This year’s Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) features more than 100 events, including author talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, book signings, and special performances. Taking place October 29 – November 2, at the historic Victoria University at the University of Toronto, the Festival debuts its new 5-day format.
Featured Guests
- Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) & Rebecca Solnit, in conversation with Nahlah Ayad (CBC) and introduced by Margaret Atwood (October 28 at Koerner Hall)
- Kiran Desai (Booker Prize winner) – This is her Only Canadian appearance
- Richard Armitage – TV star of The Hobit and Harlan Coben adaptations on his new novel, The Cut
- Chris Pavone (The Doorman) – In conversation with Nita Prose (Oct 30 at Isabel Bader Theatre)
- Kōtarō Isaka (Bullet Train) – Makes his first-ever North American appearance
- André Aciman, Nathan Harris, Serhii Plokhy, Susan Choi, Chris Pavone, Eimear McBride, Cho-Nam Joo among those attending
Celebrating Canadian Voices
- Giller Prize winners André Alexis, Ian Williams, Michael Redhill, Souvankham Thammavongsa in conversation
- Emma Donoghue, Thomas King, Madeleine Thien, Guy Gavriel Kay and Joy Fielding discuss their new books
- Festival of Indigenous Stories, including Susan Aglukark & David A. Robertson
Additional Events
- Chris Pavone in Conversation with Nita Prose
October 30, 8PM, Isabel Bader Theatre
Tipped as one of the best books of 2025, Chris Pavone’s The Doorman is a laser-sharp satire and literary thriller. Hear Pavone discuss how he crafted this ‘21st century Bonfire of the Vanities’ with fellow bestselling mystery author Nita Prose.
- Toronto Poetry Slam
October 31, 7:30PM, Isabel Bader Theatre
Hosted by Ian Keteku
Featuring Janice Jo Lee and Tahira Rajwani
Presented in partnership with Toronto Poetry Project, this hit slam is a competition in two rounds with multiple contestants, judged by members of the audience. Anyone is welcome to sign up to perform in any style.
- Memory, Resistance, and the Power of Story: Ibtisam Azem, Zeina Sleiman, Saeed Teebi
November 1, 11:30AM, Northrop Frye Hall, Room 003
This event brings together these three acclaimed Palestinian writers for shared readings and conversation on how storytelling can preserve memory, humanize identity, and expand the imaginative possibilities of Palestinian existence beyond the confines of conflict.
- Belonging Across Borders: Alejandro Heredia & David Wright Faladé
November 2, 1PM, Victoria College Chapel
Together, the two authors explore friendship, identity, and how communities forged across borders, be it emotional or national, can reimagine belonging in times of upheaval.
These are but a few of the events and activations schedule at TIFA this year. There is something for every bibliophile. TIFA tickets, passes and festival details are available at FestivalofAuthors.ca.
