Denman Island Readers & Writers Festival 2025

A Literary Escape You Can’t Miss

A hush settles across Denman Island—the calm before the storm of inspiration. From July 18 to 20, the Denman Island Readers & Writers Festival 2025 is set to transform this serene Gulf Island haven into a vibrant stage of literary discovery. What begins as a tranquil retreat quickly unfolds into three days brimming with unexpected encounters, stirring conversations, and the kind of stories that linger long after you’ve left the wood‑panelled halls. Curious? Keep reading—you won’t want to miss a single word.

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Event Overview

Dates: July 18–20, 2025
Location: Denman Island, BC – primarily at the Community Hall, Activity Centre, and Arts Centre
Opening Ceremony: early morning on July 18
Tickets:

Full 3-day pass: CA $160 (includes all Main Stage & Solo Readings)
Single-day, evening, and Sunday conversation passes vary (CA $35–85)

Why It's a Must-Attend

A Curated Literary Line‑Up

Connect with renowned Canadian authors, including:

Suzette Mayr (2022 Giller Prize winner)
Fiona Tinwei Lam, former Vancouver Poet Laureate
Caroline Adderson, John Vaillant, Sarah Leavitt, Lenore Newman, Timothy Taylor, Adam Shoalts, Janika Oza, Drew Hayden Taylor

Deepen the Experience

Solo readings offer up-close storytelling
Evening Main Stage events feature panels on themes like “Diving into Darkness to find our humanity/joy/compassion”
Sunday Conversations spotlight in-depth author dialogues

Sample Festival Schedule (Subject to Change)

Day	Time	Event
Fri, July 18	8:30 –9:15 AM	Registration & Opening Ceremony
9:45 AM–5 PM	Solo sessions: Shoalts, Lam, Adderson, Vaillant, Leavitt
5–7 PM	Happy Hour & catered Dinner featuring live music
7:30–9 PM	Evening Panel: Newman, Oza, Taylor with Evelyn Gillespie

Day

Time

Event

Fri, July 18

8:30 –9:15 AM

Registration & Opening Ceremony

9:45 AM–5 PM

Solo sessions: Shoalts, Lam, Adderson, Vaillant, Leavitt

5–7 PM

Happy Hour & catered Dinner featuring live music

7:30–9 PM

Evening Panel: Newman, Oza, Taylor with Evelyn Gillespie

Tickets & Registration

Online sale started May 15; high demand, may sell out
Meals by local caterer available (vegetarian options too)
Additional workshops, including a Writing Week, available via separate registration
Possible door sales but limited availability

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Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Visitor Tips & Practical Info

Getting There

Where to Stay & Eat

Accessibility & Community

Beyond the Festival

Explore Denman Island: sandy beaches, forest trails, artisan studios
Extend your stay: join nearby music nights (Concerts Denman), farmers’ markets, and culinary tours

Ready to Join?

Plan for an unforgettable literary weekend:
✅ Choose your ticket (3-day, day, evening, etc.)
✅ Add meals & workshops as extras
✅ Book your travel & accommodation early—July is busy season
✅ Pack light, bring a notebook, comfy shoes, and a curious mind

What begins as a quiet island escape unfolds into something richer: three days of insight, delight, and connection. Whether you’re a life-long reader, aspiring writer, or curious traveller, the Denman Island Readers & Writers Festival offers a rare window into Canada’s literary heart—all amid the tranquil beauty of the Gulf Islands.

Ready to turn the page? Explore full details and tickets at denmanislandwritersfestival.com and start planning, because places are limited…and the stories await.

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