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Event Schedule

 Events with Authors •  Events for Writers •  Events for Readers

Friday, September 26

Kick off the inaugural Cavendish Literary Festival with a scenic 7 km hike through some of L. M. Montgomery’s favourite spots.

Begin at Samuel’s in Avonlea Village with a grab-and-go treat, then follow a guided route through the gentle slopes of Cavendish Grove to the Dunelands Trail and Cavendish Beach.
After a break for water and some live music by Olivia Blacquiere, continue through the Haunted Woods to Montgomery Park and the Site of L. M. Montgomery’s Homestead (admission included), then stroll to the Ship’s Company for lunch and entertainment by Lawrence Maxwell.

Enjoy food, music, surprises, and photo-worthy views along the way.

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 9:15 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Samuel’s Coffee House, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $65.00

Menu:
Beverages provided by Ship’s Company
Food prepared by Dhalia and Chef Maridel Ancheta

Chicken club sandwich on focaccia
Side salad
Fresh fruit
Homemade cookies

Please indicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of purchase.

What to Bring:
Closed-toe shoes, hiking boots, or sneakers.
Camera
Hat
Sunscreen
Layers of clothing
Rain jacket
Backpack
Water bottle

*This event is not included in the Festival Pass and must be purchased individually.

“Diana’s birthday is in February, and mine is in March. Don’t you think that is a very strange coincidence?” Anne Shirley asks Marilla Cuthbert in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.

Just like Diana before Anne, L.M. Montgomery celebrated a milestone birthday (150 years in 2024) just before Jane Austen (250 in 2025). This wide-ranging discussion between Sarah Emsley, Laura Robinson, and Kate Scarth, moderated by Jessica Doria-Brown, will explore the life, work, and legacy of two of the world’s greatest novelists: Jane Austen and L.M. Montgomery. Discover the impact and intersections of their stories, with plenty of audience interaction and time for Q&A.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Kindred Spirits Inn
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Laura Robinson, Kate Scarth and Sarah Emsley
Moderator: Jessica Doria Brown

-This session is fully booked and no more tickets are available.-

Need fresh eyes on a piece or a professional opinion on a contest submission?

Meet one-on-one with Sandra McIntyre, writer, instructor, and book editor with over twenty years of experience, for insightful feedback on your work-in-progress or advice on a writing challenge.

In these 15-minute sessions, Sandra will review a sample in any genre, highlighting strengths and offering guidance for growth and improvement. Bring general questions about writing or publishing, or get help tackling a specific writing knot.
All levels welcome. New writers encouraged!

If looking for feedback, please bring a 3-page writing sample, double-spaced, pages numbered, in a readable 12-point font.

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm (15-minute slots)
Location: Kindred Spirits Inn
Ticket Price: SOLD OUT
Voices: Sandra McIntyre

Join Jodee Samuelson as she presents and explores the connection between art and writing, highlighting her new graphic memoir, Birth of a Hippie and other creative projects. Learn how she combines visual and literary storytelling to share personal and cultural experiences. The event will include time for a book signing and a chance to meet Jodee in person.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Location: Tide and Tales
Ticket Price: $20.00
Voices: Jodee Samuelson

Have you ever wanted to start journaling but didn’t know where to begin or felt frustrated? Join author and facilitator Katherine Stetson for a 90-minute workshop designed to help you integrate journaling into your daily routine as a form of meditation, self-care, and personal growth.

The session opens and closes with guided meditation, and Katherine will lead you through specially developed prompts intended to bring joy to journaling and embrace the vulnerability and healing power of putting your thoughts and feelings on paper.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Participants will have the option to purchase Katherine’s journaling journal “A Guided Journal for Becoming and Unbecoming” for $24.95.

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 3:30 pm -5:00 pm
Location: Kindred Spirits Inn
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Katie Stetson

Join moderator Jessica Doria-Brown and New York Times Bestselling Author Donna Alward Jones for a lively discussion about Donna’s historical fiction works, including her new novel Ship of Dreams.

The evening opens with a discussion with Caitlyn Paxson, writer, performer, and historical interpreter, talking about her new book. A Widow’s Charm is a Comedy of Errors fantasy romance in which a clever widow blackmails her rakish necromancer neighbour to bring her husband back to life and save her home. The evening wraps up with a musical performance from 2024 Music PEI Entertainer of the Year, Lawrence Maxwell.

Books available for purchase, with signing by author during the entertainment.

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: PEI Preserve Company
Ticket Price: $35.00
Voices: Caitlin Paxson, Donna Jones Alward
Moderator: Jessica Doria-Brown
Entertainment: Lawrence Maxwell

A cash bar will be available.

