About the Festival

Held in Calgary, Alberta, every August, When Words Collide is Canada's largest multi-genre, writer/reader/fan/ festival. Meet artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children's books, poetry, and more, from across Canada and the world.

When Words Collide supports writers in the craft and business of writing, exploring all avenues of the writing process, publishing and storytelling, while building a strong literary community.  We love to bring local writers (Alberta and Canada) to the attention of book lovers.

2025 PHOTO ALBUMS

Enjoy this look back at 2025's festival highlights.
Photo credit: David Kotsibie / Persuasion Photo and Janis Isaman / Photos of People

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THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS

Alberta Foundation for the Arts | Calgary Arts Development | City of Calgary | Community Initiatives Program | Crime Writers of Canada | Friesen Press | Government of Alberta | Owl's Nest Books | Scott Saxberg - Cache Island Resources | Shadowpass Press | The Alexandra Writers Centre Society | The Writers Guild of Alberta | The Writers' Union of Canada | The Estate of Darlene Louka | the former When Words Collide Society