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2026 Event Schedule

*schedule is subject to change.

Thursday, September 24

Montgomery’s Cavendish Legacy Tour
Presented by Denise of Ingleside Tours 

Step beyond the pages of Anne of Green Gables and immerse yourself in the landscapes, stories, and inspirations that shaped one of Canada’s most beloved authors.

This full-day guided bus tour invites you to discover the people, places, and experiences that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s writing. Journey through the red roads, rolling shores, historic homesteads, and cherished landmarks that influenced her imagination and brought her unforgettable stories to life. Along the way, you’ll visit significant sites connected to Montgomery’s life, including her birthplace, the Anne of Green Gables Museum, her final resting place, Green Gables Heritage Place, the Site of her Cavendish Home, and many of the locations that inspired iconic settings such as the Lake of Shining Waters, Lover’s Lane, the Haunted Wood, and more.

Your guide for the day is Denise Bruce, artist, writer, and one of Prince Edward Island’s foremost L.M. Montgomery historians.

The bus tour departs from and returns to the Cavendish Visitor Information Centre. There is ample parking available.

Lunch is included.

Schedule:

8:45 a.m.  —  Bus departs from Cavendish Visitor Information Centre. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

9:00-9:30 a.m.  —  L.M. Montgomery Birthplace – Visit the site of Clifton House, learn about the Midwife House and road that inspired the White Way of Delight

9:40-10:50 a.m.  —  Anne of Green Gables Museum – Visit the museum, learn why Maud loved gathering driftwood at Cousin’s Shore, and we will do drive by photos of Lake of Shining Waters and Ingleside

11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m. —  Scenic drive along the Cavendish Shore passing by Cavendish Pond and Mrs. Rachel Lynde’s House

12:30-1:30 p.m.  —  Lunch at Chez Yvonne’s Restaurant 

1:40-2:00 p.m.  —  Visit the Resting Place of L.M. Montgomery

2:05-2:30 p.m.  —  Historic Cavendish Post Office – Learn about Montgomery’s years as an assistant post mistress, and take time for photos of the Church and learn where the original church was located 

2:30-3:20 p.m.  —  Site of L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home where you will follow in Maud’s footsteps where she spent over half her life on her beloved hallowed grounds. Visit Montgomery Park to see her statue, and take a walk through the Haunted Woods

3:25-5:00 p.m.  —  Tour of Green Gables Heritage Place, including Green Gables House, exhibit hall, Balsam Hollow, Lover’s Lane and Haunted Wood trails

5:00 p.m.  —  Bus will depart from Green Gables and return to the Cavendish Visitor Information Centre 

Lunch is included at Chez Yvonne’s Restaurant

Choice of Appetizer • Cup of Seafood Chowder • Garden Salad

Choice of Main Course • Veggie Burger • Fish and Chips • Traditional Turkey Dinner

Tea, coffee, or soft drink included

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: The bus tour departs from and returns to the Cavendish Visitor Information Centre and visits several L.M. Montgomery historic sites.
Ticket Price: $139 (Individual event ticket required)
Voice: Denise Bruce

Love, lies, ambition, and the thrill of the unexpected come together in Forever Is the Sweetest Con, the captivating debut novel from Halifax author Joanna Thurlow.

Join Joanna for an engaging conversation about the inspiration behind her romantic suspense novel, where survival, attraction, and ambition collide in a story filled with twists, tension, and heart. Discover how she crafted a page-turning debut that keeps readers guessing until the very last page.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the author, and have books signed.

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 pm
Location: Marco Polo Land Restaurant
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Joanna Thurlow
Moderator: Laura Chapin

Join Liverpool-based author Stephens Gerard Malone for a compelling conversation about The Unnameable, an unflinching coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Canada.

Drawing on the atmosphere of 1960s Ottawa and his own experiences growing up on CFB Rockcliffe, Malone explores the story of two teenage boys who embark on a clandestine relationship in an exploration of masculinity and sexuality, shame and secrets, during the turbulent years between Expo 67 and the 1970 October Crisis.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the author, and have books signed.

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 pm
Location: Marco Polo Land Restaurant
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Stephens Gerard Malone
Moderator: Laura Chapin

The Literary Table: From Page to Plate with Chef Adam Loo is an immersive, four-course culinary experience that showcases Prince Edward Island’s culinary talent through a unique blend of food and storytelling. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully-curated menu while Chef Adam Loo shares reflections from his memoir and career, offering insight into the creative process behind both cuisine and writing.

