Media Release: Smiths Falls Literary Festival

A new chapter in Smiths Falls’ cultural story begins this September, as the Town launches its first-ever Smiths Falls Literary Festival, a weekend designed to bring readers, writers, families, and community members together around the power of storytelling. Taking place on September 19-20, 2026, the festival celebrates the theme of storytelling with author panels, community programming, and live performances at several venues in downtown Smiths Falls.

Programming includes panels focused on non-fiction, fiction, romance, young adult writing, mystery and crime, fantasy, and eco-literacy, offering audiences the chance to hear directly from authors in an intimate and engaging setting. Acclaimed authors from across Ontario, including Lavanya Lakshmi, Heidi Reimer, Anuja Varghese, Ruby Barrett, Kate Cole, Jennifer Whiteford, Christopher Hind, Dennis Stein, Brenda Chapman, Tamara L. Miller, Katie Tallo, Amanda Connolly, Kate Heartfield, Elle Wither, and renowned environmentalist and author Diana Beresford-Kroeger, will join us to present and discuss their works.

The festival also includes a youth writing contest presented in partnership with local public schools and the Smiths Falls Public Library. Selected entries from the writing contest submissions will be published in book form, by the organizing partners. A special evening performance by Outerbridge Magic will add wonder to the weekend while raising funds for the Rideau Eco-Literacy Center, supporting environmental education opportunities for local youth.

The Smiths Falls Literary Festival is organized by the Town of Smiths Falls in partnership with the Rotary Club of Smiths Falls, The Book’s Better Bookstore, the Smiths Falls Public Library, and staff from Duncan J. Schoular Public School, with support from local businesses including Arlie’s Bookstore and Bowie’s. The combined efforts and talents of the partners have made the inaugural year possible.

Tickets for author panels and special events are on sale now through Tickets Please. Space is limited to keep events welcoming and engaging, so residents and visitors are encouraged to book early, explore the full schedule, and make plans to be part of this first chapter in Smiths Falls’ newest cultural tradition. Full festival details are available at www.smithsfalls.ca/visit-smiths-falls/smiths-falls-literary-festival/.

Included image: Smiths Falls Literary Festival graphic

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8
613-283-4124 ext. 1122
Communications@smithsfalls.ca