Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival: Literary Arts

Person sitting a table in ClVB '33 Clapping

Literary Cabarets

Words that connect, challenge, and ignite the imagination.

Banff Centre’s Literary Arts offerings invite you into a season of readings, conversations, and creative exploration. Through our beloved Literary Cabarets, audiences gather to experience the power of language—live, unfiltered, and in progress. Hear from award-winning alumni, faculty, and emerging writers as they share the stage—and their latest work. Grab a drink, browse for books, and enjoy the cutting edge of literature in an intimate setting.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Readings begin at 7 p.m.

literary-journalism

Literary Journalism Readings

Hear from writers developing pieces in long-form journalism and creative nonfiction in this acclaimed program.

Sarah Berman. Photo by Michael Benz.
Date: Thu, May 15 @ 7:00 PM
CLVB '33

Literary Journalism Readings - Chapter 1

Sarah Berman is a journalist covering culture, politics, and justice. Her first book, Don't Call It a Cult, was shortlisted for multiple awards.
Attend
Taras Grascoe. Photo by Katia Taylor.
Date: Tue, May 20 @ 7:00 PM
CLVB '33

Literary Journalism Readings - Chapter 2

Hosted by the award-winning author of eight nonfiction books, Taras Grescoe, who will read alongside writers from the Literary Journalism Residency.
Attend
Kyo Maclear. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Date: Thu, May 22 @ 7:00 PM
CLVB '33

Literary Journalism Readings - Chapter 3

Author Kyo Maclear, Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, will host and read alongside writers from the Literary Journalism Residency.
Attend
summer-writers

Summer Writers Readings

Experience works in progress by some of the world's finest authors across a variety of genres from poetry to prose.

Douglas Kearney in glasses wearing a red shirt.
Date: Thu, Aug 21 @ 7:00 PM
CLVB '33

Summer Writers Readings - Chapter 1

Award-winning poet, performer, and librettist Douglas Kearney will host and read alongside writers from the Summer Writers Residency.
Attend
Eric Sneathen
Date: Tue, Aug 26 @ 7:00 PM
CLVB '33

Summer Writers Readings - Chapter 2

Eric Sneathen, a poet and queer literary historian and the author of Snail Poems, will host and read alongside writers from the Summer Writers Residency.
Attend
Catriona Strang
Date: Thu, Aug 28 @ 7:00 PM
CLVB '33

Summer Writers Readings - Chapter 3

Poet and author of Low Fancy, Corked, and Unfuckable Lardass, Catrina Strang, will host and read alongside writers from the Summer Writers Residency.
Attend

Maclab Bistro

Enjoy stunning panoramic views from our restaurant or patio

Find out more
Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival