Book lovers, mark your calendars! The Word On The Street Toronto returns September 26 & 27, 2026, bringing Canada’s largest free outdoor book and magazine festival to David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto.
Now celebrating its 37th year, the festival brings readers, writers, publishers and booksellers together for a weekend dedicated to Canadian and Indigenous storytelling. This year’s festival features more than 150 authors and presenters, with readings, conversations, workshops and special programming taking place across multiple stages.
Plenty for Young Book Lovers
Families will find lots happening for younger readers, with a dedicated Young Readers Tent and Kids Activity Tent offering children’s programming throughout the weekend. Kids can enjoy stories, meet authors and take part in creative activities and workshops designed to inspire a love of reading and storytelling.
One fun stop this year is the CBC Kids Newsroom, where kids can sit behind the anchor desk, read headlines from a teleprompter and try their hand at being a news reporter. Families can also visit the Ripple Foundation at Literacy Lane, where young readers can discover new books and learn about creative writing opportunities for kids.
- All photography by Eduardo Pereira Perez
Browse Canada’s Largest Outdoor Book Marketplace
Leave some time for browsing! The festival’s huge Exhibitor Marketplace features more than 200 vendors and exhibitors, including Canadian publishers, independent bookstores, authors, magazines and literary organizations. It’s a great opportunity to discover new reads, meet the people behind the books and stock up on titles for the whole family.
The Word On The Street 2026
Saturday, September 26: 11 am–6 pm
Sunday, September 27: 10 am–5 pm
Location:
David Pecaut Square
215 King Street West, Toronto
Admission: FREE
The festival is easily accessible by TTC, with St. Andrew Station just steps away.
The Word On The Street Toronto is an annual celebration of storytelling, ideas and imagination, hosting Canada’s largest FREE book and magazine festival, and promoting great books by Canadian and Indigenous authors year-round.
More info: toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca
