About the FOLD

The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) celebrates Canadian and international authors and features panels, discussions, workshops, and interactive events that allow booklovers, authors and industry professionals from across Canada and around the world to participate in exceptional virtual events and unique in-person experiences. The festival provides an important space for writers from marginalized and underrepresented communities to develop their craft and to discuss the challenges involved in creating stories that ask difficult questions, expose hard truths, and push literary boundaries.

The 2023 festival runs April 30 - May 7, with 30+ virtual events starting April 30 and 12 in-person events taking place in Brampton, Ontario at the city’s beautiful Rose Theatre from May 4 – 7, 2023. Many of the in-person events will also be live-streamed and recorded for virtual passholders.

You can view the full festival schedule below and you can purchase a virtual pass or a virtual + in-person pass, plus in-person specialty event tickets here.

Festival Schedule

April 30, 2023 11:00 am

PRESENTATION AND TRIVIA: FOLD Kick-Off Event

Amanda Leduc
Ardo Omer
Jael Richardson
Jonisha Lewinson

Celebrate the launch of a brand-new season with this annual opening event. Find out about this year’s schedule and new features like the Roundtable and After-Party options on the virtual platform. There’s more fun than ever when you join in live, including participating in the trivia ahead of the evening events. And it wouldn’t be a kick-off without some trivia and prizes!

April 30, 2023 12:00 pm

PANEL: Where We Go From Here

El Jones
Robyn Maynard
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Anita Ragunathan

In this opening panel discussion, authors of two powerful social justice memoirs explore critical questions of care and community. Responding to some of the crises of recent years, they delve into their work as writers and activists -- exploring the origins of their most recent work and the community efforts that continue to shape their lives and their stories.

April 30, 2023 02:00 pm

PANEL: The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing

Carly Watters
CeCe Lyra
Bianca Marais
Léonicka Valcius
Kelvin Kong

Bianca Marais, CeCe Lyra and Carly Watters are the co-hosts of the popular podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, and with two special FOLD guest hosts — Leonicka Valcius and Kelvin Kong — will recreate "Books with Hooks", one of the most talked-about elements of their hit podcast for emerging writers looking to get published. This unique event is designed for anyone who’s ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how literary agents review submissions -- all moderated by a bestselling novelist who knows what it’s like to be on the other side of the slush pile. Find out what it takes to capture the attention of busy literary agents.

April 30, 2023 03:00 pm

NETWORKING: The Writer’s Hub

In this new interactive format, The Writer’s Hub returns to connect publishing professionals with writers at our festival roundtables. Drop-in and meet with Audible, Penguin Random House, Harlequin, Sheridan and more as they answer questions on important writing and publishing topics. Choose your own way around the discussions at your own pace.

April 30, 2023 05:00 pm

PANEL: Sensitivity Reads and Conscious Editing

Ameema Saeed
Fazeela Jiwa
Ronan Sadler
Ardo Omer

In addressing important subject matter, writers are seeking out sensitivity readers—people with the relevant lived experience—to navigate complex subject matter thoughtfully and accurately. Join Ronan Sadler, Fazeela Jiwa and Ameema Saeed in conversation with Ardo Omer as they discuss the complicated work of balancing sensitivity reads with the practice of conscious editing.

April 30, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Canada Reads Edition

Win books from this year’s Canada’s Reads finalists at our Canada Reads-themed trivia event.

April 30, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: Canada Reads Reunion

Dimitri Nasrallah
Kate Beaton
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Michael Christie
Moderator: Jael Richardson

The finalists from Canada Reads will discuss the process of being selected for the show and the process of navigating the debates. In conversation with Executive Director and Canada Reads superfan Jael Richardson, this is a panel you definitely don’t want to miss.

April 30, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: Canada Reads Reunion

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel event.

May 1, 2023 12:00 pm

PANEL: The Truth About Trends in Publishing

Casey Plett
Fazeela Jiwa
Hana El Niwairi
Moderator: Kern Carter

Over the past few years, paper shortages, virtual launches and events, political upheaval and a global pandemic have all contributed to shifts and changes in the publishing industry. But how do these trends impact marginalized authors and industry professionals. In this event, three industry professionals break down what happened, what is happening and the future implications for those in publishing

May 1, 2023 02:00 pm

WORKSHOP: Acquisitions and Editing with Fazeela Jiwa

Fazeela Jiwa

Acquiring a writer is more than just finding the next big thing; it’s offering a platform to amplify certain voices. That comes with responsibility and requires great care, which developmental editing can provide. How can we approach acquisitions and developmental editing as a creative, collaborative process that builds community and supports liberation struggles? Join Fazeela Jiwa to explore a radical vision of the role of acquisitions and development editing.

May 1, 2023 04:00 pm

WORKSHOP: Writing 101 with Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Jesmeen Kaur Deo

In this workshop designed for writers curious about the publishing process, Jesmeen Kaur Deo will provide insight on her personal publishing experience as a debut author moving from query to print.

May 1, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Crime Fiction Edition

Join us live for a chance to win books at our crime-themed trivia event.

May 1, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: Crafty Heroes and Curious Villains

Sandra SG Wong
Wayne Arthurson
R. Barri Flowers
Hyacinthe Miller

Three crime fiction writers discuss the creation of incredible characters. Join Sandra SG Wong, R. Barri Flowers and Wayne Arthurson as they discuss craft secrets on the making of incredible heroes and impeccable villains.

May 1, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: Crafty Heroes and Curious Villains

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel event.

May 2, 2023 10:00 am

SCHOOL GROUP INTERVIEW: The Writer's Life*

Zoulfa Katouh
Ardo Omer

In this Writer’s Life series event, Syrian author Zoulfa Katouh discusses her writing process and routine as Kids Coordinator Ardo Omer digs into the journey of writing her debut best-selling young adult novel, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow.

May 2, 2023 12:30 pm

SCHOOL GROUP PANEL: Telling Truths

Cody Caetano
Lindsay Ruck
Jen Sookfong Lee
Moderator: Alyssa Gray-Tyghter

Writing nonfiction can be tricky, especially for emerging writers. In this panel for young people, three nonfiction writers discuss how they turned their real-life stories and historical research into a book. How do you share those difficult personal moments? How do turn research into something interesting to read?

May 2, 2023 02:00 pm

PANEL: Disabled Futures

Susan Mockler
Nisi Shawl
Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch

Disability offers society both challenges as well as the unique opportunity to re-imagine the world in which we live. How can we use the insights of disability justice to imagine a radically different future? Join three brilliant writers in conversation with moderator Amanda Leduc as they discuss their own journeys with disability and offer ways of seeing--across various genres--that promise to change the way you view the world.

May 2, 2023 04:00 pm

PANEL: Submissions and Selections

Kerry Byrne - Augur Mag
Therese Estacion - Arc
Anita Chong
Natasha Ramoutar

In this workshop-panel mashup, three publishing professionals dive into the difficult process of selecting work for a collective publication while tackling important tips and tricks that all writers should know when it comes to making submissions.

May 2, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Queer Joy Edition

Join us live for a chance to win books at our queer-joy themed trivia event. 

May 2, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: Queer Joy

Markus Harwood-Jones
Danny Ramadan
Tanya Turton
Moderator: Emmy Nordstrom Higdon

In this panel, three authors discuss their writing and their perspective on queer joy as it relates to their own writing, and in literature as a whole. What books have inspired their writing and their novel? What might it look like for LGBTQIAS+ writers to feel queer joy in all aspects of the process -- from creation to promotion?

May 2, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: Queer Joy

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel event.

May 3, 2023 10:00 am

SCHOOL GROUP WORKSHOP: Writing Compelling Characters with Daniel Aleman

Daniel Aleman

Great characters are a critical part of great stories. In this workshop for young people, young adult author Daniel Aleman explores tips and techniques for creating incredible characters. 

May 3, 2023 12:30 pm

SCHOOL GROUP PANEL: Complicated Families

Talia Hibbert
Jen Ferguson
Daniel Aleman
Moderator: Yeli Cruz

Families are messy -- which makes them perfect subject matter for great stories and storytelling. In this panel discussion designed for school groups, and readers and writers of young adult fiction, three authors discuss the family dynamics in their most recent novels and the process for creating and cultivating believable relatives and relationships.

May 3, 2023 02:00 pm

PANEL: LIFE AS AN EMERGING WRITER

Sandra Lamouche
Jessie Conrad
Julian Martin
January Rogers

Three emerging writers from Audible’s Indigenous Writers Circle discuss their plans and pursuits in a discussion about the real life challenges of navigating the publishing industry as an emerging writer.

May 3, 2023 04:00 pm

WORKSHOP: Writing Your Story with Susan Mockler

Susan Mockler

There are so many choices to navigate when you set out to write a memoir. Where do you begin your research? Whose stories do you tell? Whose memories can you trust? In this virtual workshop, memoirist Susan Mockler provides helpful and practical advice on shaping memories into strong memoirs.

May 3, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Romance Edition

Join us live for a chance to win books at our romance-themed trivia event.

May 3, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: What’s Love Got to Do With It

Roselle Lim
Gia de Cadenet
Markus Harwood-Jones
Moderator: Lavanya Narasimhan

Three writers dig into the process of writing romance -- discussing the tropes, the drama, and the happily ever afters. They’ll discuss what drew them to the hot and steamy genre and what keeps them going as they share the ups and downs of their most recent work and the perks and challenges of navigating a romance writing career.

May 3, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: What’s Love Got to Do With It

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel.

May 4, 2023 10:00 am

SCHOOL GROUP PANEL: Great Escapes and Expectations

Kevin heronJones
Liselle Sambury
Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Being a teen can be tough. From managing the weight of expectations to dealing with big topics and world issues, it can feel like life is too big and too much to handle. In this panel designed just for students, four young adult authors discuss the ways reading and writing can be a tool for escape and entertainment, as well as a powerful tool to tackle everyday issues.

To attend in-person, educators can book through The Rose theatre by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or by email boxoffice@brampton.ca. This event will also be livestreamed.

May 4, 2023 12:30 pm

SCHOOL GROUP PERFORMANCE: The Spoken Word Showcase

Britta Badour
Gavin Russell
Tahira Rajwani
The Wild Woman

In our annual teen spoken word showcase, three poets take the mic and present incredible poetry. Hosted by poetry curator The Wild Woman, this event is geared towards high school students.

To attend in-person, educators can book through The Rose theatre by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or by email boxoffice@brampton.ca. This event will also be livestreamed.

May 4, 2023 07:30 pm

SPECIALTY EVENT: Dine + Draw: Dumpling Edition

Meegan Lim

Create art inspired by delicious food as Brampton-based illustrator Meegan Lim walks participants through her “exploding recipe” process. Dine on dumplings and learn about Meegan’s role in illustrating the anthology “What We Talk About When We Talk About Dumplings” in this new FOLD in-person evening event in partnership with the Brampton Arts Organization. Open to all skill levels. Limited space. Be sure to get your tickets by April 30. 

May 5, 2023 7:30pm

SPECIALTY EVENT: The Great Readception

Alessandra Naccarato
Ali Hassan
Anuja Varghese
Catherine Hernandez
Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Jen Sookfong Lee
Host: Téa Mutonji

In this in-person evening event, a unique sampling of festival authors read from their works accompanied by music composed and performed by Brampton musician Carm Spada and a live jazz band. Whether you’re a regular FOLD attendee, a big reader or a lover of live entertainment, this not-to-be-missed signature event is designed to celebrate the power of storytelling and the magic of live musical performance.

May 6, 2023 10:00 am

MICROWORKSHOP: Publishing with Casey Plett

Casey Plett

Grab a coffee and a notepad and sit down for an open Q&A with author and publisher Casey Plett.

May 6, 2023 11:00 am

PANEL: How We Did It

Casey Plett
Britta B
Dan K. Woo
Moderator: Kern Carter

Three authors whose works cross a range of form and style, discuss the process of writing and publishing, and the things they’ve learned about themselves along the way.

May 6, 2023 12:30 pm

MICROWORKSHOP: Songwriting with Ahjani Scott

Ajhani Azure

Sit down with local musician and songwriter Ajhani Azure. Learn how to turn words into music and the complexity of navigating a writing career in the music industry.

May 6, 2023 01:30 pm

PANEL: Memorable Memoirs

Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Jen Sookfong Lee
Alessandra Naccarato
Moderator: Amanda Leduc

Three incredible memoirists take to the stage at Brampton’s impressive Rose Theatre to discuss their most recent memoirs.

May 6, 2023 03:00 pm

MICROWORKSHOP: Memoir with Elamin Abedelmahmoud

Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Gather round for an open Q&A on memoir writing with author and radio host Elamin Abedelmahmoud

May 6, 2023 04:00 pm

PANEL: Books with Buzz

Suzette Mayr
Ali Hassan
Catherine Hernandez
Moderator: Jael Richardson
Cherie Dimaline

Four authors behind some of the year’s buzziest books discuss the highs and lows of the season -- how their buzzy books made for a busy year, and how they’re coping with the ups and downs that come with publishing.

May 6, 2023 07:30 pm

PERFORMANCE: Spoken Word Showcase

Shelly Grace
Gavin Russell
Shahaddah Jack
Alessandra Naccarato
The Wild Woman

Spoken word host The Wild Woman returns to the Rose Studio to host an incredibly curated event of spoken word performers.

May 7, 2023 12:00 pm

SPECIALTY EVENT: THE HISTORICAL FICTION HIGH TEA

Suzette Mayr
Janika Oza
Sheila Murray
Moderator: Jael Richardson

The annual Sunday brunch is back! Don your Sunday best, assemble your fascinator, grab your friends, and join us for a delightful high tea with three incredible historical fiction writers. This history-making special-tea event includes fun trivia with incredible prizes. Limited availability. Be sure to reserve tickets by Sunday, April 30.

May 7, 2023 2:00 pm

FILM SCREENING: Scarborough

Join us for a screening of SCARBOROUGH, the film adaptation of the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. Over the course of a school year, 3 kids in a low-income neighbourhood find community and friendship at a drop-in reading program. This event is included in the cost of an in-person pass as part of FOLD 2023. Tickets are also available for $10 via Eventbrite https://scarboroughfilmfold2023.eventbrite.ca and at the door.

FOLD 2023 gratefully acknowledges our partnership with Film Circuit, presented by TIFF, and its sponsors and supporters. For more information about Film Circuit and to view a full list of their sponsors and supporters, please visit http://www.tiff.net/filmcircuit.

April 30, 2023 11:00 am

PRESENTATION AND TRIVIA: FOLD Kick-Off Event

Amanda Leduc
Ardo Omer
Jael Richardson
Jonisha Lewinson

Celebrate the launch of a brand-new season with this annual opening event. Find out about this year’s schedule and new features like the Roundtable and After-Party options on the virtual platform. There’s more fun than ever when you join in live, including participating in the trivia ahead of the evening events. And it wouldn’t be a kick-off without some trivia and prizes!

April 30, 2023 12:00 pm

PANEL: Where We Go From Here

El Jones
Robyn Maynard
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Anita Ragunathan

In this opening panel discussion, authors of two powerful social justice memoirs explore critical questions of care and community. Responding to some of the crises of recent years, they delve into their work as writers and activists -- exploring the origins of their most recent work and the community efforts that continue to shape their lives and their stories.

April 30, 2023 02:00 pm

PANEL: The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing

Carly Watters
CeCe Lyra
Bianca Marais
Léonicka Valcius
Kelvin Kong

Bianca Marais, CeCe Lyra and Carly Watters are the co-hosts of the popular podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, and with two special FOLD guest hosts — Leonicka Valcius and Kelvin Kong — will recreate "Books with Hooks", one of the most talked-about elements of their hit podcast for emerging writers looking to get published. This unique event is designed for anyone who’s ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how literary agents review submissions -- all moderated by a bestselling novelist who knows what it’s like to be on the other side of the slush pile. Find out what it takes to capture the attention of busy literary agents.

April 30, 2023 03:00 pm

NETWORKING: The Writer’s Hub

In this new interactive format, The Writer’s Hub returns to connect publishing professionals with writers at our festival roundtables. Drop-in and meet with Audible, Penguin Random House, Harlequin, Sheridan and more as they answer questions on important writing and publishing topics. Choose your own way around the discussions at your own pace.

April 30, 2023 05:00 pm

PANEL: Sensitivity Reads and Conscious Editing

Ameema Saeed
Fazeela Jiwa
Ronan Sadler
Ardo Omer

In addressing important subject matter, writers are seeking out sensitivity readers—people with the relevant lived experience—to navigate complex subject matter thoughtfully and accurately. Join Ronan Sadler, Fazeela Jiwa and Ameema Saeed in conversation with Ardo Omer as they discuss the complicated work of balancing sensitivity reads with the practice of conscious editing.

April 30, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Canada Reads Edition

Win books from this year’s Canada’s Reads finalists at our Canada Reads-themed trivia event.

April 30, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: Canada Reads Reunion

Dimitri Nasrallah
Kate Beaton
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Michael Christie
Moderator: Jael Richardson

The finalists from Canada Reads will discuss the process of being selected for the show and the process of navigating the debates. In conversation with Executive Director and Canada Reads superfan Jael Richardson, this is a panel you definitely don’t want to miss.

April 30, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: Canada Reads Reunion

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel event.

May 1, 2023 12:00 pm

PANEL: The Truth About Trends in Publishing

Casey Plett
Fazeela Jiwa
Hana El Niwairi
Moderator: Kern Carter

Over the past few years, paper shortages, virtual launches and events, political upheaval and a global pandemic have all contributed to shifts and changes in the publishing industry. But how do these trends impact marginalized authors and industry professionals. In this event, three industry professionals break down what happened, what is happening and the future implications for those in publishing.

May 1, 2023 02:00 pm

WORKSHOP: Acquisitions and Editing with Fazeela Jiwa

Fazeela Jiwa

Acquiring a writer is more than just finding the next big thing; it’s offering a platform to amplify certain voices. That comes with responsibility and requires great care, which developmental editing can provide. How can we approach acquisitions and developmental editing as a creative, collaborative process that builds community and supports liberation struggles? Join Fazeela Jiwa to explore a radical vision of the role of acquisitions and development editing.

May 1, 2023 04:00 pm

WORKSHOP: Writing 101 with Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Jesmeen Kaur Deo

In this workshop designed for writers curious about the publishing process, Jesmeen Kaur Deo will provide insight on her personal publishing experience as a debut author moving from query to print.

May 1, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Crime Fiction Edition

Join us live for a chance to win books at our crime-themed trivia event.

May 1, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: Crafty Heroes and Curious Villains

Sandra SG Wong
Wayne Arthurson
R. Barri Flowers
Hyacinthe Miller

Three crime fiction writers discuss the creation of incredible characters. Join Sandra SG Wong, R. Barri Flowers and Wayne Arthurson as they discuss craft secrets on the making of incredible heroes and impeccable villains.

May 1, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: Canada Reads Reunion

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel event.

May 2, 2023 10:00 am

SCHOOL GROUP INTERVIEW: The Writer's Life*

Zoulfa Katouh
Ardo Omer

In this Writer’s Life series event, Syrian author Zoulfa Katouh discusses her writing process and routine as Kids Coordinator Ardo Omer digs into the journey of writing her debut best-selling young adult novel, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow.

May 2, 2023 12:30 pm

SCHOOL GROUP PANEL: Telling Truths

Cody Caetano
Lindsay Ruck
Jen Sookfong Lee
Moderator: Alyssa Gray-Tyghter

Writing nonfiction can be tricky, especially for emerging writers. In this panel for young people, three nonfiction writers discuss how they turned their real-life stories and historical research into a book. How do you share those difficult personal moments? How do turn research into something interesting to read?

May 2, 2023 02:00 pm

PANEL: Disabled Futures

Susan Mockler
Nisi Shawl
Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch
Moderator: Amanda Leduc

Disability offers society both challenges as well as the unique opportunity to re-imagine the world in which we live. How can we use the insights of disability justice to imagine a radically different future? Join three brilliant writers in conversation with moderator Amanda Leduc as they discuss their own journeys with disability and offer ways of seeing--across various genres--that promise to change the way you view the world. .

May 2, 2023 04:00 pm

PANEL: Submissions and Selections

Kerry Byrne - Augur Mag
Therese Estacion - Arc
Anita Chong
Natasha Ramoutar

In this workshop-panel mashup, three publishing professionals dive into the difficult process of selecting work for a collective publication while tackling important tips and tricks that all writers should know when it comes to making submissions.

May 2, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Queer Joy Edition

Join us live for a chance to win books at our queer-joy themed trivia event. 

May 2, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: Queer Joy

Markus Harwood-Jones
Danny Ramadan
Tanya Turton
Moderator: Emmy Nordstrom Higdon

In this panel, three authors discuss their writing and their perspective on queer joy as it relates to their own writing, and in literature as a whole. What books have inspired their writing and their novel? What might it look like for LGBTQIAS+ writers to feel queer joy in all aspects of the process -- from creation to promotion?

May 2, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: Queer Joy

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel event.

May 3, 2023 10:00 am

SCHOOL GROUP WORKSHOP: Writing Compelling Characters with Daniel Aleman

Daniel Aleman

Great characters are a critical part of great stories. In this workshop for young people, young adult author Daniel Aleman explores tips and techniques for creating incredible characters. 

May 3, 2023 12:30 pm

SCHOOL GROUP PANEL: Complicated Families

Talia Hibbert
Jen Ferguson
Daniel Aleman
Moderator: Yeli Cruz

Families are messy -- which makes them perfect subject matter for great stories and storytelling. In this panel discussion designed for school groups, and readers and writers of young adult fiction, three authors discuss the family dynamics in their most recent novels and the process for creating and cultivating believable relatives and relationships.

May 3, 2023 02:00 pm

PANEL: LIFE AS AN EMERGING WRITER

Sandra Lamouche
Jessie Conrad
Julian Martin
January Rogers

Three emerging writers from Audible’s Indigenous Writers Circle discuss their plans and pursuits in a discussion about the real life challenges of navigating the publishing industry as an emerging writer.

May 3, 2023 04:00 pm

WORKSHOP: Writing Your Story with Susan Mockler

Susan Mockler

There are so many choices to navigate when you set out to write a memoir. Where do you begin your research? Whose stories do you tell? Whose memories can you trust? In this virtual workshop, memoirist Susan Mockler provides helpful and practical advice on shaping memories into strong memoirs.

May 3, 2023 07:00 pm

TRIVIA TIME: Romance Edition

Join us live for a chance to win books at our romance-themed trivia event.

May 3, 2023 07:30 pm

PANEL: What’s Love Got to Do With It

Roselle Lim
Gia de Cadenet
Markus Harwood-Jones
Moderator: Lavanya Narasimhan

Three writers dig into the process of writing romance -- discussing the tropes, the drama, and the happily ever afters. They’ll discuss what drew them to the hot and steamy genre and what keeps them going as they share the ups and downs of their most recent work and the perks and challenges of navigating a romance writing career.

May 3, 2023 08:30 pm

AFTER-PARTY: What’s Love Got to Do With It

Join authors and FOLD team members in an exclusive after-party following the evening panel.

May 4, 2023 10:00 am

SCHOOL GROUP PANEL: Great Escapes and Expectations

Kevin heronJones
Liselle Sambury
Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Being a teen can be tough. From managing the weight of expectations to dealing with big topics and world issues, it can feel like life is too big and too much to handle. In this panel designed just for students, four young adult authors discuss the ways reading and writing can be a tool for escape and entertainment, as well as a powerful tool to tackle everyday issues.

To attend in-person, educators can book through The Rose theatre by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or by email boxoffice@brampton.ca. This event will also be livestreamed.

May 4, 2023 12:30 pm

SCHOOL GROUP PERFORMANCE: The Spoken Word Showcase

Britta Badour
Gavin Russell
Tahira Rajwani
The Wild Woman

In our annual teen spoken word showcase, three poets take the mic and present incredible poetry. Hosted by poetry curator The Wild Woman, this event is geared towards high school students.

To attend in-person, educators can book through The Rose theatre by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or by email boxoffice@brampton.ca. This event will also be livestreamed.

May 5, 2023 7:30pm

SPECIALTY EVENT: The Great Readception

Alessandra Naccarato
Ali Hassan
Anuja Varghese
Catherine Hernandez
Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Jen Sookfong Lee
Host: Téa Mutonji

In this in-person evening event, a unique sampling of festival authors read from their works accompanied by music composed and performed by Brampton musician Carm Spada and a live jazz band. Whether you’re a regular FOLD attendee, a big reader or a lover of live entertainment, this not-to-be-missed signature event is designed to celebrate the power of storytelling and the magic of live musical performance.

May 6, 2023 11:00 am

PANEL: How We Did It

Casey Plett
Britta B
Dan K. Woo
Moderator: Kern Carter

Three authors whose works cross a range of form and style, discuss the process of writing and publishing, and the things they’ve learned about themselves along the way.

May 6, 2023 01:30 pm

PANEL: Memorable Memoirs

Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Jen Sookfong Lee
Alessandra Naccarato
Moderator: Amanda Leduc

Three incredible memoirists take to the stage at Brampton’s impressive Rose Theatre to discuss their most recent memoirs.

May 6, 2023 04:00 pm

PANEL: Books with Buzz

Suzette Mayr
Ali Hassan
Catherine Hernandez
Moderator: Jael Richardson
Cherie Dimaline

Four authors behind some of the year’s buzziest books discuss the highs and lows of the season -- how their buzzy books made for a busy year, and how they’re coping with the ups and downs that come with publishing.

May 4, 2023 10:00 am

SCHOOL GROUP PANEL: Great Escapes and Expectations

Kevin heronJones
Liselle Sambury
Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Being a teen can be tough. From managing the weight of expectations to dealing with big topics and world issues, it can feel like life is too big and too much to handle. In this panel designed just for students, four young adult authors discuss the ways reading and writing can be a tool for escape and entertainment, as well as a powerful tool to tackle everyday issues.

To attend in-person, educators can book through The Rose theatre by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or by email boxoffice@brampton.ca. This event will also be livestreamed.

May 4, 2023 12:30 pm

SCHOOL GROUP PERFORMANCE: The Spoken Word Showcase

Britta Badour
Gavin Russell
Tahira Rajwani
The Wild Woman

In our annual teen spoken word showcase, three poets take the mic and present incredible poetry. Hosted by poetry curator The Wild Woman, this event is geared towards high school students.

To attend in-person, educators can book through The Rose theatre by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or by email boxoffice@brampton.ca. This event will also be livestreamed.

May 4, 2023 07:30 pm

SPECIALTY EVENT: Dine + Draw: Dumpling Edition

Meegan Lim

Create art inspired by delicious food as Brampton-based illustrator Meegan Lim walks participants through her “exploding recipe” process. Dine on dumplings and learn about Meegan’s role in illustrating the anthology “What We Talk About When We Talk About Dumplings” in this new FOLD in-person evening event in partnership with the Brampton Arts Organization. Open to all skill levels. Limited space. Be sure to get your tickets by April 30. 

May 5, 2023 7:30pm

SPECIALTY EVENT: The Great Readception

Alessandra Naccarato
Ali Hassan
Anuja Varghese
Catherine Hernandez
Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Jen Sookfong Lee
Host: Téa Mutonji

In this in-person evening event, a unique sampling of festival authors read from their works accompanied by music composed and performed by Brampton musician Carm Spada and a live jazz band. Whether you’re a regular FOLD attendee, a big reader or a lover of live entertainment, this not-to-be-missed signature event is designed to celebrate the power of storytelling and the magic of live musical performance.

