Presented by Calgary Spoken Word Society with the Stroll of Poets, Wise Women: Magic Words is a four-day festival celebrating the feminine divine through poetry, storytelling, music and film. Join award-winning and internationally acclaimed poets from September 17 to 20, 2026, at Festival Hall (1215 10 Ave SE). Attendees will experience an unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection and the power of words. The lineup includes globally acclaimed poets Anne Waldman, Susan Musgrave, Louise Bernice Halfe – Sky Dancer, Sheri-D Wilson, Micheline Maylor, Clara A.B. Joseph, Shone Thistle, Skylar Kay and Ashley Frerichs. Alongside its celebrated poets, the festival will premiere films by The Barcelona Bakery of No-Return by Sheri-D Wilson and Outrider: Anne Waldman by Alystyre Julian, directed by Sandi Somers. Each event offers a unique opportunity to hear from storytellers whose work has shaped contemporary literature while exploring themes of resilience, imagination and transformation. Tickets are available by donation and can be reserved through the Calgary Spoken Word Society’s website.

The festival’s programming includes two evening events on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, with the launch of Louise Bernice Halfe's newest book WÂHTAMAWIK: Tell Them, an artist talk with Anne Waldman, Dharma Gaze and on Sunday, September 20, a double film premiere of poetry films. Wise Women: Magic Words is part of a larger event, The Stroll of Poets, which will bring 25 local poets and guests are invited to explore events throughout Inglewood. The four-day event brings the community together to experience performances from local and international artists who have shaped the worlds of poetry, storytelling, song and movement on a global stage. 

"Sometimes the stars align and extraordinary magic takes hold. That's exactly what's happening at Wise Women: Magic Words," says Sheri-D Wilson, Organizer for Wise Women: Magic Words. "This festival is an invitation for everyone to gather, connect and experience the power of poetry, story and imagination. When people come together with open hearts, remarkable things happen." 

Tickets are available now by donation, with each festival event sold separately and can be purchased here. To learn more about Wise Women: Magic Words, featured artists and programming, visit the Calgary Spoken Word Society website.