#1 Media & Literary Event
A maximum capacity crowd of 450 of Canada’s literary elite are set to return to the Ritz-Carlton for the televised Giller Prize Gala this year, when the richest prize in Canadian fiction will be awarded. In 2017, the winner was Toronto author Michael Redhill for his novel Bellevue Square. Next: November 19, 2018
#2 Media & Literary Event
The outdoor celebration of reading adds an extra day this year, sponsored by the Toronto Public Library, featuring authors and leading Canadian personalities discussing current events and exploring Canadian identity. Attendance shrank to 200,000 in 2017 due to extremely hot weather, but is expected to rebound in 2018. Next: September 22-23, 2018
#3 Media & Literary Event
Upward of 15,000 book lovers are expected to attend the 11-day festival, which will feature more daytime events and more free events for the public. The Toronto Star is the major media partner and University of Toronto Bookstore is the official book seller. Next: October 18-28, 2018
#4 Media & Literary Event
The public policy soirees introduced a subscription program in 2018, allowing people to automatically renew their seats for the debates, which usually sell out ahead of time at 2,600-seat Roy Thomson Hall. Next: November 2018
#5 Media & Literary Event (up from #6)
The Distillery District’s Fermenting Cellar was once again at capacity for the invitation-only award gala, dinner, and dance party that awarded $65,000 to two poets—Canada’s Billy-Ray Belcourt and American Susan Howe. New this year: The award presentation was livestreamed for public viewership. Next: June 6, 2019
#6 Media & Literary Event (new to the list)
Almost 475 CanLit lovers and 50 authors were on hand at the sold-out gala at the Four Seasons Hotel. The evening featured cocktails, dinner, comedy, and the announcement of a $50,000 fellowship, which went to Eden Robinson. Next: November 13, 2018
#7 Media & Literary Event (new to the list)
The gala in support of PEN Canada, which advocates for authors’ right to peaceful freedom of expression, moved to Queen Street’s Great Hall this year, where 160 literary activists enjoyed a sold-out dinner and conversation with British novelist Martin Amis. Sponsors included St. Michael’s College and University of Toronto. Next year will fete acclaimed Toronto authors and power couple Margaret Atwood and Graham Gibson at the Carlu. Next: Winter 2019
#8 Media & Literary Event
The celebration of magazine writers, artists, editors, and publishers returned to the Arcadian court in 2018, with 400 industry insiders representing the 81 nominated publications. Oliver & Bonacini Events catered, and the Ontario Arts Council and Readers’ Digest Foundation were sponsors. Next: Spring 2019
#9 Media & Literary Event
A sold-out crowd of 600 journalists, media executives, and corporate leaders celebrated courageous and impactful reporting at the awards, held at the Fairmont Royal York. Special performances by the Arkells and Sarah Harmer were highlights, as well as a satirical news sketch by the Beaverton’s Emma Hunter and Miguel Rivas. Next: June 2019
