Each indie bookstore will have posters with a unique QR code put up for the weekend. When you hit up each indie, scan the QR code and enter your information. Giveaways are separate from passport stamps this year, to reduce bottlenecks and the need for intensive staff labour. So, even if you get your passport stamped for every bookstore, you still need to scan QR codes in order to qualify for prizes. Stamps won’t get you entered! They are only for fun and posterity, and to document your adventure.

Each indie visited = one entry into the prize pot. Thus, the more indies you visit, the higher the chance you have of winning one of multiple prizes—including a grand prize of gift cards from every participating indie!

The Bookstore Bus will also have its own unique QR code, as an added incentive for riders.

If you do not have a smart phone or run into technical issues with the QR code posters or linked form, each bookstore will have a manual entry form to take your information. Fret not. Just let the bookstore staff know.

This highly energetic and exciting excursion is best done with a travel buddy or a group of friends! If you’re driving, we recommend carpooling for parking and earth-friendliness. Stay hydrated; bring a water bottle! Plan your snack stops ahead of time.

No, starting in year two we decided to make the stakes less stressful (and more accessible for those taking transit and/or a slower pace). You do not need to visit every single bookstore listed in the passport to qualify to win a prize. Each bookstore will have a unique QR code to scan in order to get points associated with that visit. In other words, the more bookstores you visit, the higher chance you have of winning a prize!

Nope! The QR code will be the same for different locations of the same bookstore, so you only need to visit one location to enter.

You do NOT need to make a purchase, but we do encourage it. The whole point of Independent Bookstore Day is to show up and support independent bookstores however you’re able and wherever you are! Even if your purchase is small, such as a sticker, card, or bookmark, that’s still something tangible.

The “indie” in Edmonton Indie Bookstore Extravaganza is a short form for Independent. This means the bookstore is locally owned and generally only has one location (although there are exceptions!). Independent is meant to distinguish these local underdog bookstores from corporate chain stores like Indigo or corporate bookselling platforms like Amazon, both of which rake in big bucks for billionaires rather than contributing to local economies and neighbourhoods. While indies may differ on their values and practices, every dollar you spend at an indie stays local and supports an entire ecosystem of books, booksellers, workers, publishers, writers, and distributors.

Where available, bookstore accessibility info has been added to each individual bookstore page on the website. Generally, bookstores are wheelchair accessible, on the ground floor, with wide aisles kept clear. Some have accessible bathrooms and automatic doors. However, please note that Indie Bookstore Day weekend is the busiest time of year for participating bookstores, and spaces will be extremely crowded which will make general mobility trickier. If you have a mobility device, stroller, or otherwise require additional space and would like to attend the Extravaganza, we recommend planning your adventure for Sunday rather than Saturday. Sunday has been much quieter in comparison.