)
Sign up for the RoadTrip exclusive newsletter for early access to exciting announcements.

Springer Market Square

RoadTrip

General Admission

Student Rate

4 Ticket Pack

KSSC

Downtown Kingston BIA

🎸 PRESALE STARTS JUNE 10! 🎸
Don't miss Gord Bamford live at The Venue – Peterborough on October 10, 2026 as part of the As Long As There's A Bar Tour!
⭐ Special Guests: • Dallas Alexander • Hunter James
🎟 Public On Sale: June 12
Get your tickets at venueptbo.caDoors 7pm 19+ Event Bottle Service Areas Are Available For Groups 5 -10 People email events@venueptbo.ca for more information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8STNtIAy2E
#GordBamford #AsLongAsTheresABarTour #PeterboroughEvents #CountryMusic #LiveMusic #TheVenuePTBO #DallasAlexander #HunterJames #OntarioConcerts

The Venue Peterborough

GORD BAMFORD AS LONG AS THERE'S A BAR TOUR

General

VIP Meet & Greet Add-ON

Sunday, September 6th, 2026  
 
LABOUR DAY CLASSIC SPRINT CAR EXTRAVGANZA!
Lawns We 360 Sprints, Crate Sprint Open, Brighton Automotive Thunder Stock Division, Bill's John Mini Stock Division Open & Dirt Modified Nostalgia Tour
 
Gates Open at 4:00 pm, Racing Starts at 6:00 pm.
 
By purchasing a ticket you are committing to your seat.  There are no refunds.  Cancellations are permitted only until noon on Friday by contacting the Speedway Office at angie@brightonspeedway.com.  Your ticket purchase will be forwarded to the next event.
 
Visit www.brightonspeedway.ca for more details or follow us on Facebook.

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY LTD.

RACE 20- SEPTEMBER 6

Single Day Pit Membership

Adult Grandstand Admission

Seniors (65+) Grandstand Admission

Youth (13-17) Grandstand Admission

Child (7-12) Grandstand Admission

Child (6 & Under) Grandstand Admission

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY

Girls Night Out The Show®—Wild Nights 2026 Tour—is taking over the stage live at the The Venue Peterborough on October 1st 2026
 
This high-energy, all-male dance revue will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish with heart-pumping music, chiseled bodies, seductive routines, cheeky humor, and boy-next-door charm.
 
This isn’t the kind of show where you just sit and watch! Girls Night Out The Show® is a fully interactive, immersive experience thundering with excitement. Get ready to get a little wild in an empowering, fun-filled atmosphere and embark on an unforgettable night with your friends.
 
Tickets sell fast—don’t wait! Get yours today!19+ ShowVIP INCLUDES EARLY ENTRY AND PREMIUM SEATING

Girls Night Out The Show

VIP Ticket (Early Entry + Premium Seating)

Beautiful View is centred around the magic of memorable moments.Our aim is to create an intimacy between music and listener with unique performances in unique venues & non-traditional spaces across downtown belleville. Schedules listed below & Here
Presented by Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing BoardFriday Evening EventCome join us for the Beautiful View opening evening event at The Belleville Club in downtown Belleville! The evening show features the incredible Jeremie Albino with a surprise opening guest and is a limited capacity event. This ticket also gives you access to all of the Saturday day time performances. All daytime passes are FREE and are 100% required for entry.• DOORS at 7pm EST• Opening Special Guest• Jeremie Albino at 8pm EST• Post Show Kick-Off EventSaturday Evening EventThe Saturday evening show features an intimate solo performance by Sarah Harmer and very special guest Ada Lea will open the evening. This is a limited Capacity Event, with a ticket that also gives you access to all of the day time performances by showing your mobile ticket at the door. • DOORS at 7pm EST• Ada Lea - Opening• Sarah Harmer  Weekend Friday and Saturday Evening EventThis pass gives you access to the Friday and Saturday evening performances for a discounted price! Don't miss Jeremie Albino, Sarah Harmer, Ada Lea and more.... Both venues have limited capacity so get your tickets while you can. This ticket gives you access to all of the daytime performances happening on Saturday. 
Claim your FREE DAY PASS for SaturdayClaim your FREE pass here to catch all of the amazing daytime performances happening downtown in different spaces Saturday afternoon! Must present your mobile pass at every venue for entry. It is a first come first serve basis!! All daytime mobile passes are 100% required for entry.
Catch Acts like: Awarding Artist Cadence Weapon, Thanya Iyer, Lisa Bozikovic, Letdowns, Vic Louis, and More to Come! SCHEDULE HERE
 
Founded by artists, Focused on arts, Beautiful View, is a boutique festival in Quinte developed byestablished and award winning artists Hannah Georgas and Sean Sroka (Ten Kills the Pack).
 