Upon arrival, attendees will be welcomed with local acoustic entertainment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Before each course, Chef Adam Loo will share the inspiration behind each dish and the importance of building his career on Prince Edward Island. The thoughtfully-curated menu will highlight local ingredients and flavours. This unique combination of food, storytelling, and live music creates a memorable, experience-driven evening that connects guests to the chef, his story, and the Island’s culinary culture.

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Turkey Tavern, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $95.00
Voice: Adam Loo

Buy Tickets: CLICK HERE

Menu:

Bread: Nana’s Rolls & Compound Butter

Crab Cakes: Fennel Slaw, Herb Aioli, Fruit Kelly

Beef: Braised Short Rib, duchesse potatoes, seasonal vegetables, pecan herb pesto, jus

Dessert: Apple Crisp, Ice Cream

Friday, September 25

Walk & Words is a curated outdoor book lover experience that blends gentle movement, meaningful conversation, purposeful connection, and the natural beauty of Cavendish. Set along scenic trails, Cavendish Beach and the scenic Gulf Parkway route of the Island Walk, this guided experience invites festival attendees to connect over books, reading habits and recommendations while immersed in one of Prince Edward Island’s most iconic landscapes.

What a way to kick off the second day of the Cavendish Literary Festival. Join us for this pleasant hike through some of L. M. Montgomery’s favourite locations. Your treat, discussion prompts, Montgomery lore, and little surprises along the way will be part of your journey. Follow our ambassadors to get into the mood.

You will start your hike at Samuel’s in Avonlea Village where you will be given a grab and go treat for your break later in the morning. Begin your walk through the gentle slopes of Cavendish Grove to Cavendish Beach and the Dunelands Trail. Then proceed to walk on the Gulf Shore trail to Mackenzies Brook. You can refill your water bottle and take a break at the beach. We have selected a few spots along the way to stop and have a chat.

This 5 km hike (approx.) will give you a chance to discover the trails in the area and let you explore what Island Walk is all about. You will have a multitude of photo opportunities. This event goes light rain or shine. Watch your email in case of very inclement weather.

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

Registration at 8:45 am. Hike starts 9:00 am.

Includes a treat from Samuel’s Coffee House, complimentary coffee and tea.

See the path we’ll be walking here.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Hike begins and ends at Samuel’s Coffee House, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $49.00 (Individual event ticket required)

Is your story dragging in places? Ready to write a book that readers simply cannot put down? Transform your manuscript from slow-paced to un-put-downable in this hands-on workshop. You will master the art of the killer hook and the irresistible cliffhanger, analyzing real-world examples to see what works—and what falls flat. Discover the hidden story elements readers crave, and learn how to weaponize your characters to captivate an audience. By the end of this workshop, you won’t just leave with theory. You will have actually drafted a killer opening line and engineered chapter endings that demand “just one more page.” Plus, you’ll walk away with a practical toolkit to craft heroes your readers will adore, and villains they’ll hate to love. Stop losing readers between the lines. Hook them from page one.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Marco Polo Land Restaurant
Ticket Price: $45.00
Voice: Natasha Blandford

Against the coastal backdrop of Raspberry Point, spend a thoughtful morning with award-winning author Vicki Grant as she discusses These Are the Fireworks, her adult debut mystery novel which the Globe and Mail called a winner.

Known for her sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and talent for crafting stories that delight and surprise, Vicki Grant has mastered the art of the twist. Blending humour, suspense, and emotional depth, These Are the Fireworks explores what lies beneath the stories people tell and the truths they work hard to conceal.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Raspberry Point
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Vicki Grant
Moderator: Trevor Corkum

Join us for this year’s Great Big Book Club, featuring ‘Sweetland’ by Michael Crummey. Pick up your copy ahead of the festival and join fellow kindred spirits for a discussion about the book.

For twelve generations the inhabitants of a remote island in Newfoundland have lived and died together. Now, in the second decade of the 21st century, they are facing resettlement, and each has been offered a generous compensation package to leave. But the money is offered with a proviso: everyone has to go.

