Ages
0-18 years
Hours
Festival: October 4 & 5, 2025; other programs vary; year-round virtual and community events
Programs
5 available
Seasons
Year-Round, Summer, March Break, PA Day
Telling Tales is Canada’s leading children’s literary festival and registered charity that connects children and youth with Canadian authors, illustrators, and storytellers through its signature annual festival and year-round interactive programming. Serving children and families primarily in Hamilton and beyond, it offers in-person and virtual events designed to inspire a lifelong passion for reading and literacy. Its unique approach includes inclusive, multi-sensory activities and a diverse lineup of presenters reflecting the community.
Programs (5)
Telling Tales Festival
A free, two-day children’s literary festival held annually in the fall at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park featuring over 70 presentations by Canadian authors, illustrators, and storytellers. The festival includes multiple age-targeted tents and autograph sessions, offering live storytelling, readings, and interactive activities.
School Programming
Virtual educational programs offered in spring for students and educators across Canada, including partnerships with Hamilton District School Board and Hamilton Catholic District School Board. Programs feature Canadian authors sharing stories with classrooms.
Inclusive Tales
Drop-in reading and activity hours designed for children and youth who learn best through multi-sensory activities. Delivered in partnership with Hamilton Public Library and designed by a registered Occupational Therapist to be inclusive and accessible.
Imagine In The Park
A day of fun in June featuring children’s picture book authors performing at the Telling Tales performance tent during the Imagine In The Park event.
Celebrating Graphic Novels
Virtual programming featuring presentations by graphic novel creators, hosted by Kevin Sylvester, offered on demand for one week following the event.
- Multiple programming tents (Main Stage, Read Together Tent, Early Reader Tent, Preteen Tent, Young Adult Tent, Creativity Zones)
- Autograph tents
- Book Swap & Shop
- Sheltered areas for rain or shine
- Water refill stations
- Quench Buggy
- Canada’s leading children’s literary festival since 2009
- Free annual two-day festival with 70+ presentations
- Year-round in-person and virtual programming
- Inclusive multi-sensory activities designed by an Occupational Therapist
- Diverse lineup of Canadian authors and illustrators
- Strong community partnerships with schools and libraries
- On-demand library of recorded presentations
- Focus on literacy and social inclusion
October 4 & 5, 2025
April and May 2024
June 6 & 7, 2025
June 10-12, 2025
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