 
 

Downtown Belleville- Multi Venue

Beautiful View Music Festival

Free

paid

Presented By BAY OF QUINTE Regional Marketing Board 
SCHEDULE HERE or HERE on Insta
Claim your FREE DAY PASS for SaturdayClaim your FREE pass here to catch all of the amazing daytime performances happening downtown in different spaces Saturday afternoon! Must present your mobile pass at every venue for entry. It is a first come first serve basis!! All daytime mobile passes are 100% required for entry.
Catch Acts for FREE such as: Awarding Artist Cadence Weapon, Thanya Iyer, Lisa Bozikovic, Letdowns, Vic Louis, and More to Come! SCHEDULE HERE or Here on Insta
 
Friday Evening EventCome join us for the Beautiful View opening evening event at The Belleville Club in downtown Belleville! The evening show features the incredible Jeremie Albino with a surprise opening guest and is a limited capacity event. This ticket also gives you access to all of the Saturday day time performances. All daytime passes are FREE and are 100% required for entry. • DOORS at 7pm EST• Opening Special Guest• Jeremie Albino at 8pm EST• Post Show Kick-Off EventSaturday Evening EventThe Saturday evening show features an intimate solo performance by Sarah Harmer and very special guest Ada Lea will open the evening. This is a limited Capacity Event, with a ticket that also gives you access to all of the day time performances by showing your mobile ticket at the door. • DOORS at 7pm EST• Ada Lea - Opening• Sarah Harmer Weekend Friday and Saturday Evening EventThis pass gives you access to the Friday and Saturday evening performances for a discounted price! Don't miss Jeremie Albino, Sarah Harmer, Ada Lea and more.... Both venues have limited capacity so get your tickets while you can. This ticket gives you access to all of the daytime performances happening on Saturday. 


Evening Tickets

Weekend Package

Friday Night: Jeremie Albino

Saturday Night: Sarah Harmer

Free Day Pass

Gord Bamford's As Long As There's A Bar Tour with Dallas Alexander
Friday, October 9th, 2026 Doors TBDMUST BE 19+ FOR ENTRYThe Ale House393 Princess St, Kingston, ON
Presale Tickets: June 10th at 9am MST (11am EST) *Enter your Pre-Sale code for accessGeneral Public Tickets: June 12th 9am MST (11am EST)VIP Tickets include meet and greet, photo-op, and keepsake item.
Gord Bamford’s cross-Canada As Long As There’s a Bar Tour kicks off in Atlantic Canada on September 24, 2026, and runs through to November 15, 2026, bringing high-energy country music, fan-favourite hits, and unforgettable nights to venues across the country. Known as one of Canada’s most celebrated country artists, Gord delivers powerhouse performances filled with chart-topping songs, authentic storytelling, and the kind of atmosphere that keeps fans singing along all night long. This fall tour promises an intimate and energetic concert experience celebrating country music, great stories, and good times, because As Long As There’s a Bar, there’s always a reason to gather.
Joining Gord Bamford on the majority of tour dates is fast-rising Canadian country artist Dallas Alexander. Born and raised in Alberta, the Métis artist now splits his time between Ottawa, Ontario and Nashville, Tennessee. Dallas continues to build momentum across Canada and the U.S. with his gritty outlaw-country sound and authentic storytelling. His single “7 Words” earned a Top 10 spot on SiriusXM Top of the Country, while his breakout track “Can’t Blame My Bloodline” has surpassed 1.6 million streams. Dallas continues to release new music, including his brand-new single “Small Town Livin’,” released May 15, 2026. Gord Bamford and Dallas Alexander will also be releasing a brand-new collaboration titled “Neon Town,” a perfect anthem for the As Long As There’s a Bar Tour.
Get your tickets now before they are gone!

The Ale House

Gord Bamford- As Long As There's A Bar Tour with Dallas Alexander

GENERAL ADMISSION

GENERAL ADMISSION 2

VIP TICKET (Inlcudes Standard Entry, Meet and Greet, Photo-op, and Keepsake Item)

