2027 Early bird ticket sales
​end August 31, 2026!

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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.

WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2025 PHOTO ALBUMS

Enjoy this look back at 2025's festival highlights.
We saw over 900 writers, readers, and fans flow through When Words Collide last year. See if you can spot yourself! 
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Photo credit: David Kotsibie / Persuasion Photo and Janis Isaman / Photos of People

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THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS & SPONSORS

FUNDERS
Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Calgary Arts Development
City of Calgary
Government of Alberta

SPONSORS
​Tourism Calgary
​Canadiana Music
​The Writers Guild of Alberta
Friesen Press
​Owl's Nest Books
​Scott Saxberg - Cache Island Resources
Shadowpaw Press
​Solas Energy

SPONSORS
The Alexandra Writers Centre Society
The Estate of Darlene Louka
​Former When Words Collide Society
​Jamie Banks
Windy Springs Publishing
O'Fee Law
​Taylor Law