A new chapter

Winnipeg's long-standing annual literary festival is set to return this fall, boasting a new name, executive director, and condensed schedule. The festival, formerly known as Thin Air/Livres en fête, has undergone significant changes. New executive director Laura Meuckon, who previously worked as a producer at Shaw TV and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, took over the organization earlier this year.

Meuckon emphasizes her storytelling background and commitment to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for readers and writers. The festival will take place October 1-4 at The Forks Market, with free admission for most events. Among the featured authors are local talents Philipp Schott, Sam K MacKinnon, Catherine Hunter, Margaret Sweatman, and Lindsay Wong, as well as nationally recognized writers such as Bill Gaston, Michelle Good, bill bissett, Richard Van Camp, and Nick Cutter.

Meuckon believes that centralizing and condensing the festival will create more opportunities for meaningful connections between writers and readers. With her team's first year in mind, Meuckon hopes for a streamlined, inclusive festival that will set the stage for future growth and attract international authors in 2027.