Toronto’s The Word on the Street Festival 2023

This year has been awesome so far, and believe me, we are just getting started with amazing upcoming events.

I had the pleasure of attending Toronto’s Word on the Street Festival this past weekend, and it was a book lover’s dream. The festival was a gathering of avid book enthusiasts, and it provided an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of lit, and immerse myself is just what I did. 

There were so many amazing authors and speakers, including Canadian and Indigenous authors and it was a great opportunity for book lovers to come together and celebrate the written word.

One of the highlights of the festival was the author readings. I got to and speak with some of my favs including George Elliott Clarke and our first The Poet Laureate of Ontario Randell Adjei, and as always they were a vibe. 

As always their words allowed me to walk away with some true gems like. One piece of advice that Clarke so eloquently explained was that ‘the most important thing you can do as a writer is to be honest with yourself because no one has a voice like you.’ It was deep and truly stuck with me. 

It was so impactful to hear writers from a variety of genres share their work and experiences with the audience.

Another highlight of the festival was the marketplace. There were so many great vendors selling books, magazines, literary-themed gifts, dedicated children’s activities and delicious food. I picked up a few new books to add to my collection, and I also treated myself to some amazing snacks.

I even had the wonderful opportunity to check in with my friends over at Book Clubs for Inmates, an initiative I work with that is very near and dear to my heart. 

Overall, I had an incredible time at Word on the Street. It was a great opportunity to connect with other book lovers and to celebrate the power of literature. I can’t wait to attend again next year!