Get Ready for BurlLITFest 2026
Now in its sixth year, Burlington Public Library is excited to announce the 2026 Burlington Literary Festival lineup. BurlLITFest is a celebration of authors, books, and creativity that runs the entire month of November—and it's FREE to attend!
This year’s BurlLITFest brings together an outstanding lineup of authors and writers, including Toronto Blue Jays sportscaster Hazel Mae, Indigenous writer and broadcaster Jesse Wente, and author and CBC host Antonio Michael Downing. The lineup also features acclaimed Canadian authors Linwood Barclay, Ian Brown, Terry Fallis, and Will Ferguson, as well as more exciting events and workshops throughout the month.
“Our sixth BurlLITFest promises to be a memorable celebration of books, writers, and the joy of reading,” says Burlington Public Library CEO Lita Barrie. “Bringing readers and their favourite authors together is what makes this festival so special. We’re grateful to Burlington’s book-loving community for the enthusiasm and support that have helped make BurlLITFest such a wonderful annual tradition."
Events always fill quickly, so mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 21 at noon, when registration opens. All events are free to attend, and a Burlington Public Library card is not required.
The festival caps off with the popular BurlLITFest Open Mic event. This is a fantastic opportunity for writers of all levels—from novice to professional—to take the stage and share their literary talent!
Event Lineup
BurlLITFest features a diverse range of speakers and promises something for everyone! All events are free to attend, and a Burlington Public Library Card is not required. Register online through our BurlLITFest web page.
Author Talks
- Barclay & Brown with Linwood Barclay and Ian Brown, November 1
- Stories with My Brother, a talk by Lesley Megarry, November 7
- Fallis & Ferguson with Terry Fallis and Will Ferguson, November 15
- Jesse Wente on Tough Lies, November 16
- Meet Antonio Michael Downing, November 19
- Blue Jays Sportscaster Hazel Mae, November 20
- Kelly Anderson in Conversation, November 24
- BurlLITFest Open Mic, November 29
Writing Workshops
- Small Sparks, Big Truths with Anne Bokma, November 7
- Objects as Story Inspiration with Lucy E.M. Black, November 8
- Finding Your Ending with Blair Hurley, November 22
Kids Events
- The Storybook Garden Journals with Gawri Manecuta, November 14
- Louder than a Firecracker with Sylvia McNicoll, November 21
Library Speakers Consortium Events
Tune in to top authors from around the world at live virtual events presented by BPL's digital resource, Library Speakers Consortium. Guest authors appearing this month include Asha Frost discussing sacred Indigenous knowledge, and award-winning speculative fiction writer Rebecca Roanhorse on her Between Earth and Sky trilogy.
See You at the Festival
Mark the date! Registration for BurlLITFest events opens at noon on Wednesday, October 21. Avoid disappointment and register early. All events are free and open to all.