PRE-SALE TICKET

The Ale House & Canteen

CAMPING FOR LABOUR DAY WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA!
Sites are available for $60.00 for Labour Day.  Entry is permitted upon request on Thursday, September 3rd. 
CAMPING POLICYWelcome to Brighton Speedway. We ask that you abide by the following rules and respect that your option to camp is a privilege.
• Disorderly conduct is not permitted and eviction from the camping area will result.• There will be NO recreational vehicles in use after dark. The risk and liability is too extreme. You will receive no further warning than this going forward, any persons in violation will be asked to not return, their privilege for camping will be revoked. Day time use is permitted with only a SINGLE person on a 4 Wheeler. Helmets are MANDATORY!!• Sites must be well maintained and kept cleaned. • Garbage must be disposed of in the appropriate bin prior to your departure, no exceptions! Empties as well!• Fires must be contained to a rim and a pail of water or an extinguisher must be located nearby in case of emergency. • NO SKIDS ALLOWED• In the event of a Municipal Fire Ban all campers MUST comply. Eviction will result for disobedience• Pets MUST BE leashed at all times. We also ask that you respectfully clean up after them as needed.• The Speedway is NOT providing picnic tables or any other amenities for your use. Please do not remove these from their designated areas.• We ask that you respect your neighbours and ours and keep after hours noise to a minimum. Zero tolerance for obnoxious behaviour and excessive noise. Eviction from the camping area will result.• The Speed Allowed TO AND FROM the Camping area is DEAD SLOW! We ask that you respect the fact that this is a private residence and children are at play. • NO RACE CARS OR HAULERS/TRAILERS ARE PERMITTED IN THE CAMPING AREA. They may park in the allotted parking lot but must be removed by 12 pm the following day. • Only ONE (1) personal vehicle is permitted per site and must remain in the designated camping lot. Additional vehicles must park in a designated parking spot. Cars and trucks can not block the throughways.
 
We ask that all campers are packed up and removed from the property by 12pm on Monday. 
 

CAMPING-LABOUR DAY 2026

LABOUR DAY MAIN CAMPING

How do the stories we inherit shape who we become? Kingston WritersFest is thrilled to present, a special evening with literary legends Helen Humphreys and Judith Thompson. Helen Humphreys introduces Summerland which begins with the disappearance of her grandfather during World War II and the consequences that followed. This brilliant, touching memoir weaves memory and reconstructed family history to explore how dreams pass down through generations. Two-time Governor General’s Award winner Judith Thompson, debuts her highly anticipated In Crow’s Field, a powerful novel of resilience and survival set primarily in Kingston.
Helen Humphreys is an author of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Several of her books have been national bestsellers and named as The New York Times Notable Books of the Year and The Globe and Mail  Best Books of the Year. Humphreys has won the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, a Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, and the City of Toronto Book Award. She has also been shortlisted for a Governor General’s Literary Award, the Trillium Book Award and CBC’s Canada Reads, as well as longlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the British Columbia National Award for Non-Fiction. In 2009, Humphreys was awarded the Harbourfront Festival Prize for literary excellence. She was born in Kingston-on-Thames, England, and now lives in Kingston, Ontario.
Judith Thompson is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for White Biting Dog and The Other Side of the Dark. In 2006 she was invested as an Officer in the Order of Canada and in 2008 she was awarded the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for her play Palace of the End. Judith is a professor of drama at the University of Guelph and lives with her husband and five children in Toronto.
This event is made possible by Queen's Quarterly. 

 

Kingston Marriott - Limestone City Ballroom C

Our Reconstructions

AOS Our Reconstructions

Kingston WritersFest

Firehall Theatre

The Memory of Water

Northumberland Players

8:00pm -Doors Open
10:00pm - Opening Act - Dallas Alexander 
11:00 pm - Gord Bamford - Headliner 
DJ Entertainment provided to keep the party going before and after the show!
 
As Long As There’s a Bar Tour
Gord Bamford’s cross-Canada As Long As There’s a Bar Tour kicks off in Atlantic Canada on September 24, 2026, and runs through to November 15, 2026, bringing high-energy country music, fan-favourite hits, and unforgettable nights to venues across the country. Known as one of Canada’s most celebrated country artists, Gord delivers powerhouse performances filled with chart-topping songs, authentic storytelling, and the kind of atmosphere that keeps fans singing along all night long. This fall tour promises an intimate and energetic concert experience celebrating country music, great stories, and good times, because As Long As There’s a Bar, there’s always a reason to gather.
 
Dallas Alexander
Joining Gord Bamford on the majority of tour dates is fast-rising Canadian country artist Dallas Alexander. Born and raised in Alberta, the Métis artist now splits his time between Ottawa, Ontario and Nashville, Tennessee. Dallas continues to build momentum across Canada and the U.S. with his gritty outlaw-country sound and authentic storytelling. His single “7 Words” earned a Top 10 spot on SiriusXM Top of the Country, while his breakout track “Can’t Blame My Bloodline” has surpassed 1.6 million streams. Dallas continues to release new music, including his brand-new single “Small Town Livin’,” that was recently released on May 15, 2026. Gord Bamford and Dallas Alexander will also be releasing a brand-new collaboration titled “Neon Town,” a perfect anthem for the As Long As There’s a Bar Tour.

Little Texas Bar & Grill

Gord Bamford As Long As There's a Bar Tour w/ Special Guest Dallas Alexander

Cache Entertainment Inc.

