Book lovers in Lethbridge, Alberta can mark September 19, 2026 on their calendars. The Word on the Street Festival returns to the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a free day of author readings, workshops, live music, and much more.
This marks the 16th year the Lethbridge Public Library has hosted the festival, which is part of a national celebration of Canadian literacy and storytelling. Over 30 authors, illustrators, and musicians from across the country will take part, including Hugo and Nebula Award-winning science fiction author Robert J. Sawyer, Order of Canada member and children’s illustrator Barbara Reid, and novelist Natalie Zina Walschots.
The festival will feature seven stages of programming, including the Canadian Heritage Author Stage, a Kids’ Zone, a Teen Zone, a Music Stage, and the new Sopoksistotsi Indigenous Knowledge Stage. Visitors can also explore an exhibitor marketplace with more than 50 vendors, which organizers call Lethbridge’s biggest outdoor bookstore.
The event is family-friendly and accessible to all ages. The Lethbridge Public Library’s Read On Program will hold an open house during the festival, offering information about adult literacy services such as Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners programs.
Elisabeth Hegerat, Festival Director and Manager of Community Advancement at the Lethbridge Public Library, is the primary contact for the event. For more information, visit the Word on the Street Lethbridge website.
