Volunteers may only work one position, but may take shifts in the same position over both days, e.g. a volunteer may work as General Manager over both casino dates, but cannot work General Manager one day and Banker the next.
writersguild.ca/wga-2026-cas...
Key positions (General Manager, Banker, Cashier, and Countroom Supervisor) must be filled by WGA members, but other positions may be filled by non-members. Volunteers in key positions must fill out a Casino Volunteer Worker Form (to be provided) and return it to the WGA.
All volunteers will receive free membership for a year, meals and snacks, and transportation costs if needed.
WGA Casino Night Fundraiser
July 30 – 31, 2026
Varying Shifts (Morning, Evening, and Overnight)
Starlight Casino, West Edmonton Mall
8882 170 St NW #2710
Edmonton
This year, the WGA's Casino Fundraiser takes place on two nights from July 30 - 31, 2026, and we need volunteers to support us through shifts from as early as 10:00 AM to the following 4:00 AM. We need our extra-meticulous members to fill key positions, too, but all are welcome to join us.
This is an Alberta-only fundraising model that allows charities to staff Casino duties with members and volunteers in exchange for a share of funding. This is a significant portion of the WGA's budget, allowing us to continue to provide free or low-cost programs across Alberta.
If you like supporting the arts, flashing lights, staying up until 4AM in July, or counting stuff, then do we have an opportunity for you!
The WGA is hosting our bi-annual Casino Night Fundraiser.
Please click here for more details on signing up: writersguild.ca/wga-2026-cas...
Open mic sign-up starts at 7pm. There will be fewer open mic slots (10 instead of 12) due to a longer feature segment, so arrive early if you want to read! If necessary, we'll do a draw for spots.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
7:00 PM – 9:15 PM MT
Pachamama Soul Flavour Emporium
#2110, 380 Canyon Meadows Drive SE
Calgary
FREE
The Poetry Month celebrations continue with next week's special edition of Poetry Parlour in Calgary! In April, instead of having one featured reader we are showcasing a few of Poetry Parlour's standout teen poets: Caius Big Bull Blys, Kate Burley, & Brielle Meunier!
writersguild.ca/poetry-parlo...
Join your fellow writers for a weekend away from home! We will be joined by two facilitators: Suzette Mayr and Julie Sedivy.
October 15 – 18, 2026
Sanctum Retreat Centre
11 Sanctum Way
Caroline, Alberta
Registration is now open: writersguild.ca/2026fallwrit...
Coming up this week: Learn how to write an artistic CV and resume, make sure your application is focused and easy to read and, most of all, get the confidence to apply for funding. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
*Please share! Are you a youth writer with free time this summer? Want a week screen-free week away from home? Early bird registration is open now for our WordsWorth Youth Writing Camps, taking place at Red Deer Polytechnic Campus over two sessions this July.
writersguild.ca/programs-ser...
We've heard only good things about PowerPoint lately, Edmonton — so please join us for another spring Pub Night with your fellow writers and friends. If you have a slideshow about literally anything you can contact jason.norman@writersguild.ab.ca by May 1, 2026 for more info.
Our friends at Speak Up YYC will be hosting a free open mic and feature at SAN<K>TJURI BUKS in Calgary's Marlborough Mall soon!
April 30, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM MT
SAN<K>TJURI BUKS in Marlborough Mall
Unit 34, 3800 Memorial Drive N.E
Calgary
This is a Free event! Stop by for Poetry Month.
What does the WGA's 2-Day Conference offer? Swipe to learn about our concurrent workshops, sessions, and benefits of attending, and register by today to get early bird pricing! Customize your Conference experience and connect with your community.
Register here: writersguild.ca/wga-2026-con...
Are you feeling nosy? The winners of the Alberta Literary Awards Gala will be announced in-person on June 5, 2026 so join us for dinner to get your intel first-hand!
Early bird tickets to the Gala are $85 until April 17, 2026.
Tickets on sale now: writersguild.ca/alberta-literary-awards-gala
2026 WGA Board nominations are now open!
Deadline for Advanced Nominations: May 20, 2026
Elections at AGM: June 22, 2026 (online)
Are you or someone you know interested in helping shaping the future of the WGA? Learn more and download the Board brochure here: writersguild.ca/call-for-nom...
Our next Conference Spotlight is on poet Marco Melfi! We are only 51 Days away from the 2026 Conference and Awards Gala, so get your tickets now before early bird rates end this week!
Marco will be leading a poetry workshop on June 6, 2026.
Get your tickets here: writersguild.ca/wga-2026-con...
There is still another day to register for our Arts Funding for Alberta Artists information session. This online session aims to bring Alberta-specific advice artists seeking funding.
Register: writersguild.ca/arts-funding-for-alberta-artists-presented-by-the-wga-and-canada-council-for-the-arts/
Our April Pub Night in Edmonton invites local writer and filmmaker Lizzie Derksen to share on the State of Creativity in 2026. Join us for the first Pub Night of spring and celebrate with your fellow writers and friends.
writersguild.ca/pub-night-edmonton
Not in Calgary or Edmonton, but still want to celebrate the Alberta Literary Awards Finalists? We've got you covered! Tune in online for the evening.
Register here: writersguild.ca/2026-alberta...
Do you have a hot take or a presentation with visual aids that you’re dying to share with an audience?
Then May’s WGA Pub Night is your time to shine. Pitch your PPT to jason.norman@writersguild.ab.ca by May 1st.
Successful pitches will present on May 20 at the WGA Pub Night.
Conference Early Bird Rates end in just 5 days! Here's a snapshot of our discounted rates — take advantage of early bird pricing now to save on our Gala dinner and 2-day Conference in Edmonton from June 5 - 7, 2026.
Get your tickets now at writersguild.ca
We've got a lot going on at the moment, but thank you for asking!
Conference and Gala ticket early bird rates end THIS FRIDAY, April 17 and offer significant savings on registration:
$220 for Members
$250 for Non-Members
$130 for Students (all students join the WGA for free!)
writersguild.ca
Calgary — your 2026 Alberta Literary Awards finalists in the area will be reading from their nominated works next week! Swipe to see who will be joining us. Please come by to celebrate, hear about the upcoming Gala and Conference, and meet your fellow writers!
May 2, 2026 | writersguild.ca
Our Summer Issue of WestWord is already in the works! Once again, we'd love to hear from our members and feature your responses in the next release.
Have you returned to writing after a hiatus?
Please send your answers (100 words or less) to Raymond at editor@writersguild.ab.ca by May 11, 2026.
The latest edition of WestWord, the WGA's member-exclusive quarterly magazine, is now available! Here's a sneak peek at what's inside. Swipe for instructions on how to access the Spring 2026 Issue as well as our Archive!
writersguild.ca
The next Queer Writers' Collective meeting is April 15, 2026 — as always, just before the Edmonton Pub Night and conveniently at the Rooster Bar & Kitchen!
April 15, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM MT
Rooster Kitchen & Bar
10732 Whyte Ave
Edmonton
This is a Free event
We invite writers to Meet in the Middle! This event is a collaboration between the Alexandra Writers' Centre and the Writers' Guild of Alberta.
We will be showcasing three featured readers: Linda Sanche, Thomas Trofimuk, and Fran Kimmel.
April 12, 2026
writersguild.ca/meet-in-the-middle-lacombe
Learn how to write an artistic CV & resume, make sure your application is focused and easy to read and, most of all, get the confidence to apply for funding! Join us online and register here: writersguild.ca/writing-a-compelling-grant-application-presented-by-the-wga-and-canada-council-for-the-arts