Word Vancouver Festival
September 19th 2026
Online and offsite events
September 10th - 26th 2026
About the Program
The Writer-in-Residence program at UBC Library’s Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is an initiative designed to support and promote literary excellence within our academic community. This program provides a unique opportunity for a distinguished writer to engage with students, faculty, and the local community through various enriching activities and events. We aim to foster a vibrant literary culture, encourage creative expression, and offer valuable insights into the writing process.
Become an exhibitor at Word Vancouver 2026
Early Bird Special Available until July 1st 2026.
Be a part of our community on September 19th at UBC Robson Square.
What are people saying about Word Vancouver?
“Bonnie,
Just a quick note to say that yesterday was the most fun I've ever had at Word. I'm so grateful to be a part of it. Thank you so much!
A million cheers,”
~ Kevin Spenst, Workshop Facilitator and Event Moderator
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“Congratulations! Bonnie Nish, the hard-working volunteers, and all exhibitors at Word Vancouver on Saturday at UBC Robson Square. A well-attended venue in Beautiful British Columbia, what a fantastic way to end the Summer of 2025.”
~ Una Bruhns, Author
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“I ventured out of the West End to the annual literary festival -- Word Vancouver.... at the UBC Robson Square campus on Saturday... and came away with FOUR books... big shout out to Word and Bonnie Nish, it was so much fun...we also saw Kedrick James at the amazing SeeThruZoo ‘experience’!”
~ James Oakes
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“Hi Bonnie and everyone at Word Vancouver.
Thank you so much for having me aboard again this year. I really appreciated being a part of it again. I had a great time and I think the panel I moderated as well as the one I was presenting my book went over very well.”
Aaron Chapman, Author
2026 Official Booksellers
This is Why Word Vancouver Matters
Michelle Cyca on why Word Vancouver is so important.
Kevin Spenst on why Word Vancouver is so important.
Kevin Chong on why Word Vancouver is so important.
A message from the Chief Executive Officer of Creative BC
On behalf of Creative BC, congratulations to Word Vancouver on this year’s festival!
Each edition of Word Vancouver highlights the vibrancy of British Columbia’s literary community, celebrating diverse voices, fresh ideas, and the written word in all its forms. Word Vancouver plays a vital role in connecting authors, readers, and industry, strengthening the cultural fabric of our province.
B.C. is home to thousands of authors and nearly 50 independent publishing companies, all at the heart of a broader network of more than 270 businesses that nurture and grow the province’s book culture and economy. Word Vancouver provides a crucial platform for this creative sector, offering visibility, opportunities, and meaningful conversations that spark both imagination and community.
To the festival organizers, participating authors, publishers, and the many volunteers who bring this event to life: thank you. Creative BC is proud to support and celebrate your contributions, and we look forward to the stories and connections that will continue to emerge from this year’s festival.
Prem Gill
CEO, Creative BC
A Message from Our Executive Director
This year, Word Vancouver was honoured to be voted the 2nd Best Literary Arts Festival in Vancouver by The Georgia Straight.
We returned to UBC Robson Square, where we have seen steady growth in attendance as audiences become more familiar with both the venue and our fall scheduling. With increased experience at the site, our production team delivered a smooth, well-organized festival. Feedback from attendees, authors, and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed interest in expanding the main festival into a two-day event—an idea we are currently considering as part of our five-year plan.
Our festival layout remained consistent across three levels: the street-level plaza (featuring the TransLink Poetry Bus and readings), the ice rink (home to a vibrant exhibitor fair and bookseller), and the UBC classroom level (hosting the majority of our programming). We also offered an interactive room, manuscript consultations, and a popular silent writing space.
Children’s programming returned to the main festival day, with a dedicated stage, crafts, and activities. We are planning to expand this into a full-day offering next year. Offsite school and library events in New Westminster and Surrey were well attended; however, demand exceeded capacity—an area we hope to grow in the coming year.
Our opening event at the Vancouver Public Library, featuring LGBTQIA2S+ and Indigenous authors, drew a large and engaged audience. We look forward to continuing this program and expanding our accessible offerings, including bilingual children’s events.
We extend our deepest thanks to our dedicated Board of Directors, who continually step up with commitment and care, and to our exceptional staff, whose energy and passion make this festival such a joy to produce.
Dr. Bonnie Nish
Executive Director, Word Vancouver
