When is the 2026 festival?
The festival will be held from September 18-20, 2026. We have a launch party on Sept 18th at 7:00PM to kick-off the festival this year. We have a variety of writing workshops and book talks, many of which are free, on Friday, Sept 18th and Saturday, Sept 19th. The street festival will be held on Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., in the village of Eden Mills.
Where is Eden Mills?
Eden Mills is a hamlet 12 km east of Guelph, Ontario, and 80 km west of Toronto. We offer a map and more specific directions here.
Is there parking?
Parking is available at 136 Barden Street (West Parking lot) and 19 Memorial Street (East Parking lot). Follow the signs as you approach the village. There is a shuttle bus from the University of Guelph and Downtown Guelph to the East Gate entrance.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a folding lawn chair, blanket or waterproof ground cover, a hat, an umbrella (just in case!), a reusable water bottle and an inquisitive mind.
When will the Festival Sunday schedule of events be announced?
The lineup will be announced in July and the schedule of events will be shared in August.
If I have questions at the festival, who can help me?
Please visit our Info Booth, in front of the Community Hall, or approach one of our friendly volunteers.
Do you have an Air Quality/COVID-19 Safety Plan?
Yes. EMWF is an open-air festival, and we aim to keep the experience as safe and welcoming as possible.
Masks: Free KN95 masks will be available at the Info Booth and at festival gates for anyone who prefers to wear one—whether due to wildfire smoke/air quality, COVID-19, or any other reason. Masks are encouraged but not mandatory at EMWF events.
Air quality: We monitor public air-quality advisories and will post updates on our website and on-site signage if conditions change. If you’re sensitive to smoke or have respiratory concerns, we encourage you to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator and to take breaks as needed.
Health etiquette: Please stay home if you’re feeling unwell. We ask everyone to respect one another’s choices around masking and distancing.
Hygiene: Hand-sanitizer stations will be available at the Info Booth and near washrooms. Festival tents are open-sided to maximize airflow.
Accessibility & accommodations: If you have specific health or access needs related to air quality or COVID-19, reach out and we’ll do our best to support you: [email protected]
Note: We continue to align with current public-health guidance and may adjust practices as needed. Any changes will be communicated on our website and at the festival.
Do I need to buy a ticket to attend the festival?
Yes, all of the festival events are ticketed, including the street festival, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Buy in advance and save!
Can I buy books?
Yes, indeed. Our friends at the Bookshelf have a booth at which they sell the work of our presenting authors. Small publishing houses, booksellers, non-profit groups, and self-published authors will also be selling books along Publishers’ Way.
Is there an ATM?
There is no ATM, but cash advances are available at both gates between 11:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Is water available?
Yes, and it’s free. Bring your own reusable container, please.
Is food available?
Yes, there’s a food court where vendors sell a variety of scrumptious food. You can sit at the food court’s picnic tables, or you can take your lunch with you to sites. Please help us minimize our footprint by putting all recyclables in the appropriate bins.
Is alcohol available?
No. The street festival is alcohol-free and open to all ages.
What about washrooms?
Portable toilets are located throughout the village. Please consult our village map for locations.
Do you provide first aid?
Should you need medical assistance, please visit the First Aid tent located across from the Community Hall.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes! Please visit the Info Booth if you have lost or found something.
Can I volunteer?
Yes, of course! We would welcome your help. Each year, the Festival recruits a team of approximately 100 wonderful volunteers. For more information on becoming a volunteer, please visit the Volunteer page.
Can I present my work at the Festival?
The festival is a curated event. Submissions are accepted from January – March every year. Visit our Contact Us for details.
Can I bring my work to the Festival to show the publishers on Publishers’ Way?
Many publishers attend Sunday’s event, participate in the festival and sell their works along Publishers’ Way, but most are not prepared to receive manuscripts on this day. We suggest that you approach a publisher through the usual channels, finding out first what their submission requirements are.
Can you put me in touch with an author on the program?
Presenting authors sign their books after the set in which they read (at the book-signing tables along York Street), so you can certainly approach them then. To protect their privacy, we do not give out their contact details to anyone, and we cannot pass on messages. The best ways to contact our guests are through their websites, publishers or agents.