FULL WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2026 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE NOW!

We are proud to announce the full WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2026 lineup is now available on SCHED.
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​Featuring 170+ events, 150+ presenters, and more genres than you can shake a bookmark at for 3 sweet summer days and nights in Calgary, AB, from August 14-16, 2026.

​If you are a writer, reader or fan, we dare you to have more fun at a festival this summer.

FULL SCHEDULE HERE

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

Experience the fun

Register NOW

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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
Crime Writers of Canada
Friesen Press
​Owl's Nest Books
​Scott Saxberg - Cache Island Resources
Shadowpaw Press
​Tourism Calgary

SPONSORS
The Alexandra Writers Centre Society
The Writers Guild of Alberta
The Writers' Union of Canada
The Estate of Darlene Louka
​Former When Words Collide Society