Saturday, September 26th, 2026  
APPLEFEST SHOOTOUT
Coca-Cola & Cool 100, present APPLEFEST SHOOTOUT DIRTcar 358 75 Lap Applefest Shootout, ROC Sportsman Series Race, McDougall Insurance Great Crate Race, Thunder Stock Duel on the Dirt and Comp 4 Open
Gates Open at 2:00 pm, Hot Laps Start at 3:00 pm, Racing Starts at 6:00 pm.
 
By purchasing a ticket you are committing to your seat.  There are no refunds.  Cancellations are permitted only until noon on Friday by contacting the Speedway Office at angie@brightonspeedway.com.  Your ticket purchase will be forwarded to the next event.
 
Visit www.brightonspeedway.ca for more details or follow us on Facebook.

RACE 23 - SEPT 26 Applefest Shootout

Kingston WritersFest is delighted to present former Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould and Roshan Danesh with their new book, The Inbetween Leader: Cultivating Courage and Unity in a Complex World.
The Inbetween Leader begins with the premise that our models for leadership have proven wanting in an era where polarization seems the norm and compromise and consensus are political anathema Today's hyper-partisan climate regularly rewards division, leaving traditional institutions ill-equipped to handle modern social and political fractures.
Instead, Jody and Roshan propose an alternative style of leadership, one that fosters interconnectedness, empowers diverse teams, and maintains unity without erasing difference. Rather than demanding total assimilation or conformity, this approach seeks strength in diverse viewpoints. Drawing on Indigenous governance traditions and ancestral wisdom, The authors will share actionable strategies to replace our failing, hierarchical leadership models with relational, community-driven frameworks built for the modern era.


The Inbetween Leader

AOS: Inbetween Leader

Saturday, September 12th, 2026 
 
 
Final Points Night & Danny Reid Memorial!
Danny Reid 50 Lap Canadian Modified Memorial Race, Brighton Automotive Thunder Stock Division, Bill’s Johns Mini Stock Division & Quinte Septic Stinger Division.
 
Gates Open at 5:00 pm, Racing Starts at 7:00 pm.
 
By purchasing a ticket you are committing to your seat.  There are no refunds.  Cancellations are permitted only until noon on Friday by contacting the Speedway Office at angie@brightonspeedway.com.  Your ticket purchase will be forwarded to the next event.
 
Visit www.brightonspeedway.ca for more details or follow us on Facebook.

RACE 21- SEPT 12

Friday, September 25th, 2026  
APPLES EVE
Coca-Cola & Cool 100,  present APPLES EVE ROC Sportsman Series Race, CM, NLMA Heats and Dash Heat, Thunder Stock, Mini Stock Duel in the Dirt Combined Race and 358 Hot Laps and Dash for Cash
Gates Open at 4:00 pm, Racing Starts at 6:00 pm.
 
By purchasing a ticket you are committing to your seat.  There are no refunds.  Cancellations are permitted only until noon on Friday by contacting the Speedway Office at angie@brightonspeedway.com.  Your ticket purchase will be forwarded to the next event.
 
Visit www.brightonspeedway.ca for more details or follow us on Facebook.

RACE 22- SEPT 25 Apples Eve

Jeremy Fisher and Séan McCann: United in Song
Some friendships are forged on the road. Séan McCann and Jeremy Fisher met in the lounge of a dusty tour bus behind an arena in Sudbury. Within minutes, they had guitars in hand and began co-writing their first song together. 
Their last proper co-headline tour was in 2011. Now, in 2026 they're bringing it back together with United in Song; a revue of their best and most beloved music. Séan and Jeremy will step on stage at the same time, trading tunes and backing each other up. If you like acoustic guitars, Irish hand drums, tin whistles, big heartfelt singalongs, and good stories, this show is for you. 
United in Song is a deliberate act of joyful resistance. In a world increasingly mediated by screens, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, Séan and Jeremy are making the case — loudly, melodically, and with considerable charm — that one of the most life-affirming human experiences is when real artists, play real songs, for real people, in a real room.
Expect the hits. Expect the stories. Expect to sing! 
Let's get together.
**Online ticket sales close at noon day of event.**
**Tickets available at the door if not sold out.  Cash only.**

Chaffey's Locks Community Hall

Séan McCann and Jeremy Fisher at Chaffey's Lock

Séan McCann Music


The Page On Stage is no ordinary reading. We’re taking the funniest, saddest, cleverest, weirdest, most powerful passages from the books featured at Kingston WritersFest and bringing them to dramatic life with readings by a select group of local actors. Directed by Theatre Kingston’s own Rosemary Doyle. 
This FREE event happens Friday, October 2nd at the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street at 8:30pm. 
Many thanks to our sponsor, Downtown Kingston. 


