Everything You Need to Know about TIFA 2026
The 47th edition of Toronto International Festival of Authors is just around the corner! We'll be back at Victoria University at the University of Toronto for 5 days of fun with authors from near and far. With conversations, expert-led masterclasses, and hands-on workshops, there will be lots to see and do.
To help with the information overload, we have put together a guide with everything you need to make the most of the weekend.
View the digital brochure below. Physical copies will also be available at the Festival.
Passes
We have four types of passes to choose from and we're sure that one is right for you!
• 5-Day Pass: $159 Regular | $79 Under 30
• Weekend Pass: $69 Regular | $39 Under 30
• Single Day Pass for October 29, 30, 31: $29 Regular | $15 Under 30
• Weekend Day Pass for November 1, 2: $39 Regular | $29 Under 30
Passes are required to attend author conversations and presentations, but are not required for events indicated as FREE on the schedule. Masterclasses require separate registration. Browse the full schedule here.
There will also be a box office in the Victoria College Lobby where you can pick up and purchase passes. Card only.
- Wednesday, Oct 28 from 2:00PM–8:00 PM
- Thursday, Oct 29 from 2:00PM–8:00 PM
- Friday, Oct 30 from 2:00PM–8:00 PM
- Saturday, Oct 31 from 9:30 AM–8:00 PM
- Sunday, Nov 1 from 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Masterclasses
TIFA’s Creative Writing Masterclasses offer the opportunity to learn how to craft compelling stories and bring captivating characters to life through hands-on lessons from acclaimed authors and industry experts. This is a 90-minute masterclass. All writing levels are welcome.
These workshops require separate registration. View the full list of Masterclasses here.
Free Events
As always, we have a variety of free events taking place around the Festival campus! From Adam Bunch telling creepy tales from Toronto's past to panels on writing in different diasporas, there is something for everyone.
IV Programme Industry Panels
Now in it's 19th year, join us Saturday for three industry panels as part of the International Visitors (IV) Programme, focusing on publishing trends and careers.
- 10:00AM | Global Trends in Publishing
- 11:00AM | Indie Publishing: Fighting for Great Writing
- 12:00AM | Rethinking Mentorship, Opportunity, and Publishing Career Paths
Writers Craft
Pop into a free writers craft workshops with the Writers' Collective of Canada:
- October 28 at 4:00 PM
- October 28 at 6:00 PM
- October 29 at 4:00 PM
- October 29 at 6:00 PM
- October 30 at 4:00 PM
- October 30 at 6:00 PM
- October 31 at 1:00 PM
- October 31 at 3:00 PM
- November 1 at 11:30 AM
See the Author, Buy the Book!
The Festival bookstore, operated by the University of Toronto Bookstore, will be located off the main lobby of Victoria College in Room 115. You can browse the full Festival reading list here.
Bookstore Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 2 PM – 9 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Book signings will take place in the Victoria College lobby following each event. Events in the Isabel Bader Theatre will have remote book sales and signings in the lobby of the theatre.
Weekend Markets
Join us Saturday and Sunday for our vendor market in partnership with Toronto Made Market. Pass the time between events by browsing these local makers. Pick up something for yourself or start holiday shopping early! See the events for the full vendor listing.
Also taking place on Sunday is our annual Small Press Fair! Stop by to see indie publishers from all over Ontario and pick up some books.
Snacks & Cash Bar
Feeling peckish? Stop by the Victoria College lobby to grab snacks and coffee throughout the day.
- Wednesday-Friday: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Coffee will be available on site courtesy of Propeller Coffee Co.
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Getting to Victoria University at the University of Toronto
Festival weekend will be a busy time on and around the University of Toronto campus. If you’re driving or using transit to get to Victoria College, we strongly encourage you to plan your travel in advance and allow extra time to navigate potential delays or congestion.
Subway Directions
From Museum Station
• When you arrive at Museum Station, follow the ROM signs
• Exit at Queen's Park and continue up the stairs.
• At the top of the stairs, turn left and keep left at the fork.
• Cross at the pedestrian crosswalk.
• Keep left and continue walking straight
• Keep left and continue up the ramp/stairs to Victoria College!
From Bay Station
• When you arrive at Bay Station follow signs to Bay Street, Bellair Street.
• Continue up the stairs and make a right at the top.
• Walk south on Bay Street, crossing Bloor Street and continue south one block to Charles Street.
• Turn right and walk west, until you reach the Isabel Bader Theatre on your left.
• Cross the street and walk down the side street to the right of the main entrance of the theatre.
• Keep walking then turn left to be at an entrance to Victoria College!
Share your TIFA 2026 moments with us!
From your book hauls to photos of meeting your favourite authors, we want to see it all! Share your pictures and Festival stories with us on social media:
Don’t forget to use #TIFA2026 in your posts.
Browse the full schedule of Festival events, workshops and conversations, here.