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Pseudo-arial view of several rows of white vendors' booths and event visitors, set in a courtyard, the space ship-like glass Roy Thompson Hall in the background, surrounded by trees.
Detail of pseudo-arial view of several rows of white vendors' booths and event visitors, set in a courtyard, the space ship-like glass Roy Thompson Hall in the background, surrounded by trees.

Authors, readers & booksellers Authors, readers & booksellers

sharing stories at Canada’s largest book & magazine festival.

Home Events Reading The Word on the Street Toronto 2026

The Word on the Street Toronto 2026

Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026, join authors, book and magazine sellers, and book lovers of all ages for the 37th annual Word on The Street Toronto. This is Canada’s largest book and magazine festival, celebrating storytelling, ideas and imagination; and hosting and promoting great books by Canadian and Indigenous authors year-round. Presented at David Pecaut Square. Admission is free.

A weekend of reading for book lovers of all ages

Held outdoors, this event hosts author readings, workshops and a vibrant marketplace featuring the best selection of books and magazines in Canada. This year’s festival programming includes three stages and two tents, plus workshops. Click on the button accompanying each programming space on the Schedule page, then scroll down to view that section’s event details and schedule:

  • The Neighbourhood Stage celebrates the stories, voices and history that shape our streets and where we live.
  • Vibrant Voices Stage celebrates the richness of storytelling, bringing together authors and creators whose works reflect diverse ideas and perspectives.
  • Love & Shadows Stage is the destination for lovers of imaginative fiction, spanning topics from sci-fi and fantasy to romance, mystery, crime and horror.
  • Young Readers Tent is packed with fun for younger readers and their families!
  • Kids Activity Tent is the perfect place for young visitors to explore their creativity through hands-on, book-inspired activities.
  • Workshops provide opportunities to join writers, readers and publishing professionals for a series of engaging workshops designed to inspire creativity, build skills and explore the many pathways of storytelling and publishing. Free, with pre-registration required (see link below).

Read about the festival’s history here.

“The Word On The Street champions reading and writing in Canada through a free annual festival and year-round literary programming that celebrates storytelling, ideas, and imagination.”

– The Word on the Street

Event attendees of all ages walk along the street beside a row of white vendors' booths, tall buildings and a stop light in the background.

(Photo credits: The Word on the Street Toronto.)

 

Event details

Hosted by: The Word on the Street Toronto

Type of event: outdoor book & magazine festival

Programming: Find info on this year’s programming here.

Exhibitor marketplace: See the participating exhibitors, plus the site map here.

Dates & times:

  • Saturday, September 26: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET
  • Sunday, September 27: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
  • Please refer to the Schedule for individual event & workshop times.

Cost: Free admission. Workshops require pre-registration (see link below).

Location: David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 3C7

Workshop registration link: Register for workshops here by clicking on the workshop you wish to attend.

Contact Details: The Word On The Street Toronto, 192 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON, M5T 2C2, Canada; toronto@thewordonthestreet.ca, toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca

 

Content warning: Please refer to the individual booksellers and events.

Accessibility: Please contact the organizer for ASL-interpreted and Closed-Captioned event details. Service animals are welcome in the marketplace and programming venues.

Refund policy: Please consult the individual booksellers.