May 6, 2023 10:00 am

MICROWORKSHOP: Publishing with Casey Plett

Casey Plett

Grab a coffee and a notepad and sit down for an open Q&A with author and publisher Casey Plett.

May 6, 2023 11:00 am

PANEL: How We Did It

Casey Plett
Britta B
Dan K. Woo
Moderator: Kern Carter

Three authors whose works cross a range of form and style, discuss the process of writing and publishing, and the things they’ve learned about themselves along the way.

May 6, 2023 12:30 pm

MICROWORKSHOP: Songwriting with Ahjani Scott

Ajhani Azure

Sit down with local musician and songwriter Ajhani Azure. Learn how to turn words into music and the complexity of navigating a writing career in the music industry.

May 6, 2023 01:30 pm

PANEL: Memorable Memoirs

Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Jen Sookfong Lee
Alessandra Naccarato
Moderator: Amanda Leduc

Three incredible memoirists take to the stage at Brampton’s impressive Rose Theatre to discuss their most recent memoirs.

May 6, 2023 03:00 pm

MICROWORKSHOP: Memoir with Elamin Abedelmahmoud

Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Gather round for an open Q&A on memoir writing with author and radio host Elamin Abedelmahmoud

May 6, 2023 04:00 pm

PANEL: Books with Buzz

Suzette Mayr
Ali Hassan
Catherine Hernandez
Moderator: Jael Richardson
Cherie Dimaline

Four authors behind some of the year’s buzziest books discuss the highs and lows of the season -- how their buzzy books made for a busy year, and how they’re coping with the ups and downs that come with publishing.

May 6, 2023 07:30 pm

PERFORMANCE: Spoken Word Showcase

Shelly Grace
Gavin Russell
Shahaddah Jack
Alessandra Naccarato
The Wild Woman

Spoken word host The Wild Woman returns to the Rose Studio to host an incredibly curated event of spoken word performers.

May 7, 2023 12:00 pm

SPECIALTY EVENT: THE HISTORICAL FICTION HIGH TEA

Suzette Mayr
Janika Oza
Sheila Murray
Moderator: Jael Richardson

The annual Sunday brunch is back! Don your Sunday best, assemble your fascinator, grab your friends, and join us for a delightful high tea with three incredible historical fiction writers. This history-making special-tea event includes fun trivia with incredible prizes. Limited availability. Be sure to reserve tickets by Sunday, April 30.

May 7, 2023 2:00 pm

FILM SCREENING: Scarborough

Join us for a screening of SCARBOROUGH, the film adaptation of the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. Over the course of a school year, 3 kids in a low-income neighbourhood find community and friendship at a drop-in reading program. This event is included in the cost of an in-person pass as part of FOLD 2023. Tickets are also available for $10 via Eventbrite https://scarboroughfilmfold2023.eventbrite.ca and at the door.

FOLD 2023 gratefully acknowledges our partnership with Film Circuit, presented by TIFF, and its sponsors and supporters. For more information about Film Circuit and to view a full list of their sponsors and supporters, please visit http://www.tiff.net/filmcircuit.

Featured Speakers

Britta Badour

Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Britta Badour, better known as Britta B., is an award-winning artist, voice talent, educator, and poet living in Toronto. Her work has featured in notable spheres such as The Walrus Talks, Art Gallery of Ontario, Canadian Women’s Foundation, as well as literature festivals like the FOLD, Toronto International Festival of Authors, and LitFest Bergen. Britta holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Guelph and teaches spoken word performance at Seneca College. Wires that Sputter (McClelland & Stewart, 2023), is her debut collection of poetry.

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Cody Caetano

Cody Caetano is the author of Half-Bads in White Regalia (Hamish Hamilton). He works as a literary agent with CookeMcDermid.

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Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Jesmeen Kaur Deo grew up in northern British Columbia, where she spent most of her childhood daydreaming. She loves books that can make her laugh and tug at her heartstrings in the same paragraph. When not wrapped up in stories, she can be found biking, playing the harmonium, or struggling to open jars. TJ Powar Has Something to Prove is her debut novel.

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Jen Ferguson

Jen Ferguson (she/her) is Métis and white, an activist, a feminist, an auntie, and an accomplice armed with a PhD. She believes writing, teaching and beading are political acts. Her debut YA novel, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet, is out now from Heartdrum / HarperCollins.

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R. Barri Flowers

R. Barri Flowers is an award-winning criminologist and bestselling author of more than one hundred books. These include gripping crime, thriller, and romance fiction, entertaining young adult mysteries and children's books, riveting true crime books, and outstanding criminology titles. As a graduate of Michigan State University, Flowers is the recipient of the prestigious Wall of Fame Award from its renowned School of Criminal Justice. As an expert on violent criminality and serial killers, the author has appeared on popular television crime investigative documentary series, such as the Biography Channel’s Crime Stories, Investigation Discovery’s Wicked Attraction, and Oxygen’s Snapped: Killer Couples.

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Ali Hassan

Ali Hassan is a Stand-up Comic, Actor and CBC Personality. Ali is the host of the CBC Radio stand-up comedy show Laugh Out Loud, and the host of Canada Reads - the annual battle of the books celebrating the best of Canadian literature. Ali appears can be seen as a recurring guest star in Sort Of on CBC GEM and HBO Max, and the sitcom Run The Burbs on CBC Television, and just began touring his latest solo show ‘Does This Taste Funny?’ across Canada. His comedic memoir ‘Is There Bacon in Heaven?’ is out NOW with Simon & Schuster.

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Catherine Hernandez

Catherine Hernandez (she/her) is an award-winning author and screenwriter. She is a proud queer woman who is of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and Indian descent and married into the Navajo Nation. Her novel, Scarborough, was a finalist for several awards including Canada Reads 2022. She wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Scarborough, which won 8 Canadian Screen Awards including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Her second novel, Crosshairs, was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her novel, The Story of Us, was published this year. She is currently working on a few television projects and her fourth novel.

