Salon du livre Book Fair 2026

Celebrate the power of stories, language, and imagination at the Prince Edward Island Book Fair, one of the province’s premier literary and cultural events. Bringing together readers, writers, educators, publishers, and community members from across PEI and beyond, this vibrant festival showcases the richness of Francophone literature and culture.

The event features more than 25 French-speaking authors from across Canada, over 100 workshops and presentations, and engaging activities for readers of all ages. Students from French-language schools and French immersion programs can take part in interactive conferences, workshops, and author visits designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing.

Visitors can also explore a bustling marketplace featuring approximately 20 exhibitor booths representing more than 100 publishing houses, discover new books, meet authors, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts.

With thousands of participants, dedicated volunteers, and strong support from community, public, and government partners, the Prince Edward Island Book Fair is a dynamic celebration of books, culture, learning, and the French language.

 

Thursday, June 4th

Thursday, June 4 – Literary Festival Program

Join us for an inspiring evening of stories, books, culture, and conversation featuring acclaimed authors, family activities, and special guests.

✈️ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Adventures of a Female Pilot: An Extraordinary Life Told in an Ordinary Way Discover the remarkable journey of a pioneering female pilot ,Marielle Veilleux, as she shares stories from a life filled with adventure, perseverance, and unforgettable experiences.

📚 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Step into the World of the Dragouilles A fun and interactive literary experience for children in Grades 1–6. Young readers will explore the imaginative world of the beloved Dragouilles characters through stories and activities.

Sponsored by the Fédération des parents de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard.

📖 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

What to Read This Summer? Looking for your next great read? Discover recommended titles, hidden gems, and exciting new releases perfect for summer reading.

🎉 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Official Opening Ceremony Celebrate the official opening of the festival with welcoming remarks and a special musical performance by students from École-sur-Mer, under the direction of Madame Mylène Ouellette.

🎤 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Keynote Address with Zachary Richard Acclaimed singer-songwriter, poet, and cultural ambassador Zachary Richard will share insights from his remarkable career and reflections on language, culture, and storytelling.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

Friday, June 5th

Friday, June 5 – Literary Festival Program

Enjoy a full day of literary discovery, inspiring conversations, family activities, and special guest appearances featuring celebrated authors, storytellers, and cultural figures.

☕ 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Le Réveil I-P-É – Live Morning Radio Show Start your day with a live broadcast of Le Réveil I-P-É featuring lively discussion, interviews, and community connections.

A continental breakfast is included.

Presented by Radio-Canada Acadie in collaboration with La Belle-Alliance.


🍽️ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Luncheon Conference with Zachary Richard Join renowned Acadian artist, poet, and cultural ambassador Zachary Richard for a special luncheon presentation. The event will include readings from his works Transfo and Les Rafales du Carême, along with reflections on language, culture, and creativity.

Registration required. Full meal and dessert included. To register: salondulivreipe@gmail.com


🧶 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Stories, a Mystery… and Knitting An afternoon celebrating storytelling and creativity in honour of Sylvie Toupin. Best-selling author Suzanne Aubry will share captivating stories and reflections during this unique literary gathering.


🔎 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM

Mystery on the Island! Join author Denis M. Boucher for the launch of his 11th novel in the beloved Bouton d’Or Acadie series, La Dame blanche de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Discover clues, solve mysteries, and dive into an exciting Island adventure inspired by local legends.


🎨📖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Stories and Sketches: Will You Be the Hero or the Villain? Authors Patrick Isabelle and Tristan Demers invite youth to help create a story through imagination, creativity, and illustration. This interactive workshop encourages participants to shape characters, plots, and adventures in real time.

Pizza and a candy bar will follow the workshop.

Recommended for Grades 6 and up.

Patrick Isabelle’s participation is made possible through the support of Club Richelieu Évangéline. Tristan Demers’ tour is supported by Canadian Parents for French PEI.