The RCHA Club

The Page on Stage

Registration

New to the festival for 2026, this Advanced Fiction Workshop is a limited-enrollment, full-day intensive session for serious emerging writers. Led by award-winning novelist and short story writer Dennis Bock, the workshop is designed to elevate your craft alongside a select group of dedicated peers.
The morning begins with a deep dive into the art and practice of characterization. As Dennis notes, “Aspiring writers are often told that good prose shows and never tells. But how do you effectively show your protagonist’s longing to revisit her past? How do you show nostalgia, envy, or love without resorting to obvious, purpose-driven dialogue or made-to-order backstory? What about awe, jealousy, or wonder—those powerful emotions that boil within us but hardly ripple the surface? Let’s call these 'un-showable' emotions. We’ll talk about truly getting to know your characters and how to make them real.”
Enriched by a reading from Ray Bradbury, the first half of the workshop continues with an exploration of plotting mechanics, and concludes with an examination of different narrative approaches to dealing with the crisis in your story. 
Come afternoon, the session shifts into an interactive workshop. In the weeks leading up to our meeting, participants will share a longer sample of their writing (up to 1,800 words). The group will workshop these pieces together, devoting roughly fifteen minutes of focused, constructive critique to each individual submission.
Successful participants will exchange their 1,000-word submissions of their fellow students (maximum 12) in advance of the festival and will be expected to have read and prepared comments for each piece.
This is an all day workshop, with a 90 minute lunch break.

Kingston Marriott - Rideau Room

Advanced Fiction

Workshop Fee

Experience a powerful evening of storytelling with award-winning authors Tara Gereaux and Wayne Johnston, author of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams. Johnston’s new novel, The Novice of Holloway Hall, follows an acerbic former novice unearthing family secrets in a crumbling Newfoundland estate. Meanwhile Tara’s Wild People Quiet, set on the prairies post World War II, is the story of a woman with a strong interest in keeping her secrets hidden.
Tara Gereaux is the author of Saltus, which was shortlisted for the 2022 ReLit Novel Award and three Saskatchewan Book Awards; and Size of a Fist, a teen novella, which was also shortlisted for two Saskatchewan Book Awards. Tara is a citizen of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and lives in Regina on Treaty 4 territory and the homeland of the Métis.
Wayne Johnston was born and raised in Goulds, Newfoundland. After a brief stint in pre-Med, Wayne obtained a BA in English from Memorial University. He worked as a reporter for the St. John's Daily News before deciding to devote himself full-time to writing.


Reckonings

AOS Reckonings

 
We are delighted to welcome you to Kingston WritersFest 2026, taking place from October 1-4, 2026! At this year's festival you’ll find familiar events featuring literary favourites, and new authors and genres, such as journalism, Young Adult, and sports—there is something for everyone this year. Our theme this year, Words Bring Down Walls. Come out to get connected to community and art, through writing and reading!
Please note:

Please refer to our website, kingstonwritersfest.ca, for the full schedule, author biographies, and any updates to the program.

This Festival Pass will get you into all Authors OnStage and Salon Series events for the duration of the four day festival! Please note that Writers' Studio events are excluded.

Kingston Marriott

2026 KWF Festival Pass

Come visit the white sand beaches in Prince Edward and soak up the sun. Get ready for tastings that will make your taste buds sing with joy at the local wineries and distilleries. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant festivals, and set sail with the Yacht Clubs for an adventure on the waves. The perfect recipe for the best time!

Venez visiter les plages de sable blanc à Prince Edward et profitez du soleil. Préparez-vous à des dégustations qui feront chanter de joie vos papilles dans les vignobles et distilleries locaux. Plongez-vous dans les festivals animés de la ville et prenez le large avec les Yacht Clubs pour une aventure sur les vagues. La recette parfaite pour passer un moment inoubliable !

Prince Edward

Arts & Theatres

Automotive, Boats, Air

Community & Culture

Education

Fairs & Festivals

Family Friendly

Film, Media, & Entertainment

Fitness

Food & Beverage

Hobbies & Special Interests

Music

Sports

Discover the best events and things to do in Calgary, a vibrant city with a wide range of activities! Immerse yourself in the local culture as you watch ice skating enthusiasts enjoy their Tim Hortons coffee. Feel the excitement as residents cheer on the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampede, embodying their passion for hockey and cowboy hats. Exciting events, captivating concerts, and engaging activities await around every corner.

Discover the best events and things to do in Vancouver! Experience the joy of kayaking alongside playful seals, embark on invigorating hikes, and embrace unique yoga sessions. Join the locals in enjoying hilarious stand-up comedy shows that will leave you laughing the night away with friends and family. In Vancouver, laughter and quirky escapades are always in store.

New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Its iconic sites include skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. Broadway theater is staged in neon-lit Times Square.

Welcome to Toronto, a city where skyscrapers touch the sky and breathtaking lake views await! Indulge in the diverse food scene where poutine and sushi become the perfect pair. Take your bravery to new heights at the iconic CN Tower and soak up the vibrant entertainment in downtown.

