OTTAWA'S FESTIVAL OF IDEAS SINCE 1997

Click here for our free programs for children and youth.

For more than a decade now, we've been celebrating the world’s best writing from home and abroad with an eclectic program that presents interactions with leaders in the worlds of science, history, poetry, politics, spoken word, economics, drama, fiction, biography, music, religion, spirituality and more.

Up Next: Friday, October 17th: Join us for the launch of the first ever biography of Pierre Berton at Nicholas Hoare, or at Christ Church Cathedral Parish hall for a literacy fundraiser featuring local poets and storytellers. See our Events page for details.

Download the Festival At A Glance here.

Click on a stream to browse the Festival by topic: The BIG IDEA, Masterclass Series, Living History Series, Readings and Conversations, New Science Series, Awards, Music, Theatre and Film, or check out the full schedule.

Join the conversation at our online Discussion Board.

The Writers Festival is your festival, and we need your input and support to ensure that we remain relevant and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our growing community. We are here to listen and respond to your concerns, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Ottawa International Writers Festival takes place at
Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St.