Saturday, September 27

A protein perk provided by Samuels will get you started this morning. Unwind your body and relax your mind with gentle breathing and beginner-friendly movement led by Carrie Lundy. Following this peaceful start, Carrie will guide you on a 20-minute mindful walk designed to awaken your senses and help you see the beauty of the world with fresh eyes, much like Anne would have! Your journey concludes at a Secret Location, where coffee and tea await for a creative writing workshop with Sandra McIntyre.

Set in a unique environment, the workshop focuses on process over product. Using prompts and exercises, you’ll explore three fresh ways to capture ideas, ie, the “good stuff, ” to deepen your writing practice and add new methods to your toolkit.

Sharing is optional, and there will be no critique or peer review.

Please ensure that you have good walking shoes for your walk and, if using electronic devices, please charge them up beforehand. You will be bussed back to Avonlea Village after the workshop. This event goes light rain or shine. In case of severe rain, participants will be bussed to the secret location.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 8:15 am -11:15 am
Location: Samuel’s Coffee House, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $50.00
Voices: Carrie Lundy and Sandra McIntyre

Join Sarah Emsley as she reads from her debut novel, The Austens, and shares the true story behind Jane Austen’s connections to Nova Scotia. Discover how Sarah brought to life the complex friendship between Jane and her sister-in-law Fanny Austen, set against a world where art, love, and women’s choices were challenged. The presentation includes a slide show of historical places in England and Nova Scotia tied to the Austen family.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 8:45 am – 9:45 am
Location: Turkey Tavern, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Sarah Emsley

Join international best-selling author Tom Ryan for an engaging conversation with moderator Laura Chapin as they explore his writing process and delve into his latest thriller/ mystery novel, We Had a Hunch. Discover the inspirations behind the story and gain insight into his approach to storytelling.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10:15 am – 11:15 am
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Tom Ryan
Moderator: Laura Chapin

A delicious conversation with Stuart Hickox, author of the stories in Canada’s Food Island Cookbook, followed by a lunch showcasing fresh ingredients from Prince Edward Island’s land and sea. Discover how writing about food can stir the senses, connect us to place, and nourish the heart of community—one season, one story, one dish at a time.

Lunch Menu:
Oysters Rockefeller
Turkey salad on a toasted brioche with dried cranberries
Marinated carrot salad and fruit
Apple crisp
Coffee, tea or a cold non-alcoholic beverage

Please indicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of purchase.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Turkey Tavern, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $49.00
Voices: Stuart Hickox


Sponsored by Canada’s Food Island, Your Food Story Starts Here.

*This event is not included in the Festival Pass and must be purchased individually.

In this first session of the two-part workshop, facilitated by Pownal Street Press founders Genevieve Loughlin and Mo Duffy, participants are encouraged to dream big as they explore their book’s vision, goals, tone, mood, and theme. You will also begin developing your book’s structure, fitting all the pieces together with the narrative arc in mind. Homework includes building out your table of contents or chapter sections.

A great first step toward creating the project of your dreams and setting the foundation for your book’s journey!

Bringing Your Book to Life: a HeartWork Session Part 1
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Moo Moo BBQ, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $50.00 for both sessions
Voices: Genevieve Loughlin and Mo Duffy

Bringing Your Book to Life: a HeartWork Session Part 2
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Moo Moo BBQ, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $50.00 for both sessions
Voices: Genevieve Loughlin and Mo Duffy

Both sessions are included in the ticket price.

Join Smita Prakash, a skilled and highly educated yoga instructor and scholar, for a 75-minute flow yoga session designed to refresh your body and mind and help you find balance.

Smita teaches in the Sivananda tradition, rooted in ancient practices from India. After the practice, enjoy a 15-minute introduction to Ayurveda, where you’ll learn about the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and discover your unique type. A simple questionnaire will help you reflect on your traits and recognize any imbalances in your daily life.

This event is suitable for all levels and offers practical, easy ways to improve your wellness through breath, movement, and ancient holistic wisdom. It will be held indoors.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Cavendish Visitor Information Centre
Ticket Price: $40.00
Voices: Smita Prakash

Join poet Sheree Fitch, author of the beloved children’s books Mabel Murple and There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen, for a lively 45-minute session filled with lip-slippery, tongue-twisting fun! Perfect for little readers, hear the stories behind the stories that have brought joy to her and thousands of readers.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $15.00 per adult (FREE for ages 15 and under)
Voices: Sheree Fitch

Join us for a conversation with Doug MacLean, former NHL coach and general manager, moderated by George Matthews, as they dive into Doug’s book, Draft Day. Drawing on his years leading teams like the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets, and now as a sportscaster with Sportsnet, Doug shares insider stories about the highs and lows of building a winning hockey team. Perfect for hockey fans and anyone curious about what really goes on behind the scenes in the sport.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Location: The Mill in New Glasgow
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Doug MacLean
Moderator: George Matthews

Join award-winning author Thomas Wharton for an exclusive first look at his upcoming book Wolf, Moon, Dog, a furry fable following the many lives of a dog named Wolf from the Ice Age to the far future. In this interactive chat, moderated by Vanessa Smith, Thomas will share insights into his writing process, his love of dogs, and more.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Location: The Mill in New Glasgow
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Thomas Wharton
Moderator: Vanessa Smith

Join this information-packed session with Sandra McIntyre to learn the essential steps of the publishing journey in Canada.