Discover the excitement of Edmonton! From exhilarating bison encounters at Elk Island to enchanting winter adventures in ice castles, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences and events. Join the poutine craze, indulge in non-stop concerts, make a splash at waterparks, and immerse yourself in lively festivals.

Welcome to Seattle, where the Emerald City meets epic adventures! Rain or shine, this place rocks. Stroll through Pike Place Market, catch a glimpse of the iconic Space Needle, and taste your way through a coffee paradise. Then, dive into the funky Fremont neighbourhood and embrace its quirky art. Coffee, music, and stunning scenery await in this Pacific gem!

Welcome to Winnipeg, the heart and soul of the prairies! Immerse yourself in a city that has a blend of rich history, thriving arts, and a bustling culinary scene. From festivals that celebrate diverse cultures to exploring the scenic beauty of parks and rivers, Winnipeg offers year-round excitement.

Discover the enchanting city of Saskatoon, where prairie beauty meets urban excitement! Whether you're exploring the stunning riverbank, immersing yourself in the thriving arts and music scene, or indulging in culinary delights inspired by local flavors, Saskatoon offers an unforgettable experience throughout the year, leaving you in awe of its natural charm and vibrant cultural tapestry

From the vibrant music scene in Austin to the energy of Houston, the cowboy traditions of Fort Worth, and the tech boom in Dallas, Texas blends old and new with a spirit of independence. Home to world-class barbecue, sprawling ranches, and iconic landmarks like the Alamo, Texas is a state where everything truly is bigger.

Welcome to Kelowna, the vibrant gem of the Okanagan Valley! From picturesque vineyards and orchards to breathtaking lakes and mountains, our city is a year-round paradise offering endless adventures, delectable culinary experiences, and captivating cultural events that will leave you mesmerized

Ottawa, Canada's capital, where stunning architecture and a vibrant art scene await! Discover the city's 29 museums, explore beautiful parks, and take leisurely walks along tree-lined streets. Immerse yourself in the beauty of gardens and indulge in chic cafes, brunch spots, and lively farmers markets. Ottawa, is a city that will capture your heart.

Welcome to Victoria, a charming city that combines coastal beauty with captivating experiences! Explore serene gardens and historic architecture as you stroll along the Inner Harbour. Immerse yourself in the local arts scene, from intimate galleries to lively street performances. Join in the coastal rhythm as you indulge in fresh seafood and enjoy outdoor adventures, creating unforgettable memories at every turn.

Welcome to Whistler, the ultimate playground for snow enthusiasts and mountain adventurers! Experience the majesty of the mountains and the fluffy snow. Prepare for heart-racing adventures, from exhilarating skiing to epic explorations on mountain biking trails. The possibilities for fun things to do and engaging activities are limitless.

Welcome to Hamilton, a city of endless exploration! Dive into local museums where history comes to life, embrace the vibrant arts scene where creativity is at every corner, and explore the bustling downtown where music fills the air. And the best part? Just a short distance away, you'll find nature trails, parks, and breathtaking waterfalls, waiting to be explored.

Explore the top events and things to do in Red Deer, a lively city nestled between Calgary and Edmonton! Dive into local charm as you stroll through scenic parks or watch as families enjoy the beloved Bower Ponds. Get swept up in the excitement as residents cheer on their Red Deer Rebels or celebrate the thrill of Westerner Days. With fun festivals, lively concerts, and year-round outdoor adventures, Red Deer offers an experience that’s full of energy and warmth.

Plotting a novel is an art which can be mastered. From a compelling beginning to a satisfying conclusion, the goal is always to keep the reader engaged. The art of screenwriting offers a useful model for novelists concerned with structure. Dixon, who is both a novelist and a screenwriter, will share key tips and ideas and show you how to apply them to your prose. 
Glenn Dixon is the author of The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances. His memoir, Juliet’s Answer was a Globe and Mail national bestseller He has travelled through seventy-five countries and written for National Geographic, Psychology Today, the New York Post, The Walrus, and The Globe and Mail. He lives in Calgary. 
This class is suitable for emerging to intermediate writers.
 