But Moses Sweetland chooses to stay alone. Motivated in part by a sense of history and belonging, haunted by memories of the short and lonely time he spent away from his home as a younger man, and concerned that his somewhat eccentric great-nephew will wilt on the mainland, Moses refuses to leave. But in the face of determined, sometimes violent, opposition from his family and his friends, Sweetland is eventually swayed to sign on to the government’s plan. Then a tragic accident prompts him to fake his own death and stay on the deserted island. As he manages a desperately diminishing food supply, and battles against the ravages of weather, Sweetland finds himself in the company of the vibrant ghosts of the former islanders, whose porch lights still seem to turn on at night.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Location: Raspberry Point
Ticket Price: $20.00
Voice: Michael Crummey
Moderator: Jillian O’Halloran

Need fresh eyes on a piece of writing or a professional opinion on a contest submission? Meet with editor Sandra McIntyre to get quick feedback on work-in-progress or advice on a thorny writing issue. In these 25-minute sessions, Sandra will read a sample of writing in any genre and offer thoughts and impressions on strengths and directions for improvement. Bring questions about writing in general, a specific writing knot, a point of craft, or getting published. All levels of writing welcome. New writers encouraged! If you’d like feedback, bring a 3-page writing sample, double-spaced with pages numbered, in a readable, 12-point font.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Kindred Spirits Country Inn
Ticket Price: $30.00
Voice: Sandra McIntyre

In Good Guys, Newfoundland and Labrador author Sharon Bala delivers a sharp, darkly comic novel that asks a deceptively simple question: who gets to be called a good person? In conversation with Laura Chapin, Bala will discuss her second novel Good Guys, a page-turning moral drama that explores philanthropy, privilege, money, and the unintended consequences of trying to change the world for all the wrong reasons.

Her best-selling debut novel, The Boat People, won a Newfoundland & Labrador Book Award and the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, was short listed for several awards, and is in translation in four languages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the author, and have books signed following the event.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Sharon Bala
Moderator: Laura Chapin

Exploring the connection between self-expression, language, and body awareness, Poetry of the Breath is an all-ages workshop designed to connect writing and mindfulness. Using writing prompts, guided breathing, movement, and a sense of playful discovery, this two-hour workshop is a perfect fit for both new and experienced writers, or just the simply curious.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Marco Polo Land Restaurant
Ticket Price: $45.00
Voice: Trevor Corkum

Award-winning, bestselling author Wayne Johnston speaks with Amy Stuart about The Novice of Holloway Hall, his latest novel set in 1947 St. John’s.

Renowned for blending wit and irony with tragedy and comedy, Johnston will explore the story of Vivvy Holloway as she returns to her family’s crumbling estate to confront dark secrets and long-buried truths, while reflecting on his celebrated literary career and the enduring influence of Newfoundland’s history, characters, and landscapes on his work.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the author, and have books signed following the event.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Wayne Johnston
Moderator: Amy Stuart

Bestselling Newfoundland-born author Donna Morrissey joins Karen Mair for a heartfelt conversation about the stories, people, and places that have inspired her celebrated body of work, including her forthcoming memoir, Tell It to the Water.

Available August 11, Tell It to the Water is a powerful memoir of love, grief, and the meaning of family that sings with Morrissey’s inimitable style and the unforgettable voices of her Newfoundland parents and siblings. Through the perspectives of her four surviving siblings, Morrissey recounts the family’s struggle to cope with the loss of their mother while trying to save their stubborn, loving, and often infuriating father from the weight of his own grief.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the author, and have books signed following the event.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Donna Morrissey
Moderator: Karen Mair

Need fresh eyes on a piece of writing or a professional opinion on a contest submission? Meet with editor Sandra McIntyre to get quick feedback on work-in-progress or advice on a thorny writing issue. In these 25-minute sessions, Sandra will read a sample of writing in any genre and offer thoughts and impressions on strengths and directions for improvement. Bring questions about writing in general, a specific writing knot, a point of craft, or getting published. All levels of writing welcome. New writers encouraged! If you’d like feedback, bring a 3-page writing sample, double-spaced with pages numbered, in a readable, 12-point font.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Location: Kindred Spirits Country Inn
Ticket Price: $30.00
Voice: Sandra McIntyre

The Cavendish Literary Festival’s featured Spotlight Session brings together two remarkable storytellers for an unforgettable evening of conversation, laughter, and literary insight.

