A Festival of Stories at Arts Hub Brockville
The inaugural St. Lawrence Writers Festival held at Arts Hub Brockville was a resounding success, bringing together 32 Canadian writers across a wide range of genres—from poetry and humour to mystery, graphic novelists, horror, drama, and young adult fiction.
Over an action-packed weekend, audiences enjoyed author talks, lively panel discussions, a sold-out horror-themed cruise, a staged play "The Last Hanging at Redbridge", and even a comedy show “Does This Taste Funny?" with the CBC host of Laugh Out Loud, Ali Hassan. The festival fostered not only a celebration of literature, but also meaningful connections between writers and readers in an intimate, welcoming setting.
Wayne’s World: Rod Carley in Conversation with Wayne Johnston Friday, September 5
“The St. Lawrence Writers' Festival was a triumph in its inaugural year. The venue of Arts Hub Brockville was perfect and the crowd gathered inside was large. The lucky attendees who gathered at the Arts Hub could feel it in the room Friday evening at the Festival's first event with Wayne Johnston in conversation with Rod Carley. There was already a sense then that this was going to be something very special and that sense only strengthened throughout the weekend. This beautiful venue was the perfect spot for this Festival to call home,” posted festival goer Angela Bray Kelman.
Carolyn Bennett and Ali Hassan signing books
International best-selling author Linwood Barclay graced the stage at the Arts Hub on Saturday in conversation with author Terry Fallis. The festival also provided publishing advice from editor Randall Perry, and Ron Zajac moderated a contemporary fiction panel. Sunday showcased Young Adult authors and mystery authors closed out the festival in the afternoon.
With its unique mix of voices and events, the St. Lawrence Writers Festival has firmly established itself as a vibrant new addition to Brockville’s cultural calendar and plans are already underway for September 2026.
Article written by Katherine Hobbs