If you thought literary festivals were just hushed rooms and dry readings, think again. The Frye Festival—Moncton’s week-long celebration of the written word—is Atlantic Canada’s largest literary event, but it reads more like a cultural block party than a stuffy seminar. Taking over Moncton from April 24 to May 4, 2025, the festival blends intellect with energy, charm with charisma, and, yes, English with French. This is literature, à la New Brunswick.
From Frye with Flair
Named after the iconic Canadian literary critic Northrop Frye, who grew up in Moncton and went on to shape modern criticism, the festival is a love letter to big ideas, critical thinking, and community connection. Since its debut in 2000, Frye Fest has attracted more than 450 award-winning authors from around the world—but it’s not about who you know. It’s about how words make you feel, how stories bring us together, and how a good poem can hit like a shot of espresso.
Lit with a Twist: What’s On in 2025
This year’s lineup is serving up over 50 events across the city, and whether you're into slam poetry, children's books, or a boozy literary cabaret, there’s something for every kind of reader—even the kind who hasn't cracked a book since high school.
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Opening Night & Frye Fever: Things kick off April 24 with Frye Trivia at Tire Shack Brewing Co.—because nothing says “smart is sexy” like bookish banter over craft beer. Then on April 25, head to Aberdeen Cultural Centre for Frye Fever, a cabaret-style literary showcase where ideas and performances collide.
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KidsFest: Sunday, April 27 is for the mini wordsmiths. KidsFest delivers storytelling, interactive readings, and enough imagination to power the next generation of New Brunswick creatives.
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Literary Lunches: Between April 28–30, Les Brumes du Coude hosts Literary Lunches, pairing gourmet eats with deliciously thoughtful readings. Come for the salmon tartare, stay for the existential crisis.
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Workshops & Panels: Topics include multilingual writing, community storytelling, and the art of literary translation—because even words need passports.
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A Tribute to a Legend: This year, the festival honours the life and legacy of Antonine Maillet, the Acadian literary icon who passed away in early 2025. Expect a heartfelt celebration of her contributions to language, identity, and Acadian culture. It’s one of those moments that will remind you literature can be revolutionary—and very, very local.
Why It Works (and Why You’ll Love It)
What makes the Frye Festival special isn’t just its stellar programming or A-list literary guests. It’s the city-wide sense of curiosity it sparks. From high school classrooms to downtown breweries, this is a festival that connects people through words—whatever language they speak.
And in true Moncton style, it’s proudly bilingual, fiercely inclusive, and unexpectedly fun. Think less “Shhh!” and more “Cheers!”
Come for the Stories, Stay for the Vibe
So whether you're a die-hard bibliophile, a poetry dabbler, or just someone who likes your culture with a chaser of craft beer, consider this your official invite. The Frye Festival isn’t just about books—it’s about ideas, community, and celebrating the magic that happens when the right words meet the right people.
Full lineup, tickets, and festival details at frye.ca.
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