Hamilton 
Events Description
Join Telling Tales at RBG for the 18th anniversary Telling Tales Festival
2 days | 5 stages | 65+ presenters
Join us for the 18th Telling Tales Festival at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Since 2009, this annual event features over 70 presentations of Canada’s leading children’s authors, illustrators, and storytellers in five vibrant tents!
Come to the 2026 Festival for:
Free access to the Royal Botanical Gardens! Register for the opportunity to see these amazing gardens brought to life with the magic of Children’s Literature.
Book Swap & Shop | Échange et achat de livres! Bring your old books and trade them in for new-to-you stories. With french books available in partnership with Centre francophone Hamilton.
Author Signings! Meet your favourite authors in person following each festival presentation!
Multidisciplinary Performers! Catch live music, puppet shows, and dance, all at Telling Tales!
Interactive walks and activities! Join guided story walks, play games at our vendor tents, or sing a song with our musicians.
Local artisans and vendors! Visit our Exhibitors to peruse local talent and support local artists.
AND MUCH MORE!
Join 50 of Canada’s finest children’s authors and illustrators, along with 20 storytelling presentations by local multi-disciplinary artists including musicians, dancers, performing artists, spoken word performers, and more. Enjoy story readings, sculpture walks, creative workshops, theatrical productions, live music, and more. On the lawn or under a tent, participate together with the whole family!
Internationally acclaimed Festival Headliners take the Main Stage at 12:15 pm daily.
Our Saturday headliner is Barbara Reid (author/illustrator of The Story Hunter).
Our Sunday headliner is Danny Ramadan (author of Salma The Syrian Chef).
HOW MUCH
Tickets:
Register
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
October 3 & 4, 2026
Time Ticketing
9:30 to 10:30 am, 10:30 to 11:30 am, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, 12:30 to 1:30 pm, 1:30 to 2:30 pm, 2:30 to 3:30 pm (final entry 3:30 pm)
Venue:
Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
More to Do:
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