Event Spotlight: Reading In The Wild, Calgary's Outdoor Read-A-Thon

📚 Get ready, Calgary — this one’s for the book lovers (big and small)! On June 24, Reading In The Wild is turning the great outdoors into the ultimate storytime escape. Bring a blanket, grab your favourite reads, and join other families for Calgary’s very own outdoor read-a-thon — complete with fresh air, imagination, and plenty of kid-friendly fun. Trust us, this isn’t your average reading session.

This free, all-ages community Read-A-Thon invites everyone from toddlers to seniors, and even book-loving pups—to gather with their fellow Calgarians and enjoy the simple, shared joy of reading outside. Readers can bring their own books or select something magical from a specially curated collection provided by Calgary Public Library. Last year’s inaugural event drew hundreds of readers, and 2025 registration is already exceeding expectations. 

What You Need to Know:

• Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

• Time: 4:00 PM -7:00 PM

• Location: Memorial Park Library (Outside), Calgary, AB

• Tickets & Information: Free of cost but please RSVP here: https://wordfest.com/2025/event/reading-in-the-wild/ 

  
  

Reading in the Wild Highlights:

• Live music by Calgary-based string duo Solatido.

• Complimentary Village Ice Cream for the first 200 humans and a special dog-friendly “Pup Cup”  for furry friends.

• Pop-up cafe from our friends at Barrow Espresso.

• Letterpress printing with The Sprawl’s pop-up press.

• Outdoor family games hosted by Calgary Public Library.

• Event photography by David Kotsibie of Persuasion Photography.

• Live social sharing – tag @Wordfest and use #ReadingInTheWild to be featured.

“There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing hundreds of people quietly reading together in the heart of the city,” says Wordfest CEO & Creative Ringleader, Shelley Youngblut. “This is one of the most joyful, radically inclusive events we’ve ever created. All you have to do is show up and read.”

Happy Wandering, and hopefully we'll see you there!