Cavendish Literary Festival
Mary Walsh to headline second annual event in the fall
The 2026 Cavendish Literary Festival returns September 24–27 with 35 events, 45 featured Canadian voices, and new programming that blends literature, food, music, and community. Bestselling author, actor, comedian and This Hour Has 22 Minutes co-creator Mary Walsh will headline the festival’s Friday evening Spotlight Session.
The 2026 schedule includes events for all age groups, from writing workshops and author presentations to kids’ programming, a French-language conversation, a literary walk, and headline spotlight sessions.
As part of the festival’s Fall Flavours programming, The Literary Table: From Page to Plate with Chef Adam Loo offers an immersive four-course culinary experience that blends PEI food, storytelling, and live music.
In partnership with the Crowan Awards, the festival will present a workshop led by Island writer and publisher Mo Duffy for young PEI writers who have previously won the Crowan Award for Writing.
Other festival events include the Salon du livre de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, the PEI Rare Book Fair, and An Evening with Kate Quinn and Janie Chang, who will discuss their new novels, The Astral Library and The Fourth Princess, with bestselling Halifax author Donna Jones Alward.
Ticket are on sale now. Visit cavendishliteraryfestival.com and follow the festival on social media for updates.