#BOOKS: THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS 2026 PROGRAMMING LINEUP

The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) announces its full 2026 lineup with the addition of acclaimed writers Dave Eggers, Ann-Marie MacDonald, David Shribman, Canisia Lubrin, Carol Off, Jesse Wente and Andrew Sean Greer, joining previously announced headliners Barbara Kingsolver, David Szalay, Marie NDiaye, Patrick deWitt and Philippe Sands. The expanded lineup brings together more than 100 of Canada’s and the world’s most celebrated writers, thinkers, and storytellers for five days of conversations, workshops, performances, and book signings from October 28 to November 1 at Victoria University in the University of Toronto.

Alongside a lineup of literary fiction luminaries, with guests from 20 countries including Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Norway, Iceland, Netherlands, France, Italy, Australia, and UAE, this year’s festival delves into politics and history, with a strand of non-fiction programming curated by international human rights lawyer and award-winning author Philippe Sands.

Throughout the festival, audiences will discover new perspectives on the world around us, explore the possibilities of adaptation and translation, and experience performances that bring music and the written word together.

Highlights from the expanded 2026 programme include:

Festival of Indigenous Stories

Times: Daily events throughout the Festival

Venues: Emmanuel Chapel & Northrop Frye Hall Room 003

Bringing together nine Indigenous authors and artists from Canada and Australia for a slate of conversations and new commissions exploring Indigenous yearning and futurity, the programme features Alicia Elliot, Bebe Oliver, Jasmin McGaughey, Quill Christie-Peters, Nardi Simpson, Kirli Saunders, and Jesse Wente.

The Festival of Indigenous Stories is co-curated by award-winning Goorie and Koori poet Evelyn Araluen (The Rot; Dropbear), and bestselling author of Bad Cree, Jessica Johns, of Sucker Creek First Nation.

Produced in partnership with Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) and supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.

Rupture/Justice

Nonfiction programme created with Guest Curator Philippe Sands

Award-winning author and international human rights lawyer Philippe Sands joins TIFA as Guest Curator for Rupture / Justice, bringing together an extraordinary international line-up including Caroline Elkins, Adam Hochschild, Jane Mayer, Arlie Russell Hochschild, Gaël Faye, Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse, Jesse Wente, Mayo Moran, Rebecca Hogue and Robert Moor.

Across five conversations, they explore the fault lines fracturing our world: from the unfinished legacies of history and the forces driving political division, to literature as a means of survival and healing, Canada’s ongoing journey towards reconciliation, and our collective responsibility for a planet in crisis.

Opening with 5 Moments of Justice in Words and Music, Sands is joined by Gideon Zelermyer, Stephen Glass and Daniel Singer, before closing the series with the acclaimed theatrical performance East West Street: A Song of Good and Evil, featuring Natalie Dessay and Laurent Naouri.

IV Programme Keynote Conversation with James Daunt

Time: Wednesday, October 28 at 2:30 PM

Venue: Isabel Bader Theatre

Each year, the International Visitors (IV) Programme welcomes publishing leaders from around the world to discover the wealth and diversity of the Canadian literary scene and publishing industry.

This year’s IV Programme Keynote welcomes James Daunt, the founder of Daunt Books, Managing Director of Waterstone’s and CEO of Barnes & Noble.

In Conversation with Andrew Sean Greer on Villa Coco

Time: Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30 PM

Venue: Alumni Hall at Victoria University in the University of Toronto

What happens when a young American arrives in Tuscany expecting to catalogue art and instead finds himself swept into the eccentric world of an unforgettable Baronessa? Pulitzer Prize–winning author Andrew Sean Greer discusses Villa Coco, his new novel. Told with the signature wit, charm, and humanity that made Less an international phenomenon, Villa Coco is a dazzling, sun-soaked ode to life itself.

