Hello readers, it’s the team behind the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival — and with the festival now just weeks away, we have a full weekend to tell you about.
This year marks the 38th annual Eden Mills Writers’ Festival. From September 18–20th, we will be featuring 45+ Canadian and Indigenous authors of fiction, non-fiction and poetry for book lovers of all ages. You can expect vital conversations about the environment, community and the arts by the river, workshops and panels that dig into writers’ craft with celebrated authors and free events with Wellington Library and Guelph Public Library. This year’s theme is “Come Curious. Leave Inspired,” and this year’s events invite you to do just that.
Workshops: September 18th and 19th
Friday and Saturday are tailored towards creative thinkers and writers of all levels of experience. Whether you’re new to the world of writing or a seasoned author, there’s a session for you:
- Breaking into YA — Virtual, Friday, September 18th, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
- Opening Night: Art and Truth — Art Gallery of Guelph, 358 Gordon St., Guelph, Friday, September 18th, 6:00–9:00 p.m. Syrus Marcus Ware and Niigaan Sinclair explore the role of art in activism and in communicating difficult truths. We’re starting as we mean to go on — celebrating the critical importance of human creativity in today’s world.
- A Series of Mysterious Events: Crafting stories readers can’t put down — Virtual, Saturday, September 19th, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
- Mastering the Short Story: You wrote a story, now what? — Virtual, Saturday, September 19th, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Moving Through Writers’ Block — Virtual, Saturday, September 19th, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
- Conservation Through Storytelling — Guelph Public Library, 100 Norfolk St., Guelph, Saturday, September 19th, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- Tell Me the Truth: Creative non-fiction that sings — Rockwood Library, 121 Rockmosa Dr., Rockwood, Saturday, September 19th, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- Talking Short Stories — Halton Hills Public Library, 17 River St., Acton, Saturday, September 19th, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
- From Self-Published to Signed Author — Guelph Public Library, 100 Norfolk St., Guelph, Saturday, September 19th, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Find out more and register today at edenmillswritersfestival.ca/workshops-2026.
The main event: Sunday, September 20th
Our street festival takes place in the village of Eden Mills, just 10 minutes outside of Guelph. There will be panel discussions across five stages from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., bringing together 45+ Canadian and Indigenous authors, as well as a dedicated children’s area with storytelling, crafts and activities. As always, readers will have a chance to meet their favourite authors and have their books signed on-site. We will also have an open mic stage, lawn games, a marketplace for independent publishers and artisans — and lots of amazing food.
Eden Mills itself is part of the experience. This is a village built around its 19th-century mills on the Eramosa River and for one day a year its streets, gardens and riverbanks become stages. It is a truly magical place, especially for those who have yet to experience it!
Getting there is free and easy. We are running free shuttle buses between Guelph and Eden Mills all day.
Family passes are on sale now, making it easy to bring everyone along for a day of books, ideas and fresh air. You can see this year’s featured authors at edenmillswritersfestival.ca/featured-writers-2026, and tickets can be purchased online at edenmillswritersfestival.ca/tickets.
Come curious. Leave inspired. We look forward to seeing you at whichever events you choose to attend this year! Questions? Please reach out to [email protected].
Happy reading!
