Vancouver Writers Festival Returns This October

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | September 18, 2025
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The Vancouver Writers Festival returns to Granville Island this October, bringing together over 130 authors for one of North America's premier literary events. Running from October 20-26, 2025, the festival will feature more than 85 events across multiple venues, promising a week-long celebration of books, ideas, and dialogue.

This year's festival opens with "Oh, Canada!" at the Vancouver Playhouse, featuring prominent Canadian voices including Canisia Lubrin, Bob Joseph, Kate Beaton, and Emma Donoghue in conversation about Canadian identity in today's shifting geopolitical landscape. The opening night sets the tone for a festival deeply engaged with contemporary issues.

Poet and author Canisia Lubrin serves as this year's guest curator, bringing her unique perspective to programming that includes "Blood in the Pen," examining writers' roles during times of crisis, and "Verses of Transformation," where six poets will respond to secret prompts drawn live on stage.

The festival's diverse programming addresses pressing social themes. "On Book Banning and Censorship" tackles the timely issue of literary censorship, while International voices will also be featured, including discussions about Ukraine's ongoing crisis and global literary perspectives.

Traditional festival favourites return, including the beloved Afternoon Tea with fiction readings, the energetic Poetry Bash, and this year's Lyrics Night themed "Ahead by a Century," celebrating distinctly Canadian songs. The Literary Cabaret and "Food for Thought" — described as a TED Talk meets café social event — round out the entertainment offerings.

Beyond the main festival, special events extend the celebration. September features R.F. Kuang discussing her latest work and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy in conversation with Naomi Klein. Post-festival highlights include astronaut Chris Hadfield presenting his thriller "Final Orbit" in November and Margaret Atwood discussing her memoir with Carol Off at the Orpheum in December.

The festival also champions emerging voices through youth programming in schools across the Lower Mainland and an inaugural Original Short Story Writing Challenge offering $2,000 to the winner, with submissions accepted until October 31.

Tickets go on sale in September, making this the perfect time to plan your literary autumn in Vancouver. Check it out here: https://writersfest.bc.ca/2025-festival

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