Edmonton’s festivals aren’t all bright, loud, and musical—many are quiet, contemplative, and full of niche hobbies. One of the most unique of all is how people get together to celebrate their love of reading!
If you’ve ever lost yourself in a good book, you know how special that literary journey can be. If you haven’t, we have a few good places where you can ignite that passion and get to know a great community of bookworms, bibliophiles, and poets who are taking their words beyond the page and into the streets! Check out our list below for Edmonton activities and festivals where literature takes centre stage.
Unleash Creativity with Makerspace
Edmonton as a municipality is pioneering plenty of fields, including some you might not expect. In addition to world-class waste management, protected river valleys, and a booming craft beer scene, the most impressive secret is tucked away behind well-worn books and aisles of stories.
The Makerspace is an Edmonton Public Library service that offers hands-on experiences across countless artistic mediums. With nothing more than a free library card, you can access 3D printers, heat presses for clothing, recording studios, digitization labs for converting old films, and more!
For adventurous visitors to Edmonton, the Makerspace is perfect for families who want to take home a truly unique creation. Collaborate with friends, family, or any of the helpful staff to see your vision through—all for a low and affordable cost. Best of all, you can experience for yourself the kind of passionate artistry that makes the city such a vibrant and exciting place to visit.
Recording Studios
Mix, record, and jam with friends! EPL recording studios are filled with instruments and equipment that meet the sound recording needs of anyone from bands to podcasters. No prior experience is needed!
Vinyl Cutting
Get your creative juices flowing with vinyl cutting. Take home stickers, posters, or anything you can think of to commemorate your time in town. Put another way, you can skip the tourist traps and make your own souvenirs!
Digital Conversion
Visiting old friends in Edmonton? EPL’s digital conversion stations have a variety of tools to help you digitize almost any analog media, including VHS, VHS-C, cassette, CD, floppy disk, slides, film negatives, vinyl records or photographs. Bring in your own USB stick or portable drive and take home your new memories!
3D Printing
You don’t need to invest thousands to become a 3D print artist. The Edmonton Public Library offers a fleet of 3D printers and all the free training you need to learn how to use them. Book some time on one of the FDM printers and make your 3D dreams come true!
Sewing
Learn how to sew or show off your fashion designer skills with a computerized sewing machine. With a bit of training, you’ll be able to explore how easily the Brother CS6000i or Husqvarna Viking E20 allows you to sew, quilt, and more!
Heat Press
Custom shirts, home decor, and more can be at your fingertips. Local materials can be used with the Hotronix Heat Press to make your own souvenir. Even if you’ve never used a heat press before, the staff can help you and your family design, press, and bring home a unique gift.
For Edmonton, the library is for more than just books. Break free from the mundane and start your creative journey with an EPL appointment. Perfect for memorable birthday experiences!
Edmonton Poetry Festival – An Annual Celebration
If poetry stirs your soul, then the Edmonton Poetry Festival is a must-attend event. This annual festival is a haven for poetry enthusiasts, showcasing the talents of local, national, and even international poets. From readings to book launches, it’s the best way to be captivated by the rhythms and cadence of language.
Immerse yourself in the power of spoken word performances, engage in discussions about poetic techniques, or even participate in open mic nights to share your own verses. The Edmonton Poetry Festival is a vibrant celebration of language, rhythm, and the beauty of poetry—one made all the better by an inclusive atmosphere and a committed body of passionate volunteers who bring it to life.
With almost 20 years of experience behind them, the 2025 festival is one you won’t want to miss. Notable authors and headliners include Michelle Lobkowic, Kat Cameron, Katie Bickell, and more! Subscribe to their newsletter to get the inside scoop on upcoming festivals.
Bring Non-Fiction to Life at LitFest
Mark your calendars for Alberta’s Litfest—a multi-day extravaganza that brings together renowned authors, aspiring writers, and local bookworms from all walks of life.
Eleven days of non-stop activities keep Edmontonians and visitors coming back every October! Connecting readers with the energy behind the books they love is the secret sauce that breathes the world of non-fiction to life. This festival offers exciting literary activities, including author readings, panel discussions, workshops, and book signings. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of mystery novels or a history buff yearning for a deeper dive into the past, Litfest has something to ignite your passion for the written word.
While you’re strolling downtown, make sure to check out the official bookstore of Litfest—Audreys Books. As Edmonton’s oldest independent book retailer, you’ll find great deals on books to read during your stay or on the flight home. Better still, you’ll get connected to local events that bring together passionate readers like you.
Bonus Tip—Edmonton’s Late-Night Reading Haunt
They’re as famous for their cats as they are for their book selection… It’s Wee Book Inn!
While you’re strolling Whyte Ave, you may notice a storefront that’s open even longer than the bars and restaurants around it. Wee Book Inn opens until 11:30 PM most nights and is perfect for finding a patio reading companion or a page-turner to take up to the bartop. Their extensive selection includes everything from textbooks and philosophy books to mangas and mysteries. Plus, if you look close enough, you’ll find one of their many “mascots” wandering the aisles with you (🐈).
A late-night bookstore is one of those quintessential “Edmonton” things you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to check it out the next time you’re visiting!
Visiting Canada’s Reading Capital
So, bookworms and bibliophiles, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your favourite notebook, and head to Edmonton for the thriving literary scene! Whether you’re seeking captivating author encounters, insightful discussions, or the electrifying energy of spoken word, Edmonton offers a vibrant community that will leave you inspired and craving more.
If you’re planning a trip to Edmonton to visit some of our literary festivals, don’t forget to book your hotel stay through Edmonton’s Best Hotels to take advantage of our 1, 2, 3 Rewards Deal and get up to $225 in rewards!
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