The event opens with Prince Edward Island author Katie Mac, recipient of an Island Literary Award for her short story ‘The Key to Wednesdays’ and her debut noir novel Ken’s Corner. In conversation with Teresa Wright, she will discuss her newest novel, Dunk River Murders, a mystery that follows Maggie, a woman fleeing career burnout in search of solitude and fly fishing, only to discover that dead bodies have a habit of inconveniently appearing in her river.

The spotlight then turns to Canadian icon Mary Walsh. Actor, comedian, writer, activist, and creator of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Walsh has spent decades making Canadians laugh while challenging them to think differently about the world around them. In conversation with Jenna Harvey, she will discuss her new memoir, Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet: A Memoir in Pieces, a disarmingly vulnerable and wickedly hilarious collection of essays reflecting on her Newfoundland upbringing, behind-the-scenes stories from a groundbreaking career in television, her journey through addiction, and the unexpected joys of growing older. Filled with Walsh’s trademark wit, candour, and irrepressible spirit, this conversation offers an opportunity to hear one of Canada’s most beloved cultural figures share the stories behind a remarkable life and career.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the authors, and have books signed following the event.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: New London Community Complex
Ticket Price: $45.00
Voices: Featuring Mary Walsh and Opening Author, Katie Mac
Moderators: Jenna Harvey (Mary Walsh conversation) and Teresa Wright (Katie Mac conversation)

Featuring all original compositions, this production returns this summer, after a hugely successful world premiere last year at Harmony House!

Alicia Toner and Mike Ross create a concert experience that examines the life and soul of one of Canada’s most iconic and enduring authors – Lucy Maud Montgomery. Blending letters, diary entries, and poetry with original songwriting from the ensemble, this unique Harmony House production will pull back the veil to reveal who Maud really was. Featuring compositions by Brielle Ansems, Carlie Howell, Alicia and Mike, with Julain Molnar as the voice of Lucy Maud, this tight knit ensemble will bring to life the spirit of a Canadian icon.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Harmony House
Ticket Price: $59.20

Buy Tickets: CLICK HERE

Saturday, September 26

Unwind your body and relax your mind to prepare for creative expression with Carrie Lundy- yoga instructor, schoolteacher and writer. Join Carrie at Samuels in Avonlea Village for some gentle breathing and beginner-friendly movement to connect with yourself and your natural surroundings. Following this peaceful start, Carrie will then guide you on a 20-minute mindful walk designed to ignite the senses and see the beauty of the world around you with fresh eyes, much like Anne would have. Your journey ends at a Secret Location, where coffee and tea wait for your workshop.

Point of view—it’s arguably the single most important craft decision a writer makes. The right point of view engages your reader and unlocks the story’s crux. In this active workshop, we’ll discuss the basics of point of view, which factors to consider when choosing a point of view and common pitfalls. Whether you’re working on a piece of flash fiction, a short story, a creative non-fiction piece or a longer work like a novel, you’ll leave the session with a clearer sense of the terminology and more confidence in your point-of-view choices. This workshop includes writing exercises but no critiquing or peer reviewing. Discussion is encouraged. Sharing your work is welcome but always optional.

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

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Meet at Samuel’s Coffee House, Avonlea Village. Guests will be guided to a special surprise location.
Ticket Price: $45.00
Voices: Sandra McIntyre and Carrie Lundy

From snoopy aunts and amateur sleuths to cold cases, floating bodies, and former teenage detectives, mystery writers know how to keep readers guessing.

Moderated by Vicki Grant, whose mystery novels have delighted readers of all ages, this lively panel brings together three accomplished crime and mystery writers for a behind-the-scenes look at the art of suspense.

Bestselling author Uzma Jalaaluddin brings readers back to Detective Aunty Kausar Khan, whose newest case uncovers long-buried secrets and rekindles questions surrounding a devastating family tragedy. Prince Edward Island author Katie Mac’s Dunk River Murders combines small-town intrigue with a fly-fishing enthusiast who can’t seem to escape murder. USA Today, Globe & Mail, and Toronto Star bestselling author Tom Ryan has captivated readers with acclaimed mysteries including The Treasure Hunters Club and We Had a Hunch, an Amazon Editor’s Choice and one of Indigo’s Best Books of the Year.

