Winterset in Summer 2025 will take place Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10.
Unless otherwise noted, all sessions are at the Beaches Arts and Heritage Centre.
Winterset In Summer
When: Friday – Sunday, August 8 – 10, 2025
*This doesn’t include Lisa Moore’s Writing Workshop at Sandy Cove Hall on Friday and Saturday morning.
$175.00
When: Friday August 8, 12:30 pm
The festival formally opens on Friday, August 8th, with well known voice of CBC’s culture beat, Atlantic talent, podcasting, and herself a first-time novelist with Breakwater (The Saltbox Olive), Angela Antle will host that conversation with BMO Winterset Award Fiction Winner Susie Taylor (Vigil).
$30.00
When: Friday August 8, 3:00 pm
Friday afternoon, we will be welcoming acclaimed author, the multi-awarded Jane Urquhart to our stage to read and talk about her latest widely praised novel, In Winter I Get Up at Night and what she might be working on next. The award-winning former CBC journalist, host, and producer Ramona Dearing.
$30.00
When: Friday August 8, 8:00 pm
Join us for a night of laughter, music, and unforgettable storytelling as the one and only Lorne Elliott takes the Winterset stage for the very first time. A beloved Canadian comedian, playwright, author, and musician, Elliott’s signature wit and charm have captivated audiences from coast to coast. Expect an evening filled with clever humour, unexpected turns, and the kind of warmth that makes live performance magic. This is a not-to-be-missed highlight of the festival!
$30.00
When: Saturday August 9, 10:30 am
Saturday morning starts with a spark! Breakwater Book Breakouts brings together three standout writers—Monica Kidd, Willow Kean, and Rod Moody-Corbett—each published by Breakwater Books, a press that’s become a powerhouse for emerging literary talent in the province. Hosted by our very own Program Chair Noreen Golfman.
$30.00
When: Saturday August 9, 12:30 pm (Sandy Cove Hall)
Saturday midday is shaping up to be something truly special!We’re thrilled to welcome celebrated Canada Reads winning Heather O’Neill and Arizona O’Neill to Winterset 2025.Together, they’ve created Valentine — a brilliant new collaboration coming this spring! Ted Blades, the retired journalist will host this conversation.
$30.00
When: Saturday August 9, 3:00 pm
Saturday afternoon at Winterset 2025 promises big ideas and lots of inspiration! Join us for a thoughtful panel featuring Tamas Dobozy and Gerard Collins — award-winning writers and passionate teachers — in conversation with author Aaron Tucker.
$30.00
When: Saturday August 9, 8:00 pm
The Highlight of Saturday is in the evening panel with legendary interviewer Eleanor Wachtel joining BMO Winterset Non-Fiction winners Lisa Moore and Jack Whalen to dive into Invisible Prisons. Big ideas, bold stories — this one’s going to spark something special.
$30.00
Free Admission/Open to the public.
When: Sunday, August 10, 10:00 am
Start your Sunday with a burst of creativity! Join acclaimed author Lisa Moore for her Writing Workshop Presentation, hosted by the insightful Jennifer Guy. Be among the first to witness the bold new voices and fresh stories born from Lisa’s weekend workshop.
When: Sunday August 10, 12:00 pm
Closing out the weekend with a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss! Join BMO Winterset Award finalists Sara Power (Art of Camouflage) and Ashleigh Matthews (Otherwise Grossly Unremarkable) as they reflect on craft, creativity, and recognition at one of NL’s most celebrated literary prizes. Hosted by the incomparable Marjorie Doyle, this session is the perfect final chapter to your festival story.
$30.00
