Brisbane Writers Festival 2026
8–11 October
Calling all book lovers! Brisbane Writers Festival returns from 8–11 October 2026 at the Brisbane Powerhouse with over 200 Australian and international authors joining us for four days of conversations, ideas, performances and special events.
There’s something for every reader with more than 110 events exploring everything from fiction, crime and romance to food, history, journalism, popular culture, politics, parenting, gardening and wellbeing.
Tickets are now on sale — click the button below to browse the full program of events. We look forward to seeing you in October!
#Keynote Addresses
First Word Opening Address: Keynote by Debra Dank
Brisbane Writers Festival’s 2026 opening speech will be delivered by one of Australia’s most accomplished authors and educators: the Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon writer Debra Dank.
At this very special event, you’ll also hear from Brisbane Writers Festival’s 2026 First Nations Cultural Curators, Bruce Pascoe, Samantha Faulkner, Bebe Oliver and Brisbane Writers Festival Artistic Director Jackie Ryan.
Supported by The University of Queensland
Marion Taylor Address: Keynote by Andrew O'Hagan
Join three-time Booker Prize nominee and London Review of Books Editor-at-Large Andrew O’Hagan for this year’s very special Marion Taylor Keynote Address.
In the wake of O’Hagan’s luminous new book On Friendship, an eloquent testimony to the substance and significance of our emotional bonds, this legend of letters reflects on the valence of his own literary relationships and the way they’ve shaped his writing life.
Supported by the Taylor Family
#The Internationals
Regular Program
Charlie Jane Anders: Lessons in Magic and Disaster
Regular Program
Elaine Castillo: Moderation
Regular Program
Lev Grossman: The Bright Sword
Regular Program
Dr Lucy Hone: How Will I Ever Get Through This?
Regular Program
Andrew O'Hagan: On Friendship
Regular Program
Susan Orlean: Joyride
Regular Program
Lyla Sage: The Sweetwater Peak Duology
Regular Program
Josh Silver: Fruit Fly
#Sessions in the Spotlight
Regular Program
Pip Williams: The German Ward
Regular Program
Richard Flanagan: Heresies
Regular Program
Suzie Miller: Inter Alia
Regular Program
Shaun Micallef: Matthew Flinders
Regular Program
Adam Liaw: Asian Home Cooking
Regular Program
George Megalogenis: Three Shocks
Regular Program
Hannah Moloney: Why We Garden
Regular Program
Chris Kohler: How They Get You
Regular Program
Dr Norman Swan: The Brain Cliff
Regular Program
Rebecca Armitage: The Heir Apparent
#Young Adult Program
YA Program
Good Grief
YA Program
Secrets, Bargains & Enchantments
YA Program
Better Together
Special Event / Regular Program / YA Program
Alice Oseman: Heartstopper
Schools Program: 8 October 2026
The 2026 Schools Program is now available via the schools booking form. Tickets are 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!
#Beyond Brisbane
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.