Gore Meadows Community Centre and Library
Main festival venue for our free Community Events taking place in the library and in the community centre. Audiences of all ages should expect storytimes, art and writing workshops, a book fair and more.
Attending the Festival
Whether you’re joining us virtually, in-person, or both, make the most of your festival experience. FOLD Kids Book Fest returns Fall 2026.
Festival Details
Enjoy a unique children's literary festival that provides a space for kids and educators across the country to interact with a diverse range of incredible Canadian storytellers.
Festival Dates & Format
FOLD Kids Book Fest will host live events November 3-8, 2026.
Events from November 3-5 are held in our virtual clubhouse and are designed for teachers and classes with a digital festival pass. Events from November 6-8 will be held in Brampton, and include a Poetry Slam for middle grade classes and community events at Gore Meadows Community Centre and Library.
Once aired, virtual events will be available to educators with digital passes until June 30.
Perks of Participation
- Preparation-free book events: Festival events do not require pre-reading or purchase of the books. Just join!
- Additional programming support: Pre- and post-event activities and discussion questions are provided for all virtual events to support educators.
- Meet extraordinary creators: All events centre a diverse range of underrepresented authors and storytellers in Canada
- Cultivate a love of literature: Introduce students to marginalized voices from a wide range of genres and styles.
Age and Audience
FOLD Kids Book Fest events include storytimes, art and writing workshops, author conversations and interviews, and educator workshops.
All events are divided into five target audiences*:
- Primary (Kindergarten – Grade 3)
- Junior (Grades 4 – 6)
- Intermediate (Grades 6 – 8)
- Teens (Grades 9 – 12)
- Educators
*These are suggested audiences based on content and programming goals but it’s ultimately left to the discretion of the educator.
Bring Your Class Virtually
Our virtual clubhouse is designed for teachers and students. Enjoy scavenger hunts, watch live events and access resources then re-visit the platform throughout the year for on-demand events and activities.
How to Join Virtually
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Purchase a Digital Pass
Get full access to virtual programming with a digital pass. Passes can be purchased by individual teachers, but school boards can also purchase passes for their students, educators and school community through our School Board Pass Program.
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Log In to the Virtual Clubhouse
A few days before the festival begins, digital passholders can log in and explore the virtual clubhouse early for bonus on-demand programming.
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Join Live Sessions
Participate in live events where students can ask questions in real-time or interact with events like The Illustrator Battle.
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Watch On-Demand
Explore festival events on-demand throughout the school year.
School Board Digital Passes
A School Board Pass allow educators, students and families to access the virtual clubhouse using a designated school board code.
Confirmed 2025 School Board Passholders
- Durham District School Board
- Halton District School Board
- Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
- Peel District School Board.
- York Catholic District School Board
- Waterloo Region District School Board
Getting a School Board Pass
The confirmed list of school board passholders is updated on an on-going basis.
To inquire about getting a school board pass or to receive your code, email the festival.
Deadline to secure a School Board Pass is October 17, 2026.
Bring Your Class to Brampton
Enjoy our annual middle grade event featuring incredible Canadian storytellers.
How to Register
- Registration will open in September.
- Registration is handled by FOLD; use the registration links to reserve tickets for your class.
- The Poetry Slam for Middle Grade Classes will be held on Friday, April 6 at Chinguacousy Secondary School.
Event Benefits
- Experience the arts beyond the classroom. Engage with authors, poets, illustrators, storytellers, and performers at a dynamic, live event.
- Meet creative professionals. Hearing from artists and performers helps students explore careers in writing, performance, and the broader arts sector.
- Celebrate language, creativity, and self-expression. Allow students to discover new ways to communicate ideas and share their own voices.
- Connect with Brampton’s vibrant arts community. Participate in a major cultural event that showcases the creativity, talent, and diversity of their city and beyond.
- Create lasting memories and meaningful conversations. Shared experiences with peers and inspiring presenters spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage deeper engagement with the arts.
Community Events
Join us in Brampton for an unforgettable literary experience for kids and families.
What to Expect
- Picture book storytimes featuring beloved authors and performers
- Interactive writing and art workshops
- Family-friendly entertainment, including unique experiences such as animal shows
- An annual Kick-Off Parade celebrating creativity and self-expression
- Opportunities to meet authors, illustrators, poets, and performers
- A book fair to purchase titles for all ages and genres
Registration Info
- All community events are free to attend and suitable for families
- Events take place at Gore Meadows Community Centre and Library in Brampton
- Advance registration is recommended for some activities where space may be limited
- Full event schedules and registration details are available closer to the festival
In-Person Venues & Directions
The festival takes place at two venues in Brampton, each offering unique programming and experiences.
Chinguacousy Secondary School
The home to our school group programming. Middle school students should expect an interactive and dynamic event tied to storytelling.
Accessibility
We want to ensure your festival experience is comfortable and accessible. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Join Us at FOLD Kids Book Fest
Whether you join us with your class, your family, or on your own, FOLD Kids Book Fest is an opportunity to celebrate creativity, discover new voices, and experience the power of stories together. We can’t wait to welcome you to a weekend filled with inspiring performances, hands-on activities, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable moments that will spark curiosity long after the festival ends.