Brisbane Writers Festival

30 May – 2 June 2024

#Have we got a story for you!

In 2024, Brisbane Writers Festival is spinning a rollicking tale of festive entertainment across four days and 150 events. The plot? Full of twists and turns. The characters? A diverse cast of writers, readers and thinkers coming together to enjoy a lively line-up of panel discussions, salons, special events and more.

From blockbuster bestsellers to literary luminaries and everything in between, BWF 2024 is an unmissable adventure from beginning to end.

Explore the full program

Browse all available sessions and filter as needed.

Download the program booklet

Grab a digital PDF of the full program here.

Download the timetable

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Read the program on ISSUU

Flip through the program booklet on ISSUU.

First Word

First Word formally opens the Brisbane Writers Festival each year. To celebrate the vibrant tradition of Australia’s first storytellers, the session showcases a keynote speech by an eminent First Nations writer. In 2024, that writer is Miles Franklin award winner Melissa Lucashenko, whose extraordinary body of work includes 'Edenglassie', 'Mullumbimby' and 'Too Much Lip'. Please join us for the official opening of the 2024 Brisbane Writers Festival.

First Word is free to attend but bookings are required. Supported by The University of Queensland.

#Festival Exclusive

In 2024, BWF is thrilled to be hosting bestselling speculative fiction author Naomi Novik for her first Australian appearance in more than ten years. From the fabulous alternate history of Temeraire to her dazzling reworkings of folklore in Uprooted and Spinning Silver, Naomi Novik has astonished readers with her brilliant imagination and vivid characters.

In conversation with Amie Kaufman, Novik discusses her latest work, the Scholomance trilogy: a magical school story resplendent with monsters and myth. Don’t miss your chance to see this New York Times-bestselling author in a series of exclusive events at BWF 2023. Book now!

Event

1042

Special Event

Naomi Novik: Scholomance

Event

1109

Regular Program

Gods, Magic and Monsters

Event

1059

Regular Program

Gothic Tales

Event

1145

Regular Program

Mystical and Mythical Resets

Marion Taylor Gala

A very special event in the stunning QAGOMA Water Mall, the Marion Taylor Gala is an evening of fine dining, sparkling atmosphere and thought-provoking speech. This year, the wonderful Louise Doughty talks about books and television dramas and how storytelling at its best not only grips us, but unites us all in solidarity and compassion.

This event is made possible through the support of the Taylor family.

We’re delighted to announce that Louise is appearing exclusively at BWF in 2024 – you won’t catch her at any other Australian festival. Check the program index for her full schedule of BWF appearances and don’t miss your chance to see this international literary sensation!

#Literary Treats and Pop Culture Tidbits

Here at BWF, our goal is to serve up a program with something for everyone and this year we believe we've delivered: there's politics, science, romance, espionage, comedy, sport, social issues, environmental concerns, poetry, fantasy, history, music, crime and culture.

Podcast and art history sensation Katy Hessel talks about the overlooked women in art history VAULT Editor Alison Kubler, and joins a panel on feminist progress with Suzie Miller, Amy Remeikis and Balli Kaur Jaswa.

For Matildas fans, Fiona Crawford will be examining how Sam Kerr and our women's team have changed the game and the profile of women's sport, while musical legends Kate Ceberano, Ed Le Brocq and Stuart Coupe will all discuss their new books.

We are delighted to welcome many of Queensland's home-grown favourites including Trent Dalton, William McInnes, Anna McGahan, Samuel Wagan-Watson, Matthew Condon, Mirandi Riwoe, Hedley Thomas, Laura Jean McKay, Simon Cleary and Clare Christian.

Your literary dishes will be served by some of the most acclaimed writers and emerging talents in their fields. Dig in.