“Join us for a gripping evening of suspense-filled storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, sharing works from the Crime Writing residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Across three nights, explore readings of razor-sharp mystery and crime writing by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, this debut residency brings together writers working across crime fiction, mystery, noir, and crime-informed nonfiction, with room for hybrid forms that engage with criminal justice, investigation, and moral consequence.

This chapter is hosted by seasoned crime novelist and literary agent Wayne Arthurson, whose work spans classic detective fiction and contemporary Canadian noir. He’s the author of eight novels, including three from his Leo Desroches crime series and two from his Sergeant Neumann mystery series.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in thrilling explorations of justice, violence, and survival. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this unique chance to discover the next bestseller and celebrate the artform of a great crime novel.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us in welcoming our very own local author, Daniel Domanko to Cafe Books on 15th August 12-4pm for the signing of his cookery book ‘Cowboy Country: Smoke, Grill & BBQ’.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Stephanie Forbes is an internationally recognized expert in supply chain strategy, procurement governance, and operational resilience. With over two decades of experience spanning energy, manufacturing, construction, and technology sectors, she is known for transforming complex global supply chains into agile, value-driven ecosystems. Stephanie is the Founder and CEO of The Forbes Group, a boutique consultancy focused on helping organizations align people, processes, and systems to build competitive advantage.

Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping policy, driving sustainability initiatives, and advising boards and executive teams on fraud prevention, risk management, and performance measurement. She's also a keynote speaker on international stages, blending historical insights, modern practices, and humor to bring the world of supply chain to life.

In Global Wealth, Local Impact: How Supply Chains Build Thriving Companies, Cultures, and Countries, Stephanie invites readers into a practical yet visionary journey through time-tested strategies, real-world accounts, and future-forward thinking. Whether you’re a C-Suite Executive, Buyer on a major project, Category Manager, a student, or a curious reader, this book is your playbook for mastering the value chain in an uncertain world.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us for an invigorating evening of poetry and prose at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of fresh contemporary literature by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, Summer Writers is one of Banff Centre’s most popular open-genre Literary residencies, attracting participants working across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid forms to dive into works-in-progress under the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sun.

This chapter is hosted by Dr. Adam Dickinson, a poet and interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the relationship between bodies, environments, science, and art. His writing has been nominated for a Governor General’s Award and the Trillium Book Award for poetry.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the books of tomorrow.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

“Join us for an invigorating evening of poetry and prose at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of fresh contemporary literature by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, Summer Writers is one of Banff Centre’s most popular open-genre Literary residencies, attracting participants working across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid forms to dive into works-in-progress under the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sun.

This chapter is hosted by Abel, an internationally recognized Indigenous writer who moves powerfully between poetry, nonfiction, and fiction. Abel’s latest work—a novel titled Empty Spaces—was the winner of both the Governor General’s Award for fiction and the Banff Mountain Book Award.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the books of tomorrow.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us for an exciting book signing of 'Undercurrents of Love' with Local author Colleen Heidecker on 4th July 12-4pm at Cafe Books, Canmore.

Undercurrents of Love launches The Lagoon Chronicles, a sweet island romance series with a page-turning adventure. If workplace romance, suspense, and rambunctious dolphins call to you, you’ll adore Colleen Heidecker’s sweeping, romantic tale.

To start, we meet Riley Byrne, a woman struggling. Her island life seems like a dream. She trains dolphins and wants to build a world-class marine research facility. But a worrying lack of researchers and permit problems makes her face a difficult choice: leave the island, her found family, and the dolphins she loves and create her dream elsewhere. When a new project shows promise, she has hope.

Gray Whittal has spent six years working toward a specific goal. He is the youngest researcher at a well-regarded California lab. Now, with his project on the verge of approval, he hopes his relentless ambition finally pays off. But ambition attracts enemies. Someone from Gray’s past storms back into his life, ready to rip everything apart.

Secrets, sabotage, and sacrifice collide in a perfect storm, and one deadly chase could drown their dreams forever.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Join us for an invigorating evening of poetry and prose at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of fresh contemporary literature by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, Summer Writers is one of Banff Centre’s most popular open-genre Literary residencies, attracting participants working across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid forms to dive into works-in-progress under the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sun.

This chapter is hosted by Bellamy, a legendary figure in contemporary American writing, known for her radical, intimate, and influential contributions to poetry, nonfiction, and art criticism. She has published a dozen books, including—with the publisher Semiotext(e)—Bee Reaved, When the Sick Rule the World, and The Letters of Mina Harker.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the books of tomorrow.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us for an exciting book signing of 'The Rise of Haduwas' with Local Banff author Amanda L. Rautio on 23rd May 12-4pm at Cafe Books, Canmore.

'The Rise of Haduwas' is a dark, mythic fantasy set in the ancient world, drawing inspiration from civilizations of anatolia. It's a reimagining of divine power, corrupt power structures, and the dawn of the Hittite empire. It’s the origin story of a god. Perfect for readers of Circe.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Shawn Micallef, a celebrated urban journalist and cultural commentator whose work explores cities, civic life, and everyday culture. He is a Toronto Star columnist and the author of books including Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto and Frontier City: Toronto on the Verge of Greatness.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to hear excerpts of articles and books that will soon be discussed across the country.

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

“Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Dr. Cheryl Thompson, a leading scholar and public intellectual whose work brings archival research, cultural history, and contemporary journalism into dialogue. Her books include Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada’s Black Beauty Culture and Canada and the Blackface Atlantic: Performing Slavery, Conflict, and Freedom, 1812-1897.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m. 