“No one writing in English is funnier or more charming than Andrew Greer. Every sentence in this novel sings.” —David Sedaris

In Conversation with Dave Eggers

Time: Thursday, October 29 at 7:00 PM

Venue: Alumni Hall at Victoria University in the University of Toronto

Dave Eggers — bestselling author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius — discusses his latest novel Contrapposto, a sweeping story of friendship, the lifelong pursuit of art, and the pain and exhilarations of the creative impulse. Named among the most anticipated books of the year by People, and Oprah Daily, the novel draws on Eggers’ own experiences attending art school and training as a classical figurative artist.

“Contrapposto is a rare thing, a smart book about the joy of being creative and open to everything.” —Chicago Tribune

The Politics of Patriotism: Omer Aziz & Carol Off

Time: Thursday, October 29 at 7:30 PM

Venue: Emmanuel College, Room 119

What does it mean to love a country—and what happens when patriotism becomes a tool for power? Join writer, lawyer and former foreign policy advisor Omer Aziz (Shadows of the Republic) and Carol Off (True Patriot Love) for a timely conversation about patriotism, democracy and identity. Drawing on the history of fascism in America, Aziz examines political movements that challenge democratic ideals, while Off explores the complexities of loving a country honestly. Together, they’ll consider nationalism, political extremism and whether challenging our countries can be an essential expression of patriotism.

10 years on: A Celebration of Leonard Cohen

Time: Thursday, October 29 at 8:00 PM

Venue: Isabel Bader Theatre

Ten years after his passing, TIFA celebrates the extraordinary life, work and enduring influence of Leonard Cohen. In a very special evening, a cavalcade of musicians, writers and artists including Justin Rutledge, Luke Doucett, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Anne Michaels, Michael Christie and Britta B. come together to honour one of Canada’s – and the world’s – most iconic and beloved creative voices. Through music, readings and performance, the evening will journey through the rich landscape of Cohen’s poetry, novels and songs, and the creative life that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Presented in collaboration with McClelland & Stewart, with the support of the Leonard Cohen Estate.

Birds of a Feather: Jackie Morris, Mark Peck, and Emily Rondel

Time: Sunday, November 1 at 1:30 PM

Venue: Victoria Chapel

Calling all birdwatchers! Join us for a conversation celebrating the wonderful birdlife of Ontario and beyond. Jackie Morris’s artwork in The Book of Birds (written by Robert Macfarlane) offers an illustrated exploration of birds, their habitats, and their habits, while Mark Peck and Emily Rondel’s A Field Guide to Birds of Ontario provides an essential guide to identifying the province’s diverse species. Together, the authors will explore birdwatching, conservation, illustration, and the joy of paying closer attention to the skies above us.

In Conversation with David Shribman

Time: Sunday, November 1 at 3:30 PM

Venue: Victoria Chapel at Victoria University in the University of Toronto

As tariffs and trade tensions continue to reshape our relationship with our nearest neighbour, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Shribman joins Kyle Wyatt, editor of the Literary Review of Canada, to make sense of these unprecedented times and what may come next.

To learn more about the previously announced authors and programming highlights, including Barbara Kingsolver, David Szalay, Patrick deWitt, and Philippe Sands, view the previous announcement HERE.

Passes & Tickets

Festival passes, which include over 110 events at Victoria University in the University of Toronto, can be purchased at tickets.festivalofauthors.ca/

Single tickets to events at the Winter Garden Theatre can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

About TIFA:

The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) is a vibrant celebration of the stories that shape our world. As Toronto’s premier literary organization, TIFA offers a breadth of immersive, one-of-a-kind events that connect readers and authors alike.

TIFA is the proud host of its signature annual festival, an ambitious multi-day celebration that sets the standard for Canada’s literary landscape by bringing the world’s most compelling writers to Toronto each year. Drawing a diverse community of passionate readers, the festival delivers an unparalleled live experience through intimate conversations, creative masterclasses, and a rare opportunity to look past the page into the creative minds of writers.

TIFA gratefully acknowledges our Season Supporter, the Weston Foundations; our Presenting Donor, The Marilyn and Charles Baillie Family Foundation; our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support; the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, the Centre for Creativity at Victoria University, and TIFA’s generous donors and supporters who recognize that great literature is worth investing in.

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