Together, these authors will discuss creating unforgettable characters, crafting compelling clues, building tension, and delivering the twists readers love. Whether you’re a devoted mystery fan or simply curious about how great thrillers are written, this conversation promises plenty of intrigue, insight, and surprises.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Uzma Jalaluddin, Katie Mac, and Tom Ryan
Moderator: Vicki Grant

Bestselling novelist and award-winning tv writer Zoe Whittall, writing as Frankie Scott, joins Amy Stuart for a lively conversation about Chasing Summer, a sparkling new romance filled with second chances, creative ambition, friendship, family, and the possibility of unexpected love.

Set against the beaches, vineyards, and small-town charm of Prince Edward County, Chasing Summer follows two summer flings that refuse to go according to plan. Scott will discuss the inspiration behind her latest novel, the enduring appeal of romance, and her remarkable career spanning bestselling fiction and beloved television series including Schitt’s Creek, Baroness von Sketch Show, and Degrassi.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Zoe Whittall
Moderator: Amy Stuart

Over a light lunch, acclaimed authors Wayne Johnston, Sharon Bala, and Donna Morrissey join moderator Karen Mair for a thought-provoking conversation about how writers transform history, memory, and lived experience into compelling stories.

Drawing from their latest works, The Novice of Holloway Hall, Good Guys, and Tell It to the Water, these celebrated storytellers will explore how writers capture authentic lives and emotional truths, whether working from the historical record, personal experience, or the boundless possibilities of fiction.

Lunch includes turkey or vegetable soup, Turkey Tavern biscuits, choice of sticky date or vegan brownie dessert with Cow’s Ice Cream, and a beverage.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Turkey Tavern, Avonlea Village
Ticket Price: $49.00 (Individual event ticket required)
Voices: Wayne Johnston, Sharon Bala, and Donna Morrisey
Moderator: Karen Mair

Join us for The Little Readers Club, a fun-filled event celebrating books, creativity, and imagination! Meet children’s authors Alma Fullerton, Judith Graves, Kara Griffin, Brady Wells, Lisa Carmody Doiron & Patrick Guidon, Melissa Bender, Elizabeth Retter, and Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail. Kids will have the opportunity to visit each author’s station and take part in unique hands-on activities inspired by their books. Along the way, create your own custom bookmark, enjoy tasty snacks, participate in our book swap, and explore a world of stories and creativity. Bring along a gently used book and exchange it for a new-to-you book to take home! Whether your child loves reading or is just beginning their reading journey, Little Readers Club is a great opportunity to discover new books, meet authors, and have fun.

Children 2 and under are admitted free.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Ship’s Company Pub & Galley
Ticket Price: $8 for kids (ages 14 and under), $12 for adults (Individual event ticket required)
Voices: Alma Fullerton, Judith Graves, Kara Griffin, Brady Wells, Lisa Carmody Doiron, Patrick Guidon, and Melissa Bender

Join bestselling author Donna Jones Alward and Sue Slade, manager of the Dartmouth Book Exchange, as they share their top tricks and tips to create memorable, successful book events from signings to launches and everything in between. Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or want to make a splash, anything is possible when you put creative heads together!

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Kindred Spirits Country Inn
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Donna Jones Alward and Sue Slade

Bestselling author Uzma Jalaluddin has charmed readers around the world with her warm, witty romantic comedies. Now, with Moonlight Murder, the second in her Detective Aunty series, Jalaluddin continues the adventures of her beloved amateur sleuth bringing her signature blend of richly drawn characters, vibrant communities, and sharp storytelling to a genre filled with secrets, suspects, and surprises.

In conversation with Amy Stuart, Jalaluddin will discuss her journey from writing beloved romances to crafting compelling mysteries, exploring how memorable characters, strong relationships, and a deep sense of place can elevate any story.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Uzma Jalaluddin
Moderator: Amy Stuart

Featuring all original compositions, this production returns this summer, after a hugely successful world premiere last year at Harmony House!

