Edmonton

Ten tellers. Five minutes. One winner. Let the game of truth begin! Sign-up at 7pm, slam at 7:30pm. Free to attend; arrive early! Space is limited.

• Where: 9910 (basement of the Common) 9910 109 Street
• When: October 15th, 7:00-9:00pm
• Sign up: 7 pm, come to the table at the front to sign up
• There are no tickets to attend and we will never ask you for money prior to the event. When you come that evening, we will ask for $5 from the story tellers for administration, and then pass the hat to audience members during intermission for the winner (suggested donation $5)
• What to expect: beverages, great atmosphere, language and content warning, menu from The Common
• This is an over 18 venue. No minors allowed.
• Please see rules and FAQ's for more details on storytelling

For more information, please visit: https://litfestalberta.org/events/

Author Paul Myers in conversation with Edmonton’s Historian Laureate, Donna Coombs-Montrose. 

From the bestselling author of Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy, the definitive biography of John Candy—a heartwarming portrait of one of comedy’s most beloved and enduring stars.

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 @ 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Citadel Theatre (Zeidler Hall), 9828 - 101A Ave
Tickets: $5 (student/low income), $15 (regular)

From his humble beginnings in sketch comedy with the Toronto branch of Second City, to his rise to fame in SCTV and Hollywood film classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Uncle Buck, John Candy captivated audiences with his self-deprecating humour, emotional warmth, and gift for improvisation. Now, for the first time since Candy’s tragic death, bestselling biographer Paul Myers tells the full story of the man behind the laughs.

Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews with many of Candy’s closest friends and colleagues, including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and many more, John Candy: A Life in Comedy celebrates the comedian’s unparalleled talent, infectious charm, and generosity of spirit. Through ups and downs, successes and failures, and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, Candy faced the world with a big smile and a warm demeanour that earned him the love and adoration of fans around the world.

For more information please visit: https://litfestalberta.org/events/

"What if you spend the rest of your life 

chasing love, only find her cowering

in the pit of your stomach?

What then?"

Almost Loved, a poetry collection written by emerging poet, Alberta-based author Rena Joy, will be connecting with readers this October and November. 

Almost Loved follows an adoptee from foster care as she searches for love and healing while pushing back on the labels assigned to her. Grappling with subjects of abuse, mental health, and deeply held grief, this collection aims to answer: what does it truly mean to be loved in a world where you're seen as second best? ​​

This debut collection has been described as “real, vulnerable, evocative,” offering a rare glimpse into the adoptee experience and a safe space for readers who may struggle with their mental health. 

Almost Loved is available for purchase wherever books are sold. Rena will be connecting with readers in October during Foster Care Awareness Month in Alberta and in November for National Adoption Awareness Month. 

Book Signing Dates, 12-4 pm. 

October 4, Chapters St. Albert.

October 11, Indigo Sherwood Park.

November 1, Indigo South Edmonton Common. 

Poetry Reading - November 27 - Stony Plain Library, 7 pm.

Rena Joy is a 2023 Canada Council for the Arts grant recipient for her poetry work and 2021 Alberta Foundation for the Arts grant recipient for her work for children. She was also the 2024 featured writer with the Edmonton Public Library. She lives in rural Alberta, on the outskirts of Edmonton. For more information about Almost Loved and Rena Joy, visit renajoypoetry.com.

Parfleche Painting workshop with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild 
When: Saturday, Oct 11 from 1:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Gallery@501 Art Studio
501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park, AB 
Cost: $75.00
Registration link: Parfleche Painting with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild - Recreation Online1

Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting. Open to all skill levels, this hands-on experience invites you to connect with tradition, learn cultural stories behind the designs, and discover Alaynee’s artistic journey. Practice traditional techniques as you create your own unique painted Parfleche piece to take home.

About the Artist

Tansi & Hau Mitakoyapi, 
My name is Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild. I am the youngest daughter of Marvin and Patricia Littlechild, deeply connected to my Lakota-nêhiyaw roots. As a visual artist, I draw inspiration from the traditional materials and techniques passed down through my family. I take great care in honoring the integrity of Dakota/Lakota artistic practices. My work celebrates my culture, pays tribute to my family, and reflects my lived experience. Visit www.goodwillcollection.ca to explore more of my work!