Thu 15 Oct · +1 more dates
Dates & times
Your crew, sorted
See which mates are free for this, minus the group chat roll call.
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OverviewGet ready, book lovers, the Canberra Writers Festival returns, celebrating its 10th anniversary with 110 events and 200 artists celebrating books and storytelling across four exciting days.
The Festival brings together acclaimed Australian and international authors, bestselling novelists, political thinkers, comedians, journalists, children's writers, illustrators, cartoonists, and some of the most exciting new voices in Australian writing and journalism.
Whether you enjoy big conversations about politics, current affairs, technology, and the ideas shaping the world, or want to discover your next great crime, sci-fi, juicy novel, or memoir read, there's something for everyone.
For the first time, you can bring the whole family with a huge program of ticketed and free events for kids and young adults, from storytime for wiggly kids, manga, live drawing battles, and plenty of other creative activities designed to ignite imaginations.
This year's line-up includes Judith Lucy, Michael Robotham, Pip Williams, Andrew O'Hagan, Susan Orlean, Garth Nix, Andy Griffiths, Morris Gleitzman, R.A. Spratt, Waleed Aly, Corey Tutt, Niki Savva, David Speers, and many more.
Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or simply searching for your next favourite read or exhilarating conversation, come join us to celebrate stories, ideas, and the joy of books.
The Canberra Writers Festival 2026 promises the juiciest conversations, fresh perspectives, and plenty of inspiration.
Quick answers
When is Canberra Writers Festival?
Thu 15 Oct 2026, +1 more dates. There are 2 dates to pick from, listed above.
How much is it?
It is free.
Where do I find out more?
On visitcanberra.com.au. The button at the top of this page goes straight there.
How do I find out which of my mates are keen?
Tap "Ask your mates if they're keen" on this page. You get one link for the group chat, and your mates answer keen, maybe or can't in their browser, with no app and no sign-up. It is free.
Free
In conversation: Australian Girls
University House Hotel · Thu 15 Oct · 5:00pm
Free
Peter FitzSimons Book Tour - The Race to the Top of the World.
Jindabyne Library · Wed 18 Nov · 11:00am
Free
Sydney Writers Festival streaming - Holly Ringland - Batemans Bay Library
Batemans Bay Library · Wed 14 Oct · 10:30am
From $99
Canberra Women's Event: Walking on Broken Glass
Work Club Conference Centre Canberra - Two24 Conferencing · Mon 26 Oct · 6:00pm
Free
The Craft of Science Fiction
National Library of Australia · Thu 26 Nov · 6:00pm
Free
A Critique of Human Supremacism
RSSS Auditorium · Thu 22 Oct · 5:30pm
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