Toronto’s International Festival of Authors (IFOA) is a celebration of words and ideas, of writers and readers.

From October 19 to the 29, engage with the literature of our times, explore the world of books and get acquainted with the authors and their ideas. These 11 days are packed with readings, one-on-one interviews, thought-provoking panel discussions, special events and free book signings. From poetry readings, crime and thriller writing discussions to celebrations of authors’ literary achievements, the Festival offers a curated selection of events for every taste.

This year there’s quite a bit of LGBT content to explore as well, including the following authors and their associated events.

– Dionne Brand –  Walking Cities

– Gwen Benaway – Bechdel Tested: Women in Writing / A Quiet Passion

– Colm Toibin – Writers & Company @ IFOA

– Emma Donoghue – In Conversation: John Boyne and Emma Donoghue

– Dean Atta – Toronto Poetry Slam featuring Dean Atta and Deanna Rodger @ IFOA, Come Rhyme With Me

– John Boyne – In Conversation: John Boyne and Emma Donoghue, Uncovering the Past, John Irving interviews John Boyne

Tickets & Passes

$18 General Admission (unless otherwise specified)
$15 IFOA Supporters

Free for Students & Youth

IFOA is pleased to offer free tickets to regularly priced events to students and youth 25 and under with valid ID (subject to availability).

Flex Passes
6 tickets for $90 can be used in any combination for regularly priced events (subject to availability)

Special Event Pricing

Come Rhyme with Me – $10
The Basement Revue @ IFOA  –  $30
Humber Liberal Arts Keynote Address with Susan N. Herman –  $25

Free events:

Toronto Poetry Slam featuring Dean Atta & Deanna Rodger @ IFOA
Toronto Lit Up Launch of Launches
IV Award Presentation, Keynote & Panel
We All Begin in a Little Magazine: A Celebration of 10 Years of The Puritan Magazine
The Creative Writing Awards Presentation
A Celebration of 10 Years of The Best Canadian Poetry

Check the Schedule of Events on page 28 for more information.

*NB: All prices include HST. Service charges apply on individual tickets and Flex Passes.

Where to Buy

Online: ifoa.org
By phone: 416 973 4000

In person: 
Harbourfront Centre Box Office

  • Main Building
    235 Queens Quay West M5J 2G8
  • Fleck Dance Theatre
    207 Queens Quay West M5J 2G8

Regular Box Office hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 1-6pm, 8pm on performance evenings

Festival Box Office hours: Daily, open one hour before event start-time

Venues

Harbourfront Centre/ Festival Hub
235 Queens Quay West M5J 2G8
Brigantine Room
Festival Hub (Marilyn Brewer Community Space)
Lakeside Terrace
Main Loft
Studio Theatre

Fleck Dance Theatre
Queen’s Quay Terminal,
207 Queens Quay West, 3rd Floor M5J 1A7

Bookstore
Books by all participants are available for purchase during the IFOA in the Festival Hub and in the upper lobby of the Fleck Dance Theatre, courtesy of the University of Toronto Bookstore.

Full schedule of events here.

The IFOA takes place at  Harbourfront Centre, where the city meets the lake.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca