FIL Festival international de la littérature | 2026 Edition

Since its inception in 1994, the International Literature Festival (FIL) has sought to be a living library. Over the years, more than 5,000 writers and artists—spanning all disciplines, generations, and backgrounds—have taken part in over 1,000 events. These gatherings have allowed some 300,000 festival-goers to rediscover familiar authors and discover new ones, all through formats that are constantly reinvented, bold, and original.

At its core, the FIL is an annual ten-day celebration of words featuring nearly 200 writers and artists from home and abroad. It takes place primarily in Montreal venues not traditionally associated with books—such as theaters, performance halls, cinemas, and even public spaces. While it has become a highlight of Montreal’s autumn cultural season, the FIL now extends its reach year-round across Quebec and increasingly abroad, through touring productions and participation in book fairs and other festivals.

At the FIL, literature is not merely staged; it is also explored through exhibitions, films, performance art installations, creative workshops, writing exercises, immersive walking tours, and often unexpected encounters. Our priority is to reinvent ourselves with every edition, finding new ways to promote literature, books, and reading in line with our mission. Festival-goers are invited to a series of literary experiences—diverse yet consistently captivating—that might best be described as "augmented literature." A true hub for democratizing culture through its many free and affordable activities, the FIL makes literature more accessible to all citizens—without compromising the quality of the works discussed, staged, or presented through music or visuals.

*Please note that the program is subject to change during the festival due to scheduling adjustments or weather conditions.