Brisbane Writers Festival 2026
8–11 October
Mark your calendars! The BWF26 program goes live at 8pm on Wednesday 5th August. That night, we’ll be revealing the stellar line-up of international and local authors who’ll be sharing their stories with us from 8–11 October at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
From bestselling authors to bold new voices, this year’s program is bursting with writers and thinkers who will move, challenge and inspire you. We can’t wait to share it with you!
See below for early event announcements...
Order a copy of the 2026 Printed Program
Get a copy of the 2026 program mailed straight to your door! Order yours before Friday the 18th of September.
Packed with everything from session information and timetables to dining guides, ticketing tips and special events, the Brisbane Writers Festival print program is a must for every Festival goer.
BWF 2026 PRINT PROGRAM - $6
Contains the entire festival program (including YA and schools) and general information for patrons.
2026 YA AND SCHOOLS BOOKLET - $4
Contains the Young Adult and schools programs and general information for school groups.
The amount covers postage costs. Please make sure to include your postal address at the checkout. If you already have an account with us, make sure your address is up-to-date. Copies of the program can also be found for free at bookshops, libraries and the Powerhouse.
#Early Announcements
Alice Oseman: Heartstopper
1:00pm, Sunday 11th October 2026
Concert Hall, Brisbane City Hall
In 2016, a young writer called Alice Oseman began publishing a webcomic about two teenage boys who meet and fall in love. Ten years on, Oseman is the third bestselling graphic novelist of all time, and that webcomic, Heartstopper, is a global publishing phenomenon (not to mention a wildly popular Netflix show) and a Gen Z icon lauded for its representation of queer joy. Join Oseman on her first visit to Brisbane as she discusses her tender and hopeful portrait of friendship and first love.
Schools Program: 8 October 2026
The 2026 Schools Program is now available via the schools booking form. Tickets will be available to the general public from 5 August.
The Brisbane Writers Festival schools program is a celebration of reading, writing and storytelling—and an adventure from beginning to end! We invite students to grow and experiment with their creativity and immerse themselves in the magic of story with some of Australia’s leading writers for children and young adults.
Featured authors this year include Jacqueline Harvey, Morris Gleitzman, Dr Matt Agnew, Gary Lonesborough, Kate Foster, Sally Rippin, Carla Salmon, Bori Cser, and Peter Carnavas.
Click the button below for a list of events, the timetable, how to book, pricing (including bundle deals), and more general information. We recommend school groups use the booking form to secure a place for your students.
The BWF schools program is supported by The University of Queensland.
Artwork by Rachel Tribout.
Don’t forget to check out this year’s Microfiction Competition for Queensland-based school students, with $1,500 in prize money to be won!