The Saskatchewan Festival of Words returns to downtown Moose Jaw this week, July 17–20, bringing four packed days of readings, workshops, panels, and performances to venues across the city — and to screens worldwide through its livestream option.
Operations coordinator Amanda Farnel and program coordinator Sara Grimes say this year’s festival feels especially strong, with a diverse lineup and plenty of moments where audiences can connect directly with writers.
“The festival is such a great opportunity to introduce yourself to new things,” Farnel said.
“There’s no separation between author and audience — you’re sitting in the same room, and often our audience members will take our authors out for lunch. You never quite know what’s going to happen, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Among the most anticipated guests is award-winning Saskatchewan author Guy Vanderhaeghe, who will participate in a career retrospective and discussion on the evolution of writing and publishing.
“He’s going to be talking about where he started, how the industry has changed, and things like how people consume books differently now,” Farnel said.
Also on tap is a panel featuring acclaimed author Richard Van Camp, who will discuss adapting his books from page to stage and screen, along with a range of authors writing thrillers, historical fiction, poetry, and memoir.
The festival’s well-known community vibe extends to its year-round activities too. Grimes noted that the Festival runs a monthly movie night at the Mae Wilson Theatre showing TIFF films, and Performer’s Café, an open mic night at the Hive in downtown Moose Jaw that welcomes everything from music to magic.
For younger festivalgoers, youth programming remains central. Kristy Jackson will lead this year’s Kids Ink workshop for ages 10–13, focusing on what it takes to start and finish a manuscript and get it published. Meanwhile, Carl Subban — father of NHL star PK Subban — returns to Moose Jaw to read his book about PK getting his first pair of hockey skates.
“Carl’s been an absolute joy to work with,” Grimes said. “He’s a real character and audiences love him.”
[UPDATE: The Festival has announced that Karl Subban has had to cancel his appearance due to unforeseen circumstances.]
In music, the festival welcomes soulful Montreal singer/songwriter Clerel, who first appeared via livestream during the pandemic and is now coming back to perform live for Moose Jaw audiences.
“He’s just such a fun, upbeat performer — we love his music and wanted to bring him back now that we can fill a theatre,” Farnel said.
For those who can’t attend in person, the Festival is again offering a $20 livestream pass, providing access to captioned broadcasts of all mainstage authors and special events.
“It’s a great deal if you can’t make it out to the festival in person,” Farnel noted.
Festival passes remain available for in-person attendees, with options ranging from full four-day passes, to daypasses and student discounts. All details, including the full schedule and ticket information, are online at festivalofwords.com.
Things begin this Thursday with three 9 a.m. workshops:
- Fiction with Richard Van Camp - Moose Jaw Centre for Arts & Culture, North Studio
- Make 'em laugh with Terry Fallis - Moose Jaw Public Library, Taylor Room
- Kids' Ink with Kristy Jackson (10-13) - Moose Jaw Public Library, South Room