We are hard at work behind the scenes getting ready for our 2023 Telling Tales Festival at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Stay tuned for our full schedule and stage launch in August!

Two Days of Festival Fun

Telling Tales believes in creating meaningful connections with the natural world. Finding the “awe” in nature—like discovering a story that speaks to you—can encourage creativity and emotional growth. Telling Tales’ partnership with Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) provides the perfect opportunity to connect children and their families with stories, nature, and art. 

The 15th Annual Telling Tales Festival will run over 2 days at RBG’s world-renowned Hendrie Park. Join Canada’s finest children’s authors & illustrators, along with local artists, performers, and RBG Ambassadors who will engage with families in story readings, nature walks, creative workshops, music, and more. The natural surroundings of RBG, beautifully accented by the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection is the ideal setting for families to share a love of reading and nature. 

We gratefully acknowledge the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture, Ontario Arts Council, City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, Hamilton Community Foundation and the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection at RBG for helping to bring these talented Canadian artists to our community. 

Visit our stage pages for details and presentations
(coming in August)


Be sure to check out our 2020-2021 presentations on demand.

Watch Now

“I think it is the perfect event to take a child. My daughter was so happy, doing the walking trail and reading and getting videos too. She was super eager to fill a backpack with books. As soon as we got home, we looked at everything she picked up. We have special books that were signed by the author which will be kept as a memory for years to come.”
-Festival Attendee, 2022

Looking for your next great read? Visit our reading list for amazing books for everyone from tots to teens!

View our Telling Tales Reading List
Kevin Sylvester cartoon portrait

 “…holy moly did the gang at Telling Tales rise to the challenge! They offered the same amazing list of creators, and pulled it together in a unique and satisfying package. -best kids festival in Canada, if not the world.
-Kevin Sylvester, CBC Broadcaster, bestselling Children’s author and illustrator. 2020.