Alicia Toner and Mike Ross create a concert experience that examines the life and soul of one of Canada’s most iconic and enduring authors – Lucy Maud Montgomery. Blending letters, diary entries, and poetry with original songwriting from the ensemble, this unique Harmony House production will pull back the veil to reveal who Maud really was. Featuring compositions by Brielle Ansems, Carlie Howell, Alicia and Mike, with Julain Molnar as the voice of Lucy Maud, this tight knit ensemble will bring to life the spirit of a Canadian icon.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Harmony House
Ticket Price: $59.20

Buy Tickets: CLICK HERE

Through his writing and storytelling, bestselling author and ER doctor Dr. Brian Goldman takes readers inside the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, revealing the teamwork, compassion, resilience, and acts of kindness that sustain both patients and healthcare professionals in moments of crisis.

In conversation with Dr. Trevor Jain, Goldman will discuss the real-life stories that inspired this gripping new book and reflect on the lessons he has learned throughout his career about empathy, kindness, and the human side of healthcare. From overcrowded waiting rooms and increasingly complex patient cases to life-saving diagnoses, medical mysteries, and moments of profound human connection, The Casino Shift offers a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs of modern emergency medicine. Whether you’re fascinated by healthcare, leadership, or the remarkable stories that emerge when people are pushed to their limits, this conversation provides a rare and deeply human perspective on life at the front lines of care.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Dr. Brian Goldman
Moderator: Dr. Trevor Jain

What does it take to transform the life of one of Canada’s most beloved authors into an original musical production? In this special behind-the-scenes conversation, Island artists Alicia Toner and Mike Ross share the creative journey behind Behind the Veil, Harmony House’s production inspired by the life and legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Harmony House Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Mike Ross and Alicia Toner
Moderator: Teresa Wright

Writers at all stages, from those with completed manuscripts to those wanting to test the viability of a work in progress, will have the opportunity to present their work directly to owner, Terrilee Bulger, and acquiring editor, Tracy Belsher, from Acorn Press, Prince Edward Island’s longest-standing traditional publishing house. The session is designed to offer a more direct introduction to the publisher, supply useful feedback, and guidance on how to prepare work for the submission process.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Tide and Tales
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Terrilee Bulger and Tracy Belsher

The Cavendish Literary Festival’s featured Spotlight Session offers an evening of local storytelling and gripping thriller suspense.

The evening opens with Prince Edward Island author Nicholas Herring, whose award-winning debut novel Some Hellish was a national bestseller and winner of the Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. In conversation with Keir Lowther, Herring will discuss his forthcoming novel Your Breath in Charcoal, a beautifully crafted story rooted in PEI that follows a young Islander searching for meaning, connection, and identity as he journeys westward and encounters friendship, love, madness, and loss.

The spotlight then turns to Linwood Barclay, Canada’s undisputed master of suspense and a New York Times bestselling author with over twenty novels to his credit. In conversation with Tom Ryan, Barclay will discuss his latest novel Not a Word, a chilling story that begins with a grisly discovery in a family home and spirals into every parent’s worst nightmare. From psychological thrillers to supernatural chillers such as Whistle, Barclay has built an international reputation for unforgettable hooks, deeply human characters, and page-turning stories that keep readers up long into the night. Together, they will explore the craft of suspense, the art of creating compelling characters, and the secrets behind stories that readers simply cannot put down.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the authors, and have books signed following the event.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Gulf Shore Consolidated School
Ticket Price: $35.00
Voices: Featuring Linwood Barclay and Opening Author, Nicholas Herring
Moderators: Tom Ryan (Linwood Barclay conversation) and Keir Lowther (Nicholas Herring conversation)

Continue the conversation at the Cavendish Literary Festival’s After Hours Party at Carr’s Oyster Bar. Gather with fellow readers, writers, and festival guests for an evening of music, connection, and Island hospitality in one of PEI’s most scenic waterfront settings overlooking Stanley Bridge harbour and beautiful New London Bay.

The evening features live music from sister duo Kari Lyn and Olivia Blacquiere, whose distinctive sound blends traditional Island folk with a cottage-core edge. Complimentary local bites included.

*The After Hours Party at Carr’s Oyster Bar is included with your festival pass. Individual entry is $15.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Carr’s Oyster Bar
Ticket Price: $15 (included in festival pass, individual event ticket required)
Voices: Kari Lyn and Olivia Blacquiere

Featuring all original compositions, this production returns this summer, after a hugely successful world premiere last year at Harmony House!