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Shahaddah Jack

Shahaddah Jack is an 18 year old bilingual spoken word poet, author, performer, emcee, human rights activist, arts facilitator, and student of life. She uses the realities of her identity to create stories of art that connect with others and are used to teach one of her greatest beliefs in life, that your pain is your power and our beauty is our story. Not only does she do this with her poetry, but conjointly with her activism and arts facilitation as well. For her efforts, Shahaddah has recently been announced as BGC Canada’s 2022 National Youth of The Year.

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El Jones

El Jones is a writer, professor, and activist who works with people facing deportation and incarceration. She is the author of Abolitionist Intimacies and Life from the Afrikan Resistance.

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Kevin heronJones

Kevin heronJones is a youth basketball coach, author, poet, journalist, editor, actor and lecturer. This electrifying artist is best known for his profound and powerful delivery. His poetry is edu-tainment. It is poignant and inspiring. Words that equally speak to the street, the church, the night club and institutions of higher learning. He attempts to analyze life beyond the physical and spiritual norms to find the scientific parallels between our art forms, belief systems and history. His prose challenges young people to look inward to find solutions and encourages young athletes to become more involved with literature.

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Zoulfa Katouh

Zoulfa Katouh is a Canadian with Syrian roots based in Switzerland. She is currently pursuing her master's in Drug Sciences and finds Studio Ghibli inspiration in the mountains, lakes, and stars surrounding her. When she's not talking to herself in the woodland forest, she's drinking iced coffee, baking aesthetic cookies and cakes, and telling everyone who would listen about how BTS paved the way. One of her many dreams is to get Kim Nam-joon to read one of her books.

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Jen Sookfong Lee

Jen Sookfong Lee was born and raised in Vancouver’s East Side, and she now lives with her family in North Burnaby. Her books include The Conjoined, nominated for International Dublin Literary Award and a finalist for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, The Better Mother, a finalist for the City of Vancouver Book Award, The End of East, The Shadow List, and Superfan. Jen acquires and edits for ECW Press and co-hosts the literary podcast Can’t Lit.

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Meegan Lim

Meegan Lim is an illustrator and arts facilitator based in Brampton, Ontario that strives to nurture community growth and healing through visual arts. She is known for her detailed illustrations focusing on food and cultural identity, and the vast stories within those intersections. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Illustration, specializing in Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation, from OCAD University.

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Suzette Mayr

Suzette Mayr is the author of six novels including her most recent, The Sleeping Car Porter, winner of the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Award. Her other novels have won the ReLit Award and City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize, and been nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Commonwealth Prize for Best Book in the Canada-Caribbean Region, the Writers' Guild of Alberta's Best First Book and Best Novel Awards, and the Ferro-Grumley Award for LGBT Fiction. Mayr teaches Creative Writing at the University of Calgary.

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Susan Mockler

Susan Mockler is a disabled writer living in Kingston, Ontario. Her recent memoir, Fractured, details her experiences with acquired disability following a car accident that left her with an incomplete spinal cord injury. Her book provides insights into the physical and psychological challenges she faced in rehabilitation and beyond, as well as the discrimination and marginalization she encountered when she was no longer able-bodied. Susan’s fiction and nonfiction have been published in a variety of Canadian and US publications.

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Sheila Murray

Sheila Murray’s 2022 debut novel, Finding Edward, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award and was a longlist nominee for Canada Reads 2023. It was listed in the Globe and Mail’s 100 best books, CBC’s best fiction, 49th Shelf’s best books and the Toronto Star’s books gift guide. Her short fiction has appeared in many Canadian literary journals. Sheila has worked as a documentary filmmaker and television sound editor. She moved to the non-profit sector in 2009, and leads a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative that engages urban residents in adapting to local climate change impacts.

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Dimitri Nasrallah

Dimitri Nasrallah is the author of four novels. His most recent, 2022’s Hotline, is a national bestseller that has been nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and shortlisted for CBC’s Canada Reads. He was born in Lebanon in 1977, and moved to Canada in 1988. His previous books include The Bleeds, Niko, and Blackbodying. He lives in Montreal, where he serves as fiction editor for Véhicule Press’s Esplanade Fiction imprint and teaches creative writing at Concordia University.

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Casey Plett

Casey Plett is the author of A Dream of a Woman, which was longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize; Little Fish, winner of a Lambda Literary Award, the Firecracker Award for Fiction, and the Amazon First Novel Award in Canada; and A Safe Girl to Love, also a winner of a Lambda Literary Award. She was the co-editor of Meanwhile, Elsewhere: Science Fiction and Fantasy From Transgender Writers alongside Cat Fitzpatrick. Plett has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, the Winnipeg Free Press, and other publications, and she is also the publisher at LittlePuss Press.

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Liselle Sambury

Liselle Sambury is the Trinidadian-Canadian author of the Governor General’s Literary Awards Finalist, Blood Like Magic. Her work spans multiple genres, from fantasy to sci-fi, horror, and more. In her free time, she shares helpful tips for upcoming writers and details of her publishing journey through a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the sometimes complicated business of being an author.

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Sandra SG Wong

Sandra SG Wong (she/her) writes fiction across genres, including the cross-genre Lola Starke novels, Crescent City short stories, and the bestselling standalone thriller, IN THE DARK WE FORGET. A Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence finalist & Whistler Independent Book Awards nominee, as well as a speaker, mentor, and hybrid author, Sandra currently chairs the DEIJB Advisory Committee for Sisters in Crime, and is an active member of Crime Writers of Color. You can join her Reader Group via sgwong.com.

