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![Three speakers take the stage to read stories, and share experiences for the audience.]()
Panel discussion at The Word On The Street Toronto -
![An exhibitor shares a purchase with a customer]()
Lots of amazing booksellers and vendors to peruse at The Word On The Street Toronto. Support local companies, business and authors. -
![Two speakers share a good laugh while sharing stories with audiences]()
Intimate readings and conversations at The Word On The Street Toronto -
![An exhibitor smiles and leans over to greet a small poodle dog visiting their tent at the festival.]()
Dogs are welcome at the Word On The Street with a water station available for the furry member of your family.
The Word On The Street Toronto
In-person
Writing & literature Performance Indigenous Intercultural LGBTQIA2SDate and time
Location
David Pecaut Square (Metro Hall)
215 King Street West
Toronto, ON
Directions: The easiest way to reach the festival is by TTC. Exit at St. Andrew Station (University Line) or take the 504 King streetcar to King & University, just steps from the site. For GO Transit users, David Pecaut Square is a short walk or one subway stop north from Union Station. Nearby parking is available at Roy Thomson Hall Parkade (60 Simcoe St.) and Simcoe Place Garage (200 Front St. W.), with additional options through Green P and SpotHero. Cyclists can access bike racks and City of Toronto bike lockers located around Metro Hall and the festival site.
Access
Free, and accepts optional pay-what-you-may donations for admission.
Offered in English.
Wheelchair accessible, has gender-neutral washrooms, offers closed captioning or subtitles, and offers audio description.
We will also have calming zones to stop, take break, enjoy a book or magazine throughout the festival site.
About
The Word On The Street Toronto returns to David Pecaut Square on September 26 and 27, 2026, for its 37th annual festival, celebrating the very best in Canadian and Indigenous storytelling. As Canada’s largest free outdoor literary festival, WOTS transforms downtown Toronto into a vibrant gathering place for readers, writers, publishers, booksellers, educators, and families.
Over two days, visitors can experience five stages of engaging programming featuring author readings, panel discussions, interviews, workshops, and live performances. Festival programming showcases acclaimed and emerging voices from across Canada, offering opportunities to explore literature, culture, current issues, and creative expression. With programming designed for all ages, there is something for every reader and lifelong learner to enjoy.
Families can immerse themselves in a dedicated Kids & Family Zone, featuring book readings, hands-on activities, creative workshops, storytelling sessions, and opportunities to meet favourite literary and children's characters. This lively area encourages young readers to discover the joy of books while providing free, interactive experiences for children and caregivers alike.
The festival’s signature Marketplace is one of the largest open-air book markets in the country, featuring hundreds of publishers, independent authors, booksellers, literary organizations, and community groups. Visitors can discover new books, meet authors, connect directly with creators, and explore the rich diversity of Canadian storytelling.
Whether you're a passionate reader, an aspiring writer, a family looking for free activities, or simply curious to discover something new, The Word On The Street offers an unforgettable weekend celebrating books, ideas, literacy, and community—completely free and open to all.
Links
- For more details visit the festival website toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca
- Support The Word On The Street with a donation canadahelps.org
Organizer
Toronto Book and Magazine Festival
The Word On The Street (WOTS) is Canada's largest free outdoor book and magazine festival and a national celebration of reading, writing, literacy, and storytelling.
For more than 35 years, WOTS has brought readers and writers together through free literary experiences that inspire curiosity, foster community, and celebrate the power of stories. As a registered charitable organization, our mission is to champion reading and writing in Canada while creating meaningful opportunities for readers, writers, publishers, booksellers, educators, and literary organizations to connect.
Each year, WOTS welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy author conversations, readings, panel discussions, workshops, performances, children's programming, and one of Canada's largest literary marketplaces. The festival showcases acclaimed and emerging Canadian and Indigenous voices, providing audiences with direct access to the people and organizations that shape Canada's literary landscape.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to celebrating Canadian and Indigenous storytelling, supporting literacy and lifelong learning, and ensuring that literary experiences remain free, accessible, and welcoming to all. We believe stories have the power to educate, inspire, preserve culture, challenge perspectives, and bring communities together.
Since its founding in 1989, The Word On The Street has remained dedicated to making literature accessible to everyone. Through its annual festival, the organization continues to strengthen Canada's literary ecosystem while helping readers of all ages discover new ideas, new voices, and a lifelong love of reading.