Plotting the Novel

WS Plotting the Novel

Three masterful storytellers take the festival stage to show exactly how much narrative power, depth, and precision can be packed into the short story form. This marquee event brings together distinct literary voices to explore the sharp edges of human relationships, hidden histories, and the art of the literary remix. Jess Gibson introduces The Good Eye, a mesmerizing debut collection where everyday moments subtly tilt into uncanny mystery and quiet subversion—praised by novelist André Alexis as "the best first collection of stories I've read in years." Montreal’s Chanel Sutherland shares Layaway Child, offering a lyrical, deeply moving look at girlhood, displacement, and the complexities of the Caribbean immigrant experience. Rounding out the trio, long-time friend of the festival Wayne Grady presents The Cartel and Other Cover Stories, an ingenious collection that treats classic literary masterpieces like musical cover songs, remixed with sharp, modern twists.
This event is made possible by Chris James.
Jess Gibson is the author of The Good Eye, her debut collection of short stories. An art historian and critic, she studied at McGill, the University of Toronto, and Yale, where she earned a PhD. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Wayne Grady is the author of more than a dozen works of nonfiction and three novels, including Emancipation Day, which won the Amazon First Novel Award and was longlisted for the Giller Prize. Wayne is also an award-winning literary translator. He divides his time between Kingston and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Chanel Sutherland is a Vincentian Canadian writer of fiction and creative nonfiction. She won the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, which she was also longlisted for in 2022. Chanel is also the winner of the 2021 CBC Nonfiction Prize and the 2022 CBC Short Story Prize and was named one of CBC Books 30 Writers to Watch in 2022. She lives in Montreal.
 
 


Short Story Showcase

AOS Short Story Showcase

Welcome back Marina Nemat as she joins Leslie Shimotakahara on stage to discuss two remarkable works of historical fiction inspired by real-life family stories. Nemat’ Mistress of the Persian Boarding House, is inspired by her grandmother's dramatic flight from revolutionary Russia to Iran. Shimotakahara presents The Breakwater, a beautifully told saga centred on a pair of brothers whose rivalries come to a head amid the tumult of the Japanese-Canadian experience during World War II.
Marina Nemat is the author of the bestselling memoir Prisoner of Tehran and its follow-up memoir After Tehran. Imprisoned in Iran as a teenager for political dissent, she later immigrated to Canada. Marina is the recipient of the Human Dignity Award from the European Parliament. She lives in eastern Ontario. 
Leslie Shimotakahara is the author of the novel After the Bloom and the memoir The Reading List. She won the Canada-Japan Literary Prize and has been shortlisted for the K.M. Hunter Artist Award. She holds a PhD in English from Brown University and lives in Toronto.
 

The Unremembered Past

AOS: The Unremembered Past

Writing yourself in a memoir or personal essay is a daunting challenge. Through a mixture of lecture, discussion, and generative writing exercises, participants in this 90-minute workshop will explore how to write the self as a character. We will move beyond surface impressions to develop a richer, more authentic portrait of the central character of your work (i.e. you).
Kate Gies is the author of It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished: A Memoir of My Body. She teaches creative nonfiction at George Brown College. Her writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Walrus, The Malahat Review, The Humber Literary Review, Hobart, and the Best  Canadian Essays 2024 Anthology. She lives in Toronto.
 

Writing the Self

WS Writing the Self

How can literature resist silencing and repression in an increasingly chaotic world? Join award-winning novelist Kim Echlin discussing her new essay collection, Tell Others: Storytelling for a World in Turmoil. Drawing from her global lived experiences—including teaching in post-revolutionary China and researching war crimes in the former Yugoslavia—Echlin examines how storytelling turns outrage into understanding and how truth and imagination measure our lives against darkness.
Kim Echlin is the award-winning author of Speak, Silence, the winner of the Toronto Book Award. Her novel The Disappeared won the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award and was shortlisted for the Giller. Kim serves on the board of PEN International and lives in Toronto. 


Kingston Marriott - Limestone City Ballroom A/B

Truth Lives in Language

SS: Truth Lives in Language

Medical science offers hard data while patients tell stories. Narrative-based medicine (NBM) unites the two. To explore this unique approach to improving patient care, Temerty Medicine (University of Toronto) instructor and novelist Damian Tarnopolsky joins poet and medical school graduate Sadiqa de Meijer for a compelling conversation about the value and use of clinical storytelling. Moderated by Lisa Tannock, Dean of Health Sciences at Queen’s University.

Narrative-Based Medicine

SS: Narrative-Based Medicine

Delve into our complicated relationship with the natural world with acclaimed authors Robert Moor and Andrew Westoll. Moor introduces In Trees, a witty excursion exploring how trees teach us to live, which Bill McKibben praises as a "classic upon publication." Meanwhile, Charles Taylor Prize-winner Andrew Westoll, presents Born to be Wild, an immersive exploration confronting the practical and ethical quandaries of the modern zoo in an age of extinction. 
Robert Moor is a journalist, essayist, and author. A graduate of Brown University and NYU, his work has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s, The Atlantic, New York Magazine, The New York Times, GQ, Granta, Outside, Emergence, and n+1,  among other publications. On Trails, his first book, garnered the Saroyan Prize, the National Outdoor Book Award, and the Pacific Northwest Book Award. He lives in Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia.
Andrew Westoll is an award-winning writer and professor based in Toronto. A former primatologist-in-training, Andrew traded the real jungle for the concrete one a long time ago, but his experiences with wild animals still inform his work. Most of his writing explores our fraught relationship with the natural world.
 


