Saint John’s literary community will take centre stage as the Fog Lit Festival 2026 returns to Uptown Saint John from October 14 to 17, bringing Canadian authors, poets, publishers and readers together for four days of literary events, readings and conversations. The annual festival celebrates the power of storytelling while creating opportunities for residents to discover new voices and connect through literature.
The festival opens Wednesday, October 14, with a free event featuring Giller-shortlisted novelist Nicholas Herring, author of Your Breath in Charcoal. Presented in collaboration with the University of New Brunswick’s Lorenzo Society, the event takes place at 7 p.m. at the Saint John Arts Centre.
On Thursday, October 15, the Arts Centre will host Poets in Conversation, featuring Nick Thran, Sue Sinclair and Michi (Nhung An). The poets will share their perspectives and work, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with contemporary poetry.
Friday’s programme brings a literary twist to trivia night. Hosted by Neil Bonner, Fog Lit Literary Trivia takes place at 7 p.m. at the Write Cup Bookstore Café.
Saturday, October 17, offers activities for a range of literary interests. Children can enjoy a 2 p.m. event at the Saint John Free Public Library’s Central Branch featuring Mike Bravener and his book Lumberjack’s Alphabet. Aspiring writers can attend Pitch the Publisher at 4 p.m. at the Write Cup Bookstore Café, while music enthusiasts and readers can close out the festival at 7 p.m. at Five and Dime with author Michael Rancic, discussing A Nation of Tinkerers: A History of Electronic Music in Canada from 1945 to 1985.
“ We are so pleased to have brought this festival back at a time when literacy and literature matter more than ever, in New Brunswick and beyond,” said Fog Lit Co-Chair Lindsay Jacquard. “Now, in the third year since our relaunch, the support of the local community reminds us just how important Fog Lit is for our region.”
First launched in 2013, Fog Lit ran throughout the 2010s before pausing during the pandemic. The festival returned in a new form in 2024, continuing its role in celebrating Atlantic Canadian literature and bringing writers and readers together.
With author conversations, poetry, children’s programming and opportunities for emerging writers, Fog Lit 2026 invites residents to experience the literary talent of New Brunswick and beyond while supporting Saint John’s cultural life. For readers, aspiring writers and anyone who appreciates a good story, the festival offers an opportunity to discover something new in the heart of the city.
