Box Office Information
Our policies and programming are subject to change. Please read our terms here and watch our website for updates.
The Vancouver Writers Fest encourages patrons to wear face masks at its events. While not currently mandated by the BC health authority, face masks continue to offer assurance and safety for many of the communities the VWF serves. We thank you for your understanding and consideration
CONTACT US
Our box office is online only in 2023. While our limited supply of tickets last, please place your online order today.
Phone sales: If you need assistance booking tickets, please call Showpass customer service toll-free at 1 (844) 307-7469.
Questions about an event? You can reach our staff at boxoffice@writersfest.bc.ca.
2023 FESTIVAL DATES
2023 Festival: October 16–22
Program Guide released to VWF Members: August 25
Program Guide released to the general public: August 31
Tickets on sale to VWF Members: September 11, 10am
Tickets on sale to schools: September 13, 8am
Tickets on sale to the general public: September 18, 10am
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
The best way to find out if we’re planning to release more tickets in the coming days or weeks is to subscribe to our newsletter. There is no waitlist.
We typically also offer a rush line outside the venue in case there are empty seats at the last minute. If you’d like to chance it, please bundle up and arrive early.
ACCESSIBILITY
We do our best to make the Festival a safer, inclusive, low-barrier experience for you. Visit our accessibility information page for details about our venues and policies. Please reach out with additional requests and questions to access@writersfest.bc.ca.
Priority seating is available: if we have a seat that meets your needs we can reserve it for you in advance or arrange for you to select your seat before we open the house to the rest of the audience.
Some of our events feature ASL interpretation. View our pre-arranged ASL interpreted events here. You can contact the Box Office to request priority seating with a clear view of the interpreter. If you would benefit from ASL interpretation of other events, please email us with at least two weeks’ notice and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS
Our daytime programming features events for students from kindergarten to grade 12. For event details, browse Youth events online or download the Youth Programming Guide PDF.
You can find additional information for teachers, including ticket and bus subsidy information, on our Information for Teachers page.
Tickets go on sale to schools September 13.
PRICES
Ticket prices include GST and service fees, so there will be no surprises at checkout.
October Festival events in theatres are $25 except where indicated. Discounts are offered for members (10%), seniors (10%), or youth under 30 (50%). Learn more about Membership here.
Special Event ticket prices may vary. Incite is always free.
Youth Festival events are $10 per person. Our digital youth events are all free or pay what you can.
BUYING TICKETS ONLINE
Why do I need a password? Thanks for your understanding! We must password-protect accounts where we are transacting with your credit card details, and holding tickets in your name. By clicking on “forgot your password” or calling Showpass customer support, you can be quickly up-and-running to complete your purchase.
I don’t have a credit card, or I need to ask questions before I book. Our box office staff want to chat with you, see our contact information at the top of the page.
Something doesn’t work! If you’re experiencing an error, Showpass customer service or our box office staff can assist. We also recommend updating your browser, or trying on a different device, if anything doesn’t look right.
Tickets at the door. Online sales will close one hour prior to showtime; however, you can visit our box office at the venue starting 45 minutes before the event begins.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I BOOK?
Events in theatres
You’ll receive a PDF ticket by email at the time of booking and again 24 hours before the event. You can display it on your phone or print it out. An usher will scan your ticket at the door, so please have it ready when you arrive.
Some events in theatres feature a mixture of in-person and virtual guests. Keep an eye on the website for updates about which authors will be appearing in person. These details are subject to change.
Youth events
This year, Youth events are all available both in-person and by livestream. If you select the livestream option, you’ll receive a link to watch the event on YouTube on-demand anytime between the livestream and the end of October. Our Youth events run under 60 minutes.