Burlington Literary Festival

text burlington literary festival

We welcome authors, celebrate books, and visit with local and national literary treasures during this month-long celebration of literature. Get inspired by published writers—and tap into your own storytelling talents. The talks and workshops are free and open to all.

Check out our fantastic lineup! Registration to attend BurLITFest programs is now open—and seats are filling quickly!

Author Talks

Meet literary thought leaders and get inspired by their creativity, activism, and perspective. You’ll leave feeling invigorated and ready for action.

headshots of Melodie Campbell, Vicki Delany, Jennifer Hillier, and Hannah Mary McKinnon
Women of Crime

A super-group of crime fiction authors share the stage to talk about the appeal of crime fiction.

headshot of RH Thomson and book cover of By the Ghost Light
R.H. Thomson with Ian Brown

A provocative look at how stories shape our understanding of the human cost of war.

headshot of Jennifer Robson and book cover of Coronation Year
Historical Fiction with Jennifer Robson

A tell-all session about her writing process with the internationally bestselling novelist.

headshots of Ki’en Debicki, Angele Alook, David Gray-Donald, and Bronwen Tucker
Climate Justice in So-Called Canada

Dr. Ki’en Debicki talks with authors of The End of This World on their plan for radical social change.

headshot of Melodie Campbell and book cover of The Merry Widow Murders
Cozy Mystery Queen, Melodie Campbell

Nothing is off the table! Ask bestselling mystery-comedy writer Melodie Campbell anything.

headshot of Sarah Raughley and book cover of The Bones of Ruin
Why Representation Matters in Writing

Hear how Sarah Raughley reimagines historical periods to give voice to marginalized characters.

headshot of Alicia Elliott and book cover of And Then She Fell
In Conversation with Alicia Elliott

Essayist Alicia Elliott shares her journey into long-form storytelling and writing her debut novel.

headshot of Chandler Levack
Art of Screenwriting

Chandler Levack talks about writing her award-winning feature film set in Aldershot.

headshot of Gabriel Allahdua and book cover of Harvesting Freedom
The Truth About Migrant Work - CANCELLED

Gabriel Allahdua sheds light on the plight of migrant workers in his explosive exposé.

headshot of Perdita Felicien and book cover of My Mother’s Daughter
Author & Athlete Perdita Felicien

Olympian & National Champion shares her heartfelt and inspiring life story in a new memoir.

headshot of Navneet Alang
Is AI the End of Real Authors?

Tech columnist Navneet Alang leads a discussion on the use and future of AI and authorship.

Workshops for Adults

Find your writing voice in free workshops led by industry professionals. Here’s a perfect chance to give creative writing a try or amp up your existing skills.

Workshops for Kids

Learn how to write a great story from start to finish! Take any or all of these hands-on writing sessions with popular Burlington children's authors. For aspiring authors ages 8 to 12.

Library Speakers Consortium Partner Events

Tune in to top authors from around the world at live virtual events presented by BPL's digital resource, Library Speakers Consortium.