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us at Cafe Books for an exciting local author signing on 6th June 2026 1-4pm.

Las Vegas. For Detective Nick Keeley, it’s home. But When the Super Bowl is a week away and the Raiders are in the game, the city is a buzz. When a serial killer starts killing people within the organization, Detective Keeley is assigned the high-profile case. His ex-wife dead from a drug overdose, and his only daughter away at University on an athletic scholarship, it’s just Keeley and his dog at home. With a new partner, and a jealous Medical Examiner set on making Keeley’s life difficult, it becomes a race against the clock to stop the madness before more people are killed and the City of Sin takes on a whole new meaning.

About the author:

ANTHONY PARKER is a Canadian author originally from Calgary, Alberta. He fell in love with the city of Las Vegas. He married his wife Samantha at The Mirage, and it holds a very special place in his heart. A lifelong fan of dark twists, high-stakes suspense, and stories that refuse to let go, he draws inspiration from the page-turning intensity of James Patterson, the intricate intrigue of Dan Brown, and the bold, character-driven worlds of Victoria Aveyard & Leigh Bardugo. One of Two is Parker’s debut novel—an adrenaline-fueled thriller that introduces his signature style: sharp pacing, dangerous secrets, and the kind of tension that keeps you turning pages long after you promised yourself ‘one more chapter.’”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Dr. Cheryl Thompson, a leading scholar and public intellectual whose work brings archival research, cultural history, and contemporary journalism into dialogue. Her books include Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada’s Black Beauty Culture and Canada and the Blackface Atlantic: Performing Slavery, Conflict, and Freedom, 1812-1897.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m. 

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Sean Paul Bedell , author of " Shoebox" ,  joins us at Cafe Books on the 30th of May  from 12pm-4pm for an exciting book signing!

In this gritty and emotional exploration of the human condition, Steve Lewis, a dedicated paramedic, faces the devastating aftermath of a fatal accident that casts a dark shadow over his once-passionate commitment to saving lives. Plagued by guilt and grief, he finds his career, family, and very existence hanging in the balance as he navigates the complexities of trauma both personal and professional. As Steve grapples with the high stakes of his job amidst the scrutiny of a community that admires yet questions him, each life he saves rekindles his passion for his work, reminding him of the profound connections he can forge through compassion and care. 

A compelling and visceral journey of personal redemption and triumph over adversity, Shoebox explores the human spirit's capacity for healing.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

Experience powerful Indigenous storytelling in an intimate environment.

This casual event features the faculty and participants from our three-week Story Sharing residency, which supports Indigenous storytellers in deepening their creative practice among a supportive, land-based, and peer-informed environment.

Join these artists in Banff Centre’s newest venue, CLVB ’33, to celebrate a new generation of Indigenous storytellers.

The sharing is hosted by faculty member January Rogers, a Mohawk/Tuscarora writer and media producer. She lives on her home territory of Six Nations of the Grand River, where she operates Ojistoh Publishing and Productions. Her video poem Ego of a Nation won best music video at the American Indian Film Festival 2020, and her audio work The Battle Within won best experimental audio at the imagineNative International Film + Media Festival in 2021.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

“Join us for an evening with Calgary-based writer and physician Ellen Anderson Penno as she shares her latest memoir, Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love Lost and Found.

When: Thursday, May 28  |  6:30pm
Where: Friends Program Room

Ellen Anderson Penno is a writer and medical doctor with an MD and MS from the University of Minnesota, a rotating surgical internship at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, an ophthalmology residency at the Mayo Clinic, a refractive surgery fellowship with Dr. Howard Gimbel, and two graduate certificates - one in Creative Writing from Humber College and the other in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University. Ellen continues to work in clinics in Calgary and Canmore and enjoys spending time in nature in her free time. Her memoir Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love Lost and Foundwas published by NeWest Press in 2024. She has also published short essays and poetry.

About Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love Lost and Found:

When she was twenty-four years old, Ellen Anderson Penno lost her partner in a climbing accident while they were ascending Mount Baker in Washington’s Cascade Range. The avalanche hid his body in a crevasse just weeks before Ellen was slated to begin medical school, and she soon found herself torn between deferring her studies for a year or starting right away with a full course load.

Rather than succumbing to grief and risk never beginning her medical education at all, Ellen plunged deep into her studies, surrounded by death on all sides, struggling to maintain her way through her turbulent emotions and a rigorous med school schedule.

In this stirring and often mordantly funny memoir, Ellen structures a story of mourning, loss, despair, and love through the lens of the classic medical text Gray’s Anatomy, showing readers what becomes of those who must rebuild their lives after tragedy strikes.

Café Books will be on site during the event and will have copies of Counting Bones available for purchase.

For more information about Ellen and her work, visit her website.”

Hosted by the Canmore Public Library.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Kathleen Arnason , author of ' The Gimli Huldufolk series', joins us at Cafe Books on 22nd of May , 12-4pm for an exciting book signing!

Kathleen Arnason has written an incredible three book Canadian fantasy series called The Gimli Huldufolk. The series begins in Ireland and Iceland and then takes place across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta (Drumheller and the Hoodoos area) Winnipeg and Gimli where the mythical creatures have moved from Iceland. They are very well known in Iceland and Kathleen's very first book about the Gimli Huldufolk (which has sold 5,000 copies and is being reissued) has inspired a statue that will be unveiled in Gimli in the summer.”

Hosted by Cafe Books