Kingston WritersFest 2024: Connect, Converse and Create

Get ready to immerse yourself in the power of storytelling at the 16th Annual Kingston WritersFest, running from September 25 to 29, 2024. This much-anticipated event will bring together authors, poets, and literary enthusiasts from across the country for five days of inspiration, conversation, and creativity. Whether you’re a book lover, aspiring writer, or someone who appreciates a good story, Kingston WritersFest promises to fuel your imagination and connect you with some of Canada’s most prominent literary voices.

This year’s festival features a fresh lineup of events and venues, including exciting new additions like The Screening Room, Bar Mayla, and Something in the Water Brewing Co. Among the highlights is the brand-new Steve Heighton Happening—a Saturday night filled with music, spoken word, poetry, and readings to honor the late Kingston poet and novelist. In addition, acclaimed journalist Tanya Talaga will present her thought-provoking lecture on Canada’s Real History, offering a transformative retelling of the nation’s past through an Indigenous perspective. Plus, attendees can look forward to interactive workshops, covering topics such as self-care, movement, improv, and an exciting open mic for local artists to showcase their talents!

Kingston WritersFest continues to be a pillar of cultural celebration, where readers, writers, and creatives come together to share their love for literature. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an event that sparks curiosity and ignites meaningful conversations.

Dates: September 25-29, 2024

Tickets: $18-25

KWF 2024 Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, September 25, 2024:

7:00–8:00 pm:
#1 Opening Night Event: Homecoming
Featuring Danny Ramadan and Jermaine Marshall
📍 Venue: The Screening Room, Cameo

Thursday, September 26, 2024:

9:00 – 11:30 am:
WR 1: Fictionalizing Real People (Helen Humphreys)
📍 Venue: Delta Hotel, Grandview
3:30 – 6:00 pm:
WR 2: First Sentences and How to Write Them (Danny Ramadan)
📍 Venue: Delta Hotel, Grandview
6:00 – 8:00 pm:
WR 3: Writing Through an Improv Lens (Wilding)
📍 Venue: Something in the Water Brewing Co.
8:00 – 10:00 pm:
#4 Literary Trivia Night
📍 Venue: Kingston Market Square Hotel, Limestone Ballroom

Friday, September 27, 2024:

9:00 – 11:30 am:
WR 4: Writing to Change the World (Aric McBay)
📍 Venue: Delta Hotel, Grandview
7:30 – 9:00 pm:
#13 Need to Know: Canada’s Real History (Tanya Talaga)
📍 Venue: The Screening Room, Metro

Saturday, September 28, 2024:

9:00 – 11:30 am:
WR 7: Complicating Characters (Julie Salverson)
📍 Venue: Delta Hotel, Grandview
7:00 – 8:30 pm:
#21 The Big Idea: The Fate of Democracy in North America
Featuring Rob Goodman, Ken McGoogan, and Michael Rowe
📍 Venue: The Screening Room
9:00 – 10:30 pm:
#22 Steve Heighton Happening
📍 Venue: The Mansion

Sunday, September 29, 2024:

9:30 – 10:30 am:
#23 The Past Remains: Identity and Belonging (M.G. Vassanji)
📍 Venue: The Screening Room
12:00 – 1:30 pm:
#25 Last Chapter Brunch: Fostering Community Through Food (Len Senater)
📍 Venue: Delta Hotel, Grandview