Alicia Toner and Mike Ross create a concert experience that examines the life and soul of one of Canada’s most iconic and enduring authors – Lucy Maud Montgomery. Blending letters, diary entries, and poetry with original songwriting from the ensemble, this unique Harmony House production will pull back the veil to reveal who Maud really was. Featuring compositions by Brielle Ansems, Carlie Howell, Alicia and Mike, with Julain Molnar as the voice of Lucy Maud, this tight knit ensemble will bring to life the spirit of a Canadian icon.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Harmony House
Ticket Price: $59.20

Buy Tickets: CLICK HERE

Sunday, September 27

Amanda Peters captivated readers with The Berry Pickers, her award-winning debut novel. A haunting and unforgettable story of family, loss, and belonging, it continues to resonate with readers long after the final page.

Now Peters returns with The Birthing Tree, a powerful new novel that explores identity, tradition, and the ties that bind generations together. In conversation with Theresa Redmond, Peters will discuss her writing journey, the inspirations behind her work, and the story at the heart of her latest book: an Indigenous woman struggling to reconcile her role as a nurse with her place in the world, while her grandmother seeks to pass on the traditions and knowledge of Indigenous midwifery.

Join Peters and Redmond for an engaging conversation about storytelling, community, and the enduring power of family history.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voice: Amanda Peters
Moderator: Theresa Redmond

What’s Your Story?

We all have a story to tell. Trevor’s signature life writing workshop uses writing prompts, memory work, and creative play to safely guide participants through writing a short memoir or life writing excerpt. This two-hour interactive workshop is designed for both new and experienced writers. A safe and creative space to explore your own voice and begin to craft a story from your life.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: PEI Preserve Company Garden Café
Ticket Price: $45.00
Voice: Trevor Corkum

L. M. Montgomery & the Spirit of Place. Experience the creative dialogue between literature, landscape, and visual art in “L.M. Montgomery and the Spirit of Place”. Island artist Susan Christensen presents her exhibition inspired by the poetry of L.M. Montgomery, interpreting Montgomery’s words through a series of original paintings.

Throughout the event, Christensen will paint on site at the Green Gables Visitor Centre and engage with visitors about her artistic process, inspiration, and connection to Montgomery’s work.

Each painting in the exhibition is paired with a literary response by an Island writer, Renée Blanchette, creating a unique conversation between visual art and the written word.
Blanchette will share selections from Montgomery’s poetry, discuss the inspiration behind her own literary responses, and read from her work.

Set within the landscape that inspired Montgomery herself, this special event offers an opportunity to experience her enduring legacy through art, poetry, and place.

Admission to Green Gables Heritage Place is included with event registration.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Green Gables Heritage Place
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Susan Christensen and Renée Blanchette

What makes our heart beat? How do we get attached to these love stories? What is special about the writing?
Romance is one of publishing’s fastest-growing genres, inspiring passionate readers, thriving online communities, and even bookstores devoted entirely to love stories. Join Joanna Thurlow, Zoe Whittall, and Genevieve Loughlin for a conversation about the enduring appeal of romance, the craft behind compelling love stories, and the cultural phenomenon surrounding the genre, from devoted fandoms and special-edition books to the unique community that romance readers have built around the world.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Joanna Thurlow, Zoe Whittall, and Genevieve Loughlin
Moderator: Donna Jones Alward

Join moderator Bren Simmers for an engaging conversation with three Prince Edward Island poets whose work explores the landscapes, histories, livelihoods, and stories that shape Island life.

Historian and writer Edward MacDonald brings together poetry, memoir, and memory in reflections on a changing Prince Edward Island. Award-winning poet, editor, and arts leader Jane Ledwell draws on deep connections to place, community, and the natural world. Commercial fisherman and celebrated poet Chris Bailey offers a powerful perspective from coastal life, work, and the realities of contemporary Island experience.

Together, these three remarkable writers will discuss their creative processes, the role of place in their work, and how poetry helps us understand where we come from and where we are headed.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Ed MacDonald, Jane Ledwell, and Chris Bailey
Moderator: Bren Simmers

Kindred Spirits Story Salon

Step up to the mic and share your words in a welcoming and supportive environment at this free event. Whether you’re a poet, storyteller, memoirist, spoken word artist, or fiction writer, this free event offers an opportunity to read your original work aloud, connect with fellow writers, and experience the power of stories shared live.