From developing your idea and revising your draft to choosing between traditional, self-, or hybrid publishing, Sandra will provide an overview of everything you always wanted to know about getting a book published but were afraid to ask. Discover how to build your author platform and career as a writer, with plenty of time for your questions during the Q&A.

Perfect for aspiring authors ready to take the next step toward publication.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Sandra McIntyre

Join renowned journalist, broadcaster, and novelist Linden MacIntyre, our Saturday spotlight author, for an in-depth conversation about his career, works, and his latest novel, The Accidental Villain. MacIntyre delivers a consequential and fascinating account of how events can bring a man to the point where he acts against his own training, principles and inclination in the service of a cause and ends up on a long journey toward personal oblivion. This session is moderated by Laura Chaplin.

The evening opens with Keir Lowther who will launch his highly anticipated second novel, Greatness, a fitting location, as Lowther is a Cavendish native with deep family roots in the area, stretching all the way back to Lucy Maud Montgomery. This fictional tour de force is part love letter to the sport of tennis, part meditation on legacy, identity, and the sacrifices made to achieve greatness. The novel tells the story of tennis legend King as he returns to Flushing Meadows for his final US Open, sights set on one last, improbable run at glory.

The evening wraps up with a musical performance by Luka Hall and Sydney Thompson

Books available for purchase, with signing by authors during the entertainment.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: PEI Preserve Company
Ticket Price: $35.00
Voices: Keir Lowther and Linden MacIntyre
Moderator: Laura Chapin
Entertainment: Luka Hall and Sydney Thompson

A cash bar will be available.

Sunday, September 28

Join poet and yoga instructor Carrie Lundy for a serene two-hour session in the beautiful Gardens of Hope, blending gentle movement, meditation, breathwork, and writing. You will explore the basics of haiku, a form of poetry that captures the essence of nature succinctly in the present moment, practice beginner-friendly yoga, and take time to reflect and write, guided by Carrie’s mindful approach that informed her debut poetry collection So Hum. The experience concludes with an optional sharing circle.

Participants, please bring: a yoga mat, anything needed to sit comfortably (cushion, bolster), a water bottle, a journal and pen

Date: Sunday, September 28,2025
Time: 8:30 am – 10:30 pm
Location: PEI Preserve Company (Gardens of Hope Terrace)
Ticket Price: $40.00
Voices: Carrie Lundy 

Join best-selling author Tom Ryan as he sits down with Keir Lowther and Caitlyn Paxson to explore the unique challenges and unexpected advantages of creating stories outside traditional literary centres. From the isolation that deepens focus to the hurdles of networking and visibility, this candid conversation delves into how place shapes creative process, perspective, and professional paths.

Perfect for anyone curious about the literary life beyond the city lights.

Complimentary coffee and treats will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Location: Turkey Tavern, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Tom Ryan, Keir Lowther and Caitlyn Paxson

Join Island artist Susan Christensen and poet Deirdre Kessler for a special event celebrating L.M. Montgomery’s legacy. Susan will share her live paintings and visual interpretations of Montgomery’s poetry, while Deirdre reads selections from Montgomery alongside her own Prince Edward Island landscape-inspired poems. Experience the unique blend of visual art and poetry that brings the spirit of place to life.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Green Gables Heritage Place
Ticket Price: $7.25
Voices: Susan Christensen and Deirdre Kessler

Admission to Green Gables Heritage Place is included in ticket

Part 2 of the Bringing Your Book to Life session begins with 45 minutes of free writing, a dedicated space to nurture your creativity! Mo and Genevieve will be available to answer questions and offer support as you write.

The workshop concludes with strategies for building a successful writing practice, including finding a writing partner (maybe in the room!), scheduling regular check-ins, and sharing your work. Together, we will set intentions to help you finish your book.

Part 1 is required to take part in Part 2. Your ticket purchase includes admission to both sessions.

Bringing Your Book to Life: a HeartWork Session Part 1
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Moo Moo BBQ, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $50.00 for both sessions
Voices: Genevieve Loughlin and Mo Duffy

Bringing Your Book to Life: a HeartWork Session Part 2
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Moo Moo BBQ, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $50.00 for both sessions
Voices: Genevieve Loughlin and Mo Duffy

For its inaugural year, the Cavendish Literary Festival proudly presents The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe as the first selection for the Great Big Book Club.

Pick up a copy and read it before the Festival and join fellow readers for a free ranging discussion!

