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Kids’ Bouchercon will also take place in the Central Library on October 24th. We’re looking forward to welcoming our Guest of Honour, Kevin Sands, as well as participating authors Lisa Harkrader, Penny Warner, Lorna Schultz Nicholson, David Poulsen, Jess Lourey, Juanita Violini, and K.B. Jackson. There will be breakout sessions, an author panel, a pop-up bookstore and much more.
Also, a huge thank you to those children’s and YA authors who have already donated items for our swag bags. Kids’ Bouchercon is open to children up to and including YA so if anyone (or their publisher) would like to donate books, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Devin Abraham at conmanager@bouchercon.com for shipping information.
Young readers and fans can register for Kids’ Bouchercon here. Please note, children under fourteen will need to attend with an adult caregiver.
Anthony Short Story Nominees
Hoping to read the Anthony-nominated short stories before voting takes place this October? Thanks to the generosity of the authors, Bouchercon will be making all six of the Anthony nominated short stories available on our website in the week leading up to and throughout the convention.
You can view them on your phone or laptop or print them in advance and read them on your flight to Calgary.
Watch the newsletters and website for more details. #BoucherconReads.
Volunteer Info
Bouchercon is made possible by the dedication and generosity of our volunteers, and we would love to have you join the team! There are simple, short shifts available that allow you to contribute while still enjoying the convention. In fact, some roles let you participate in events you were already planning to attend.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to help make Bouchercon run smoothly, meet fellow attendees, and become even more connected with the Bouchercon community.
Click here for more information and click here to complete the form to register. Additional roles and details will continue to be added as plans are finalized, so be sure to check back regularly.
Bouchercon would not be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, and we truly appreciate your help in making this year’s convention a success. If you have any questions, please contact Volunteer2026@bouchercon.com
Attending Authors
We have an impressive lineup of attending authors coming to Calgary this fall. If they’ve identified themselves as an author at registration and have a website, they’re listed on the Bouchercon Attendees website in red. This is your chance to be a detective and find your next favourite author. Click on a few names you recognize and a few that you don’t and see if their books fit your reading tastes.
We’ve adjusted our summer reading lists to include Bouchercon 2026 authors. You should do the same!
Call for Silent Auction Donations
In keeping with Bouchercon tradition, we'll be holding a silent auction at our Calgary event. Donations will not only help raise funds for the Further Education Society of Alberta but are also a great way to advertise you and your work.
We are grateful for any contribution, big or small, but there are a few things to note. Auction items that do well usually contain more than books – they might contain swag, tea, coffee, chocolate, or handmade items. Auction baskets can have a theme, like Halloween, BBQ, murderer munchies, Canadiana, etc. Many attendees are traveling, so bulky items may be an issue. Consider donating a service, naming rights to a character, a virtual book club visit, a manuscript critique, etc. Due to border crossing issues, it is probably best to avoid alcohol, fresh fruit, or veggie items.
More information can be found here.
Set the Stage for Mystery
Tickets Still Available!
Vertigo Theatre is hosting a special performance of THE LODGER for Bouchercon delegates and their friends and family on Tuesday, October 20. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s famous silent thriller of the same name, renowned Canadian novelist Susie Moloney and award-winning playwright Vern Thiessen reanimate this classic suspense into a modern and stunning world premiere.
Click here for more information.
Packing Tips
Struggling to pack for October in Calgary? Here’s what we can tell you. The average temperature ranges from 11 C (52 F) to -1 C (30 F), but the record temperatures are a high of 27 C (81 F) and a low of -20 C (-4F). Because we are influenced by the mountains on the western horizon, it cools down quickly when the sun sets, so don’t count on relaxing on an outdoor patio in the evenings.
In general, you can expect sunny skies – blue from here to the Rocky Mountains. Windy conditions are also typical, usually a pleasant breeze, but sometimes howling at 60 kph (50 mph). According to the “Old Farmers’ Almanac” this October is going to be significantly warmer than average and will have slightly more precipitation.
So, what should be in your suitcase?
Indoors, you’re going to be comfortable in pants and a light shirt, (or dress, if that’s your preference) with a sweater handy. If you’re going to be outside, bring layers, including a warm jacket, toque (aka beanie), and gloves.
In case you arrive and need something warmer, there is plenty of shopping within walking distance of the hotels and convention centre.
If there’s one constant about southern Alberta and Calgary, it’s that the weather is unpredictable, so try to enjoy and go with whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
Registration
We’re working hard to ensure everyone’s check-in is smooth and as quick as possible this October. Look for more registration details in the upcoming newsletters.
Please Note: Bouchercon respects the privacy of its members. Your email address and other personal information are kept strictly confidential. Bouchercon membership and mailing list information is for Bouchercon use only, and Bouchercon does not sell, rent or trade your information to any third parties. Emails implying that Bouchercon membership or mailing list information is for sale are scams, phishing attempts or other unauthorized activity.
Please Note: Convention registration and payment can only be completed through the Bouchercon 2026 website. We will never send a link for registration payment via email, PayPal, Zelle, etc. Payments are to Bouchercon Inc., in U.S. dollars.
Travel Reminders
Make sure you’re ready to visit Canada by reading through the information in the Visiting Calgary portion of our website, with emphasis on sections concerning passports, Canadian currency, and using your cell phone.
Stay Connected
For more updates, follow us on social media or check out our website. Keep checking for updates as more information will be forthcoming on a regular basis and increase as the convention draws closer.
To see our past newsletters for Bouchercon 2026(including a special newsletter for first-time attendees), click here.
We look forward to seeing you in Calgary!
Future Bouchercons
Bouchercon 2027 – Washington, D.C.
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