Into (and Out of) the Wild

AOS Into (and out of) The Wild

Each of the three countries that occupy the place we call North America are uniquely different cultures with their own individual literatures. Join Merilyn Simonds as she explores how three classic novels from each country reflect these distinctions. In particular, she will discuss:  Pedro Paramo by Juan Rulfo (Mexico), The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow (USA) and The Last of the Curlews by Fred Bodsworth (Canada)—all still in print 70 years or more after their publication.

Reading the Continent

SS: Reading the Continent

How can we rebuild trust in an era of record-low media credibility? Award-winning journalist and author Tara Henley addresses this critical breakdown in her timely new work, The Trust Spiral. Henley argues that abandoning core journalistic standards, including objectivity, has triggered this decline. Through extensive research and reporting, she offers practical strategies to depoliticize newsrooms, admit past coverage mistakes, and reorient the media around true public service. Don't miss this crucial conversation on the future of objective journalism
Tara Henley is a current affairs journalist, podcaster, and author. A former producer with CBC Radio, she authored Lean Out: A Meditation on the Madness of Modern Life and hosts the global Lean Out podcast. She lives in Toronto.

Media and the Struggle for Objectivity

SS: Media and the Struggle

Whether novel, memoir, or non-fiction, style is key to vibrant and memorable writing. And yet for many writers, the concept remains elusive. In this three-hour workshop, participants will practice the techniques of description, characterization, and dialogue through the lens of style with an emphasis on sound, rhythm and sentence variation.
Kim Echlin is the award-winning author of Speak, Silence, the winner of the Toronto Book Award. Her novel The Disappeared won the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award and was shortlisted for the Giller. Kim serves on the board of PEN International and lives in Toronto. 
 

The Essence and Essentials of Style

WS Essentials of Style

A hands-on 90-minute workshop on creating collage-incorporating text. Participants will experiment with found poetry, blackout or erasure poetry, and the creation of collage poems and collages that incorporate text in different ways. Materials will be provided. 
Camilla Gibb is the  internationally acclaimed author of Sweetness in the Belly which was shortlisted for the Giller and won the Trillium Book Award. I Used to be a Pisces is Camilla’s first collection of poetry. She lives in Toronto.
This class is suitable for emerging writers and artists.
 

Experiments in Collage and Poetry

WS Collage and Poetry

Glide into historical fiction by exploring rich literary, archival, and cultural landscapes that bring the past to life on the page. You’ll read excerpts from various works, discuss the major thematic and formal concerns of the genre, and put pen to paper in a facilitated creative writing exercise.
Kai Thomas is the author of In the Upper Country, which was shortlisted for a Governor General's award. He lives in Montreal and teaches in the MFA program at the University of King’s College. 


Crafting Bridges to the Past

WS Crafting Bridges to the Past

The personal essay possesses an incredible, elastic range, serving as a vital tool to inform, delight, and profoundly change minds. Award-winning writers Richard Kelly Kemick and Jamaluddin Aram explore this dynamic form on the KWF stage. Kemick discusses Decadence, his "accidental memoir" praised by Publishers Weekly as a "weird and rewarding ride." Filmmaker Jamaluddin Aram presents The Blood of Things, an exquisite debut collection on writing, exile, and the fall of Kabul. 
Richard Kelly Kemick is an award-winning poet, journalist, and fiction writer. He is the author of the essay collection, Decadence. Richard is also the author of Hello, Horse, I Am Herod (available on audiobook), the poetry collection Caribou Run, and the stage play Amor De Cosmos: A Delusional Musical. His limited series podcast, Natural Life, is an intimate and unexpectedly honest documentary on his cousin, who is serving a life sentence without parole in Michigan. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Jamaluddin Aram is an Afghan-Canadian author and producer. His debut novel Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday, won the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize. He was also a Bronwen Wallace Award finalist in 2020. He lives in Toronto.
Moderator Krista Foss is a novelist, essayist, and journalist. She has published the novels Smoke River and Half Life. Smoke River won the Hamilton Literary Award. Krista has twice been a finalist for the Writers’ Trust Journey Prize. She lives in Westport.


Odds, Ends, and Exile: Essays in Focus

AOS Odds, Ends, and Exile

For aspiring Canadian screen or TV writers, Hollywood is the north star. Getting there is a combination of hard work, talent, and luck. Coming back is a whole other thing. Alex Pugsley continues the saga of Aubrey McKee, who finds himself in tinsel town writing for a former hockey star-turned late night talk show host in Silver Lake. Patricia Finn’s The Golden Boy looks at the life of a returnee who eventually ends up right here in Kingston


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