SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWCASE. |
 | Kevin McDonald, Superstar!Kevin McDonald Superstar is a comedic, autobiographical "rock opera" written by McDonald about an adventure he had in the early 90s in Toronto and New York with Dave Foley and his on again/off again girlfriend, named "Cheater." It is "funny trauma" - with songs! Starring Kevin McDonald Featuring Members of Calgary's favourite longform improv comedy schmorgasborg, The Kinkonauts! Carolyn Sweet | Ann Galbraith | Aaron Ranger | Chris Ford | Michael Harvey |
AND THAT'S NOT ALL
Your Showcase ticket also includes the schmanciest buffet dinner from the incredible chefs at The Hyatt Regency. Eat, drink, and be merry with fellow festival goers. After all that business, craft, and learning during the day - you deserve a night out! Oh and bring a friend! Even if your partner didn't buy a festival pass, you can still buy them a ticket to the show :)
Karaoke after-party included :)
Karaoke after-party included :)
NOTE: This link will take you to the registration page where you can purchase a Showcase ticket as an add-on. If you already have your Festival Pass, no worries! Click "I already have a pass I just want to buy add-ons" in the drop down and add your items further down the page.
IT'S FINALLY HERE!
| We can not even with this year's festival. We are so delighted to introduce you to the full lineup for WHEN WORDS COLLIDE 2026. We've got lectures from your favourites; workshops from new and exciting presenters; masterclasses from Special Guests and legends; so many panel discussions on inspiring and intriguing topics you won't know where to start. We've got an expanded and enriched Games Room experience. And so many keynotes we've got THREENOTES and TWONOTES! Plus a ridiculously entertaining rock opera from Canadian comedy legend Kevin McDonald (Kids in the Hall). Yes. A full rock opera. Get your Showcase tickets now because we are eating at the Hyatt, y'all! |  |
SPECIAL FEATURE THIS YEAR: For those of you joining us with your writer's groups and roundtables, for the first time we have gorgeous meeting rooms available to self-book and meet on site away from the fray. More info on how to book an informal spot for your team coming soon.
SPECIAL NOTE ON MASTERCLASSES, BLUE PENCILS, AND PITCH SESSION:
These are all in the hopper, but we were so excited to show you the goods, we're publishing the schedule now; registrations for all these special session will be coming soon we promise!
GET INVOLVED: If you're looking to get the best of the fest and also be part of the incredible community that keeps WHEN WORDS COLLIDE from truly colliding; please consider volunteering. VISIT OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE FOR MORE, OR REACH OUT TO [email protected]
BUT ENOUGH STALLING! Check out our full schedule here. Whether you're a writer, reader, or fan, there's something for everyone at WHEN WORDS COLLIDE - Calgary's most fun, multi-genre, hands-on summer literary festival.
SPECIAL NOTE ON MASTERCLASSES, BLUE PENCILS, AND PITCH SESSION:
These are all in the hopper, but we were so excited to show you the goods, we're publishing the schedule now; registrations for all these special session will be coming soon we promise!
GET INVOLVED: If you're looking to get the best of the fest and also be part of the incredible community that keeps WHEN WORDS COLLIDE from truly colliding; please consider volunteering. VISIT OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE FOR MORE, OR REACH OUT TO [email protected]
BUT ENOUGH STALLING! Check out our full schedule here. Whether you're a writer, reader, or fan, there's something for everyone at WHEN WORDS COLLIDE - Calgary's most fun, multi-genre, hands-on summer literary festival.
 | IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT RE-GIFTINGIt's the post-holiday crash. It's that time of the year when we look at the stuff we were gifted and wonder where to put it or if we should just leave it on the floor in the middle of the living room because we don't know what else to do with it. That's right. The tree is long gone and decorations put away, but maybe there's 2 or 3 gift bags sitting there with rando stuff. Like branded water bottles from your Workplace Secret Santa, or a thrifted t-shirt from your neighbour's White Elephant party, or maybe another inspirationally quoted mug from your grandparents who still send you dollar store trinkets. Or like, candles. We all have them. So many candles. |
Despair not!
You can find a good home for these semi-wanted things at the Goblin Casino and Market! We are looking for your weird leftovers - or even sometimes awesome things that you have doubles of! Or just don't care for.
bring out yer weird
| For instance, do you have...
|  |
Donate all these and more to the Goblin Casino & Market
Based on the SMASH HIT SUCCESS of 2025's Goblin Casino and Market, we're gonna do it again. It's a fun night where you come and gamble some freely-given Goblin Bucks on ridiculous games and silly party tricks in order to win FABULOUS PRIZES! Examples of which are named above.
Bring your donations to the Alexandra Writers Centre during business hours from now until August 1st, 2026. We'll free them of any bad juju energy and give you a hug for your efforts.
Questions?
Email Kim: [email protected]
Bring your donations to the Alexandra Writers Centre during business hours from now until August 1st, 2026. We'll free them of any bad juju energy and give you a hug for your efforts.
Questions?
Email Kim: [email protected]
Author
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.
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