Writers will have up to five minutes to present their work, making this an ideal space to test new material, build confidence, and develop performance skills. Prefer to listen? Join us in the audience and enjoy an afternoon of creativity, inspiration, and the diverse voices that make up our literary community.

When registering, please indicate whether you plan to read or attend as a listener. Following the wonderful variety of work shared in 2025, we look forward to another memorable afternoon of storytelling and connection.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Marco Polo Restaurant
Ticket Price: FREE (registration required)
Moderator: Sandra McIntrye

Dans ce premier volet francophone du Festival, Dominique Chouinard s’entretient avec Ronald Boudreau au sujet de son début littéraire. Elle découvre qu’il n’y a rien de vrai dans ce récit, si ce n’est les choses qui le sont. Fier Acadien, Ronald Boudreau pourra aussi nous faire part de son cheminement vers ce premier roman.

Puis, Roxanne Bouchard se joindra à Dominique Chouinard pour nous emmener en mer, au Québec, et dans l’univers des romans policiers et des mystères. Sa maîtrise de la langue garantit un récit captivant. Un rare aperçu des sources de son inspiration et de la profondeur de son talent.

À la fin de l’événement, les participants auront l’occasion de poser des questions, de rencontrer les auteurs et de se faire dédicacer leurs livres.

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In this first French-language segment of the Festival, Dominique Chouinard joins Ronald Boudreau to discuss his literary debut. She discovers that nothing in this story is true, except for the things that are. A proud Acadian, Ronald Boudreau will also share his journey toward this first novel with us.

Then, Roxanne Bouchard will join Dominique Chouinard to whisk us to the sea, to Quebec, and into the world of mysteries and crime novels. Her command of language ensures a compelling narrative. A rare glimpse into the roots of her inspiration and the depth of her talent.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the authors, and have books signed following the event.

Please note: This event will be in French.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m
Location: Farmers Bank Event Barn
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Ronald Boudreau & Roxanne Bouchard
Moderator: Dominique Chouinard

Experience the creative dialogue between literature, landscape, and visual art in “L.M. Montgomery and the Spirit of Place”. Island artist Susan Christensen presents her exhibition inspired by the poetry of L.M. Montgomery, interpreting Montgomery’s words through a series of original paintings.

Throughout the event, Christensen will paint on site at the Green Gables Visitor Centre and engage with visitors about her artistic process, inspiration, and connection to Montgomery’s work.

Each painting in the exhibition is paired with a literary response by an Island writer, Renée Blanchette, creating a unique conversation between visual art and the written word.
Blanchette will share selections from Montgomery’s poetry, discuss the inspiration behind her own literary responses, and read from her work.

Set within the landscape that inspired Montgomery herself, this special event offers an opportunity to experience her enduring legacy through art, poetry, and place.

Admission to Green Gables Heritage Place is included with event registration.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m
Location: Green Gables Heritage Place
Ticket Price: $25.00
Voices: Susan Christensen and Renée Blanchette

The Cavendish Literary Festival concludes with a special Spotlight Session featuring two extraordinary Canadian writers whose work explores identity, place, memory, and the ties that bind us together.

The afternoon begins with Canadian poet and writer Bren Simmers in conversation with Laurie Brinklow. Together, they will explore the landscapes, experiences, and relationships that shape Simmers’ work, reflecting on poetry, place, memory, and the power of human connection.

The spotlight then turns to acclaimed Métis author Tara Gereaux. In conversation with Laura Chapin, Gereaux will discuss her latest novel, Wild People Quiet, and the questions at the heart of her work: what we will do for our communities, our families, and our friends, even at our own expense. Known for her richly drawn characters, emotional depth, and insightful exploration of belonging and identity, Gereaux’s writing illuminates the complexities of contemporary life with compassion, honesty, and humour. Thoughtful, engaging, and deeply resonant, this closing conversation offers a fitting finale to the 2026 Cavendish Literary Festival.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the authors, and have books signed following the event.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m
Location: Watermark Theatre
Ticket Price: $30.00
Voices: Featuring Tara Gereaux, and Opening Author Bren Simmers
Moderators: Laurie Brinklow and 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.

Please note that some events have overlapping times. Carefully review your selections at time of purchase to avoid conflicts.