About The Festival

Bringing a New World into Focus

TIFA’s 41st edition will take place October 22 – November 1, 2020

The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA), Canada’s largest and longest-running festival of words and ideas, returns for its 41st edition in a brand new virtual format that will be primarily free and accessible from around the world. The Festival has expanded its programming this year, introducing new events and initiatives including a weekend of family-friendly activities with TIFA Kids!, a range of multilingual events, innovative digital apps and activities, and newly commissioned works that respond to our current experiences with COVID-19 and explore the unique character of the city of Toronto.

This year, TIFA will bring together over 200 authors alongside musicians, artists and performers through live-streamed conversations, readings, performances, workshops and more, connecting communities and diving into important discussions relevant to these unprecedented times.

Programme Sneak Peek

TIFA Kids!

Prepare for a weekend of literary adventure. From October 31 to November 1, TIFA is proud to present an offering of free, digital activities to surprise and delight the entire family.

Skin Hunger

Keeping in touch, both figuratively and physically, is a challenge during times of isolation; while physical touch—and what we touch—is now a source of fear and anxiety for many. The Dutch phrase “skin hunger” has come to prominence in recent months, encapsulating these themes. TIFA is proud to present Skin Hunger: a new writing commission featuring original works by ten internationally renowned writers, in reflection on what we’ve all felt and suffered during the COVID-19 crisis. Hear them read these new works this fall.

Small Presses of Canada: An Interactive Map

Find dozens of Canada’s independent presses on TIFA’s new interactive map, and learn more about these small institutions that publish big ideas. The app will launch this October.

Audio Walking Tours

This fall, take a literal walk through the neighbourhoods that inspired your favourite Toronto stories. As part of the 41st edition, TIFA is proud to present the release of several new limited series podcasts. These audio walking tours, guided by Indigenous and Toronto-based authors, will bring local spaces to life through readings, interviews and stories.

Book Club

TIFA’s fall Book Club offers festival-goers an opportunity to prepare and familiarize themselves with some of the participating authors and their latest works. Over the course of five virtual meetings, taking place monthly between September 2 to December 16, book clubbers will explore the latest books by Shokoofeh Azar, Kaie Kellough, Emma Donoghue and Jesse Thistle. Admission includes interactive discussions facilitated by award-winning poet and novelist Catherine Graham. To sign up and for more information, visit click here.

The full 2020 Festival lineup will be announced on September 22, 2020.

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