Join us for a new festival experience—enjoy a fun and lively evening at the Festival of Literary Diversity where readers and festivals authors sit shoulder to shoulder, sharing tables, conversation, and a few rounds of food and trivia in a welcoming, team-based format. Designed to spark conversation and community, this special event offers a unique opportunity to experience the festival and connect with authors in a more intimate and interactive way.
Author
Ardra Shephard (she/her) is an author, creator, advocate and television host. Her memoir Fallosophy (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025) is nominated for the 2026 Forest of Reading Evergreen Award.
Author
Liann Zhang (she/her) is a second-generation Chinese Canadian. Her debut novel, Julie Chan Is Dead, was an instant bestseller.
Author
Elamin Abdelmahmoud (he/him) is the host of CBC’s daily arts and culture show Commotion, and the author of the No. 1 best-selling memoir, Son of Elsewhere.
Author
Sunny Dhillon (he/him) is a former news reporter and has written about the challenges journalists of colour can face. Hide and Sikh is his first book. He currently attends law school.
Author
Toronto-based Elle Douglas (she/her) is the author of ten small-town romances for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.
Antonio Michael Downing (he/him) is the author of the acclaimed memoir Saga Boy and children’s book, Stars in My Crown. Antonio Michael is the current host of the CBC Radio program The Next Chapter where he discusses books with authors and columnists. He spends his time writing books, singing songs, and trying to make his grandma proud. Black Cherokee is his debut novel.
Lily Kwok |
Michael Nyby
Join us for a screening of The Librarians, a powerful documentary examining the alarming rise of book banning legislation and…
Joss Richard |
Elle Douglas |
Jackie Khalilieh
Don your favourite fit, gather your friends, and join us for a delightful high tea with romance writers Jackie Khalilieh,…
Britta B. |
Desiree Mckenzie |
Akil Elijah
The annual spoken word showcase returns to the Rose Studio for an evening of powerful, unforgettable performances curated by Patrick…