Great Tales Never Grow Old!

School Programming

Our season begins in the spring with virtual educational programs accessible for students and educators from across the country. We provide a platform for authors to share their stories with classrooms throughout the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. We also create free student events like StoryScapes and CGN that have registration open to all! Learn more here, register, and get involved!

Telling Tales Festival

Mark your calendars! Our 19th annual Telling Tales Festival takes place October 2, 2027, with the venue to be announced soon. This year’s festival is made for kids ages 0–12 and the grown-ups who read with them. Expect the unexpected with interactive readings, performances, and hands-on fun with an award-winning, diverse lineup of Canadian authors, illustrators, and storytellers. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about our venue, presenters, and schedule.

Imagine In The Park

In June, we join our friends at Imagine In The Park for a day of fun with some of our favourite children’s picture book authors. We invite along a few of Canada’s best-loved picture book authors, who will entertain our youngest audience members with readings from their latest stories.

Event Date TBC

Thank you for an Amazing 2026 Festival!

What a celebration! This fall, 9,200 readers of all ages joined us at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park for the 18th annual Telling Tales Festival. Amazing Canadian authors, illustrators and storytellers, filled our tents with stories, laughter and imagination.

Thank you to our presenters, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors and every family who came out. You make Telling Tales possible.

Celebrating Graphic Novels

Next up, on December 9, 10, and 11, 2026 we continue to offer virtual programming with an all-star lineup of presenters sharing their stories and engaging audiences both near and far. Celebrating Graphic Novels will feature virtual interactive presentations hosted by Kevin Sylvester. This series is offered on demand for one week following the series.

Inclusive Tales

Inclusive Tales began in 2024 as a pilot with the Hamilton Public Library. It was guided by research with a registered Occupational Therapist into how children who learn by moving, touching and playing experience stories. What we learned now shapes every Telling Tales program and the Festival. Families can expect sensory-friendly quiet zones, storytelling that invites kids to move and play along, ASL-interpreted presentations, and tents organized by age so it’s easier to get around. On Saturday at the 2026 festival, every stage included ASL-interpreted sessions and sensory kits. In 2027, as the festival focuses on children ages 0–12, we’re planning additional features. Learn more about our inclusive and accessible model.