Tickets are now on sale for The Vancouver Writers Festival 2020 Fall Programming. Adapted to the Covid era the line-up of 40+ virtual events is designed to entertain, provoke and inspire, including the flagship Festival, running October 19-25, as well a host of events from September to December.
As Artistic Director Leslie Hurtig says of this year’s Fest, “Each year we strive to share transformative books and ideas with as many people as possible. While we can’t enjoy the Festival in person on Granville Island this year, we’re thrilled that more people across British Columbia—and Canada—can see the alchemy of writers in conversation thanks to our online programming.”
Events will include individual author presentations, conversations, interviews, multidisciplinary collaborations and more, primarily presented through live online video events and podcasts.
Program highlights include five events from this year’s Guest Curator Ivan Coyote, including an interview with rock stars Tegan and Sara Quin. Other events include a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winner Marilynne Robinson and Giller-prize winner Ian Williams; Wade Davis about his latest book, Magdalena; three of the United States’ most lauded writers—Megha Majumdar (A Burning), Kawai Strong Washburn (Sharks in the Time of Saviors), Charles Yu (Interior Chinatown) – discussing their craft in the country; Jenny Offill speaking to her literary sensation, Weather; and Thomas King being interviewed about his latest work, Indians on Vacation, by Waubgeshig Rice; and Ian Rankin sharing tales with his good friend Lindon McIntyre; and Booker-longlisted Brandon Taylor sharing his experiences as a writer.
Festival favourites such as The Literary Cabaret and The Afternoon Tea will be streamed live through Zoom. Audiences can enjoy the ambience of each event by ordering a custom-made gourmet food and tea or wine package from Granville Island Foodie Delivery (not included in ticket price).
The Fest’s Youth Education Programming also continues, with nine events for classes (from K-12) featuring celebrated children’s authors such as Oliver Jeffers, David A. Robertson and Tanya Lloyd Kyi. The flagship Writers in the Classroom program—which connects renowned authors with school classes for in-person inspiration—will continue virtually, with teachers able to sign up for author conversations through Zoom.
For the Vancouver Writers Festival full autumn schedule and to purchase tickets* visit writersfest.bc.ca
All special and Festival events are pay what you can*.