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Daniel Aleman

Daniel Aleman is the award-winning author of Indivisible. He was born and raised in Mexico City. A graduate of McGill University, he is passionate about books, coffee, and dogs. After spending time in Montreal and the New York City area, he now lives in Toronto, where he is on a never-ending search for the best tacos in the city. His second novel, Brighter Than the Sun, was published this past March.

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Markus Harwood-Jones

Markus Harwood-Jones (he/they) is a proudly queer and trans space-case who has been writing since he can remember. Markus specializes in writing young-adult fiction and has a soft-spot for sappy love stories. He lives in downtown Toronto with his husband, their platonic co-parent, and their extra-cute kiddo. Markus is an aspiring TikTokker and can be found on social media under the handle @MarkusBones.

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Janika Oza

Janika Oza is the author of the novel, A HISTORY OF BURNING, forthcoming from McClelland & Stewart in May 2023. She is the winner of the 2022 O. Henry Prize for Short Fiction, and the 2020 Kenyon Review Short Fiction Award, and her stories and essays have appeared in publications such as The Best Small Fictions 2019 Anthology, Catapult, The Adroit Journal, and Prairie Schooner, among others. She lives in Toronto.

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Danny Ramadan

Danny Ramadan is an Award-winning Syrian-Canadian author and advocate for LGBTQ-identifying refugees. His work includes The Clothesline Swing, The Foghorn Echoes and the children’s series Adventures of Salma! His upcoming memoir Crooked Teeth is released in 2024. He had raised over $300k for Rainbow Refugee society since his arrival to Canada as a refugee in 2014.

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Nisi Shawl

Nisi Shawl (they/them) is the multiple award-winning author, co-author, and editor of over a dozen books of speculative fiction and related nonfiction, including the standard text on diverse representation in literature, Writing the Other; the African Congo alternate history novel Everfair; and the first two volumes of the New Suns anthology series. They’ve guest lectured at Duke University, Spelman College, Stanford University, Sarah Lawrence College, and many other institutions. Recent titles include the horror-friendly story collection Our Fruiting Bodies and the Middle Grade historical fantasy novel Speculation. Shawl teaches online writing courses via Hugo House and the Writing the Other | Online Writing Classes and Workshops website.

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Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer, and musician. She is the author of seven books, including the recent non-fiction A Short History of the Blockade, and the acclaimed novel Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies.

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Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2023 festival will run from April 30 to May 7. This year, and for the foreseeable future, the festival will open with an innovative virtual festival, followed by a unique in-person line-up of events. Dedicated virtual programming will run April 30 – May 3, while in-person events, many of which will be live-streamed and available on-demand for virtual audiences, will run May 4-7. We encourage you to participate in the community by joining us live wherever possible.
A virtual pass will give you access to all the virtual events at the festival. An in-person pass will give you access to in-person events (excluding specialty events) AND all virtual events.
Passes go on sale March 23 and will remain available for purchase until June 7, 2023.
Unfortunately, tickets to individual events are not possible. A festival pass will give you access to all the virtual events at the festival.
If you’d already checked out, and you want to add another pass or an additional in-person event to your order, you’ll need to use a different email to register for an additional ticket. If you’re purchasing the additional ticket for someone else, whenever possible, please use their information and email address.
All events are listed in Eastern Time. If you click on the schedule inside the festival platform, you can save events to your digital calendar in your own time zone.
The virtual platform that is used for the festival is an interactive website that is accessed using your email address and a password. You do not have to download any additional software. The platform includes halls and spaces for passholders to enter and explore. For virtual events, login and head to the Main Auditorium. Click on the screen, which will lead you to the festival schedule. A Play button appear next to an event, once it’s live – typically a bout minutes before the scheduled time). Click on the Play button and a Zoom pop up window will appear, which will allow you to watch the event. Click on the Chat button on the side of the festival platform screen to join in the discussion with fellow readers and writers or head to our roundtables for a video chat with authors, booklovers and industry professionals.
All virtual and select in-person events will be available live and on-demand on the virtual platform and posted within 24-hours for passholders to watch on-demand until June 7.
The FOLD virtual space is populated with Alt-Text. It includes an option to increase font size. All festival events – both virtual and in-person – will be live-captioned.
If you can’t enter the virtual space, click on the help button at the top right corner of the page. If you have problems navigating something inside the platform, head to the Help Desk and click on the sign marked “Technical Help”. If you have questions about the programming, you can also visit the Help Desk to reach FOLD staff.
The booklist for FOLD 2023 is available now. For those living in Canada, books can be purchased through our festival partner, Another Story Bookshop. All Canadian book orders received through ASB that include a title by a FOLD 2023 author will come with a limited-edition festival gift pack, which includes a program and a few other festival goodies. Only while supplies last. For festival goers in the US and the UK, please visit the Book Depository website.
We accept donations year-round at Canada Helps. You can become a monthly donor or a single-time donor.
FOLD events take place at Brampton’s prestigious Rose Theatre. There are ramps at every entrance and there are elevators 5 meters from the accessible parking spaces in the Rose’s underground parking garage. The elevators are 10 metres from the theatre entrance and the wheelchair accessible seating is located at the centre of the theatre, about 10 metres from the theatre doors. There are large, gender-specific washrooms with accessible stalls. There are also spacious, non-gendered individual washrooms with accessible e-button doors on both sides of the lobby and auditorium.
Being mindful of the various needs of our staff, authors and guests, masks are required at all FOLD events and for all book signings. At events where food is served indoors, masking may not be possible at all times in all areas of the venue. Please refer to our public health policy page for a detailed breakdown of our in-person event spaces.