The novel takes readers from WWI England to 1960s Nova Scotia. It follows the story of Emmeline, who, after fleeing a family burdened by grief and mental illness, has built a new life in England. Now retired, Emmeline joins a memoir-writing course where her past begins to unfold, and a quirky secret is revealed: she is a compulsive spoon stealer! Her unexpected inheritance of her family’s farm leads to a return to her past life in Canada, stirring both chaos and healing through her off-kilter charm, generosity, and hard-earned wisdom.

“How wonderful that The Spoon Stealer is the chosen book for your Cavendish Lit Festival. It doesn’t matter where I go in this country, readers always rush to tell me how much they love Emmeline and Vera. And I miss them too. After fifteen novels, I have a lot of characters but these two are in my top five. And I almost didn’t put Vera in at all! I was worried that readers wouldn’t go with me on my experiment, but I was so wrong. Trust your gut! My publicist hoped I’d provide a few words of encouragement to all who will be reading The Spoon Stealer. Ummm….the first one finished gets fifty bucks?! Just enjoy the darn thing.” Lesley Crewe

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $20.00
Moderator: Antonio Michael Downing

Bring your little ones for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity, imagination, and storytelling! Kids’ Corner features interactive activity stations and live readings by Pownal Street Press children’s authors, including:

•Elizabeth Retter, author of The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet series
•Lori Gard, author of the Tales for Big Feelings series
•Ashley Anne Clark, visual artist and author of Nocturnal Animals
•Sara Visser, author of Ringette Girl
•Mo Duffy, author of A is for Anne

Enjoy hands-on activities. Listen to heartwarming and hilarious stories. Treats for the little ones (and grown-ups too!)
Come for the fun – stay for the magic of books!

Complimentary cookie and juice box will be available for all guests during the event.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Cavendish Visitor Information Centre
Ticket Price: $15.00 per adult (FREE for ages 15 and under)
Voices: Mo Duffy, Elizabeth Retter, Lori Gard, Ashley Anne Clark and Sara Visser

-This session is fully booked and no more tickets are available.-

Need fresh eyes on a piece or a professional opinion on a contest submission?

Meet one-on-one with Sandra McIntyre, writer, instructor, and book editor with over twenty years of experience, for insightful feedback on your work-in-progress or advice on a writing challenge.

In these 15-minute sessions, Sandra will review a sample in any genre, highlighting strengths and offering guidance for growth and improvement. Bring general questions about writing or publishing, or get help tackling a specific writing knot.
All levels welcome. New writers encouraged!

If looking for feedback, please bring a 3-page writing sample, double-spaced, pages numbered, in a readable 12-point font.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm (15-minute slots)
Location: Kindred Spirits Inn
Ticket Price: SOLD OUT
Voices: Sandra McIntyre

Join Island artist Susan Christensen and poet Deirdre Kessler for a special event celebrating L.M. Montgomery’s legacy. Susan will share her live paintings, visual interpretations of Montgomery’s poetry, while Deirdre reads selections from Montgomery alongside her own Prince Edward Island landscape-inspired poems. Experience the unique blend of visual art and poetry that brings the spirit of place to life.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Green Gables Heritage Place
Ticket Price: $7.25
Voices: Susan Christensen and Deirdre Kessler

Admission to Green Gables Heritage Place is included in ticket.

Got a story to tell? A poem to perform? Or maybe you want to keep Prince Edward Island’s rich oral storytelling tradition alive? Here’s your chance to share your words—or simply enjoy the voices of others.

Our open mic stage will be ready for writers, poets, and storytellers to step up and speak out. Participation is first-come, first-up, and we’ll keep going until time runs out.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: Free Event. Registration Required.

Help us wrap up the festival by joining musician and CBC’s The Next Chapter host Antonio Michael Downing for a riveting discussion about his memoir Saga Boy, children’s book Stars in My Crown, and his highly anticipated debut novel Black Cherokee.

The session, moderated by Laura Chaplin, will be preceded by a talk with Theresa Redmond, award-winning author, former senior government executive, and writer on Indigenous rights. Redmond will launch her new book, The Governor’s Granddaughter, which tells a fascinating story of a young woman living under the shadow of her family’s shameful past who becomes determined to atone for their misdeeds.

Books available for purchase, with signing from author.

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 3:30 pm -5:00 pm
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $35.00
Voices: Theresa Redmond and Antonio Michael Downing
Moderator: Laura Chapin

Event capacity is limited. Registration for individual events is required at the time of pass purchase. Some events may sell out quickly. Venues and schedules are subject to change.

Venue Map

The Festival Headquarters will be located at Samuel’s Coffee House in Avonlea Village, where you’ll find information and a welcoming space to connect. The Bookmark will also be on-site all weekend, offering a selection of books for purchase, including titles from featured authors.