🍗🚗 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Wings, Beer & Cars Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss this relaxed evening with automotive columnist Antoine Joubert. Hear stories, insights, and expert commentary from one of Canada’s leading automotive voices while enjoying wings and refreshments.

Registration required: salondulivreipe@gmail.com Free presentation • Cash bar • Low-cost wings available


🔍 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Revelations with Victoria Charlton Step into the fascinating world of true crime, mysterious disappearances, and unsolved cases with best-selling author and popular storyteller Victoria Charlton. Discover the stories behind some of Canada’s most intriguing mysteries during this engaging evening presentation.

Light refreshments available for purchase. Cash bar.

Registration required: salondulivreipe@gmail.com Free presentation

Presented with the support of Actions Femmes Î.-P.-É.

Saturday, June 6th

Saturday, June 6 – Literary Festival Program

Celebrate a full day of learning, storytelling, history, creativity, and community with authors, educators, historians, and special guests from across the Francophone world.


🌎 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Building Resilience and Emotional Intelligence in Children: Which PLANET Are You On? Teacher and author Isabelle Cormier presents an engaging and practical discussion on helping children develop emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience in today’s world.

Sponsored by Cap Enfants.


🎨📚 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

A Whirlwind of Wordplay and Imagery Young readers are invited to explore the creative process with author Martine Arpin and illustrator Marianne Dubuc in this interactive workshop combining storytelling, imagination, and art.

Recommended for Grades 2–6.


🚀 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dragouilles in Space with Karine Gottot Join author Karine Gottot as she shares her latest adventure featuring the beloved Dragouilles characters. A fun and engaging literary experience for young readers.

Recommended for Grades 2–6.

Sponsored by the Fédération des parents de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard.


🥪🌊 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Beaches and Lunchboxes! Author Nicole Poirier invites young children on a delightful journey of discovery as she reveals what surprises might be hiding in her lunchbox.

Recommended for children under 6 years old.

Sponsored by the Association des centres de la petite enfance francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard.


📱 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Role of Screens in Our Lives and Those of Our Children Join educator Yves Nadon for a thoughtful and realistic conversation about screen time, social media, and how technology shapes our daily lives and the lives of our children.

Sponsored by Réseau Santé en français Î.-P.-É.


🎵 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cayouche and the “Acadie du Party” Drawing on interviews with Cayouche and those closest to him, author Gabriel Arsenault explores the cultural phenomenon of “Acadie du party” and its place in Acadian identity and popular culture.


🍽️ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Lunch Date with Suzanne Aubry Spend the afternoon with acclaimed author Suzanne Aubry as she discusses the historical sagas, memorable characters, and creative inspirations behind her celebrated novels.

Registration required. Full meal and dessert included. To register: salondulivreipe@gmail.com


🎥🔍 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Victoria Charlton: True Crime, Investigation, and Influence In this interview-style presentation, author, YouTuber, and influencer Victoria Charlton shares how she uses research, storytelling, and social media to engage audiences and help bring attention to unsolved crimes and missing persons cases.


📜 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

A Pair of Historians: Observe, Understand, Remember Historians Georges Arsenault and André-Carl Vachon come together for a fascinating discussion on Acadian history, heritage, and the importance of preserving collective memory.

Sponsored by the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation.


✍️🌟 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Celebration of Authors and Poets from Our Schools Join us in recognizing and celebrating the creativity, talent, and achievements of young writers and poets from schools across Prince Edward Island.


🎉 3:00 PM

Closing Ceremony Celebrate the conclusion of the festival with closing remarks, acknowledgements, and exciting prize draws as we reflect on another memorable year of literature, culture, and community.

 

To learn more about the Prince Edward Island Book Fair and view the full program, visit [https://www.salondulivreipe.ca/].

Date:

Thu, Jun 4 - Sat, Jun 6

Venue

Centre Belle-Alliance

Address

5 Maris Stella Ave, Summerside