Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival

WordFest arrived in Banff on October 17 for three days of readings by an all-star roster of Canadian and international writers, literary adventures for kids, a poetry cabaret, and other exciting literary events. For a full list of events see wordfest.com.

The Porkbelly Futures

Friday, October 17, 8 p.m.
The Club, Theatre Complex
Adult $12 · Senior, Student $6
Playbill Special $7

Author Paul Quarrington and the band The Porkbelly Futures are described as “north country, born of the blues, a unique blend of roots-influenced country/blues music with a literary twist.” The Club is a licensed venue and admits those 14 and older. A special presentation for WordFest.   » More

Artist Book Exhibition

Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19
Music & Sound Building Lobby
Free

A selection of works from The Banff Centre’s Artist’s Book collection, representing some of the best known artists of the 1960s and 70s who worked in this genre, including Ed Ruscha, Bruce Nauman, Sol Lewitt, Yoko Ono, Dieter Roth, Michael Snow, Lawrence Weiner, General Idea, and more..

A Morning with
Stella and Sam

Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m. – noon
Banff Public Library
Tickets $6

Join writer and illustrator Marie-Louise Gay as she reads the popular stories in her Stella and Sam series of books.

On The Edge

Saturday, October 18, 4 – 5 p.m.
Bentley Chamber Music Studio
Tickets $8

Four artists, Cecil Castellucci, Alberto Chimal, Ikwunga, and Randall Maggs, push the boundaries of conventional marketing and dissemination through the use of new media. Blogging, film and performance are among the methods used by these innovative artists.

The Banff Distinguished Author Series

Featuring Austin Clarke, with Amanda Boyden, and Stéphane Audeguy
Saturday, October 18, 7 p.m.
Donald Cameron Hall Dining Room
Adult $20 · Senior, Student $10

One of Canada’s most important writers of recent years, Austin Clarke shares his latest work, More. Clarke is joined by critically acclaimed American author Amanda Boyden and Le Prix de Deux Magots award winner, France’s Stéphane Audeguy.

Wordfest Dine and Stay Package

A special night deserves a special celebration. Enjoy a carefully selected three-course menu (choices for appetizer, main course, and dessert) in the Three Ravens à la carte restaurant, attend the 7 p.m. event featuring Austin Clarke, and stay with us for the night. This special one-night-only, per-person package rate is $119.25, plus applicable taxes. Rate is based on double-occupancy.

Poetry Cabaret

Saturday, October 18, 9:30 – 11 p.m.
Margaret Greenham Theatre
Adult $18 · Senior, Student $9

A sizzling celebration of some of todays most remarkable poetry with musical direction by Mike Lent. Features Oana Avasilichioaei, Coral Bracho, Louise Halfe, Ikwunga, Shane Koyczan, and Sheri-D Wilson.

What a Bright Idea!

Sunday, October 19, 11 a.m. – noon
Rolston Recital Hall
Adult $14 · Senior, Student $7

From the everyday to tightrope walking, four talented writers delve into the original source of their inspiration. Featuring Claudia Dey, Bill Gaston, Rawi Hage, and Beverly Stone.

Moving Stories
Film Fest and Lunch

Sunday, October 19, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Bentley Chamber Music Studio
Tickets $8

Moving Stories Films is a hilarious, odd, and poignant program of short films from all over the world, curated by Paul Quarrington and Judith Keenan with the expert opinion of advisors Robert Lantos, Sarah Polley, Nino Ricci, Gary Thomas, and Anne Collins.

Write, Camera, Action!

Sunday, October 19, 1:30 – 2:15 p.m
Rolston Recital Hall
Adult $14 · Senior, Student $7

Novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, and film makers share the art of transferring the written word to the big and small screen.

Curtain Call

Sunday, October 19, 3 – 4:30 p.m. 
Rolston Recital Hall
Adult $15 · Senior, Student $7.50

Man Booker prize-winner Damon Galgut, controversial novelist Steven Galloway, short story and opera libretto writer Genni Gunn, acclaimed New Zealand fantasy writer Elizabeth Knox, and Alberta’s pride, Fred Stenson; these amazing voices from home and abroad come together in this grand Festival Finale.