In-Person Events
When is the Festival?
The 2023 edition of the flagship Toronto International Festival of Authors, Canada’s largest and longest-running festival of words and ideas, will take place September 21 – October 1, 2023.
Where is the Festival held?
Most TIFA events take place at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON) unless otherwise specified. To confirm venue locations, please review each event’s dedicated webpage. Learn more about getting to Harbourfront Centre, here.
Where do I purchase admission to the 2023 Festival?
You may browse the full 2023 Festival schedule, here.
Passes are required to attend most staged, indoor events. Pass-holders will receive entry to all date-applicable events, subject to venue capacity, excluding masterclasses and Patient & Impatient Griselda / Theater of War, which both require separate registration.
Masterclass admission is sold as a single ticket purchase.
No individual tickets will be sold for Festival events that require a Pass.
To purchase Passes, masterclass tickets or to register for free events online, visit the online box office, here. Alternatively, you may contact Harbourfront Centre’s box office at 416-973-4000 (select option #1) or tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com for assistance.
Will individual tickets go on sale for Festival events?
No individual tickets will be released for Festival events that require Pass access. Single ticket registration is only available the following three events: The Moth, Masterclasses and Patient & Impatient Griselda / Theater of War.
Are there any discounts for book clubs?
Yes! Book Clubs can save 25% on prices when booking five or more passes on the same day, by calling the Harbourfront Centre Box Office 416-973-4000 (choose option 1).
How can I buy the book?
The Festival’s official booksellers are Indigo and Rakuten Kobo. E-books and audiobooks can be purchased from Kobo, and paperbacks or hardcovers can be purchased from Indigo. Browse the full 2023 Festival reading list here.
Will there be book signings?
Yes! Most authors will be signing books immediately after their scheduled events. Book signings will take place in the Marilyn Brewer Community Space. Book signings are free to attend.
How will my visit be impacted by COVID-19?
Following Ontario provincial health guidelines, Harbourfront Centre has modified its restrictions at its campus and venues. They are as follows:
- As of May 2, 2022, visitors to Harbourfront Centre’s campus and venues will no longer be required to wear a mask; however, we strongly recommend doing so.
- Harbourfront Centre will no longer be checking proof of vaccination for the public, but the mandatory vaccination policy for staff, contractors, artists and volunteers continues to be in effect.
- Health and safety precautions, including enhanced cleaning routines, remain in place, and we ask that any visitors who feel unwell to please postpone their visit.
For more health and safety information, click here.
I can’t make it to events in person, can I watch the live events from home?
The event Patient & Impatient Griselda / Theater of War on September 30 will be available to stream live, online via Zoom. All other 2023 Festival events will take place live and in person.
I purchased a Pass, but never received one in my email!
A Festival Pass is your ticket to explore as much of the 2023 Festival as you wish. Here is what you can expect when purchasing a Pass:
Weeknight/Weekend Day Passes: you have the option of an e-ticket or a physical ticket. If you choose to receive your Pass in the form of a physical ticket, you will need to bring the order confirmation to Harbourfront Centre’s Information Desk during the Festival to pick it up. If you choose and e-ticket, it will be emailed to you by the box office.
For Full Festival and Weekend Passes: You will receive a physical laminated pass on a lanyard. You will need to bring your order confirmation to Harbourfront Centre’s Information Desk during the Festival to pick it up.
Masterclasses: you will receive an e-ticket delivered to your email address from the box office.
If you have not received your e-ticket, please contact tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com or visit the Information Desk with your booking information, and a member of the Harbourfront Centre box office team will assist you.
Questions? Call the Harbourfront Box Office at 416-973-4000 (select option #1).
What is TIFA’s refund policy?
Please note that ticket sales are final and non-refundable unless an event is cancelled or postponed. In these rare circumstances, ticket-holders will be notified by phone or email of the event cancellation or postponement and a refund for the ticket(s) purchased will be issued. A notice will also be posted on the website and at the venue.
Questions about ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com.