Whether you devour novels, love a good biography, follow politics and current affairs, spend weekends in the garden or simply enjoy hearing fascinating people tell a great story, Brisbane Writers Festival’s 2026 program has something for you.
Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) returns to Brisbane Powerhouse from 8–11 October, bringing together more than 200 Australian and international artists across four lively days of conversations, ideas, performances and special events.
More than 110 events will explore everything from fiction, crime and romance to food, history, journalism, popular culture, politics, parenting, gardening and wellbeing. Half of the participating artists are from Queensland, placing local voices at the heart of the Festival.
Leading Australian authors and personalities Suzie Miller, Richard Flanagan, Pip Williams, Kate Grenville, Lisa Wilkinson and Shaun Micallef are among this year’s guests.
They will be joined by international names including acclaimed English author and London Review of Books Editor at Large Andrew O’Hagan; American journalist and writer Susan Orlean; Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman; rising English star Josh Silver; New York Times bestseller and TikTok favourite Lyla Sage; and US speculative-fiction author Charlie Jane Anders.
Three First Nations guest curators—Bruce Pascoe, Bebe Oliver and Samantha Faulkner—will also help shape this year’s Festival, alongside appearances from celebrated First Nations writers including Melissa Lucashenko, Anita Heiss and Debra Dank.
BWF Artistic Director Jackie Ryan said the program had been created for passionate readers, curious minds and anyone looking for an entertaining day out.
“From Formula 1 racing, gardening and cosy crime through to swordfights, heartbreak, corporate scams, literary heists and the glorification of Australian kitsch, you are most cordially invited to check out the 2026 program—’cause have we got a story for you!
“And to help make sure you can attend if you like what you see, we’ve kept ticket prices the same (or lowered them!) and made 10% of the program free. May I also recommend you buy a 4-event bundle (or two or three!) to get maximum bang for those bucks!”
For the first time, the Queensland Literary Awards ceremony will be presented during the Festival on Thursday 8 October, with members of the public invited to attend. Festival-goers can also hear from a selection of award winners at a free event the following day.
International guest Andrew O’Hagan will deliver the Marion Taylor Address, reflecting on the literary relationships that have shaped his life. He will also appear in separate sessions exploring essay writing and his new book, On Friendship.
Fiction lovers and book clubs can hear from Frances Whiting, Debra Oswald, Anita Heiss, Sita Walker, Naima Brown and Monica McInerney, while Suzie Miller, Pip Williams, Kate Grenville and Holly Ringland return with new books. Rebecca Armitage will share the story behind becoming a Reese’s Book Club pick.
Crime readers can get their pulses racing with Candice Fox, Dinuka McKenzie, Laura McCluskey and Amanda Hampson, while Young Adult readers can enjoy three consecutive Friday sessions featuring established favourites and rising voices from Australia and the UK.
For those whose reading tastes extend beyond fiction, the program offers an equally varied mix of ideas and personalities. Chris Kohler will make sense of personal finance; Megan Hess will step inside the world of Barbie; Susan Orlean will celebrate the craft of journalism; and psychologist Dr Lucy Hone will explore how we navigate upheaval.
History, politics and the big issues shaping our world will be examined by guests including George Megalogenis, Don Watson, Henry Reynolds, Marc Fennell and Jock Serong. Elsewhere, Stephanie Alexander and Adam Liaw will talk food, Gardening Australia’s Hannah Moloney will explore why we garden, Dr Norman Swan will examine brain health, and Richard Glover will share his characteristically warm and witty take on parenting.
Queensland talent will be celebrated throughout the program, with local favourites including Sally Piper, Sita Walker, Frances Whiting, Mirandi Riwoe, Melissa Lucashenko, Robin Bailey, Trent Dalton, Grantlee Kieza and Ian Kemish.
The Festival’s program for schools also returns on Thursday 8 October, with primary and secondary students invited to hear from authors including Morris Gleitzman, Sally Rippin, Gary Lonesborough, Jacqueline Harvey, Peter Carnavas and Dr Matt Agnew.
Three special events will bring the Festival to a memorable close on Sunday 11 October. Alice Oseman will discuss the global Heartstopper phenomenon, Luke Bateman will share his passion for reading and favourite books with Lise and Sarah, and a mystery special guest will be revealed in late August.
From internationally celebrated writers and much-loved Queensland voices to free events, family favourites and conversations about the subjects shaping our lives, Brisbane Writers Festival 2026 invites everyone to find their story.
Tickets go on sale from 8pm Wednesday 5 August 2026
For the complete program and tickets, visit bwf.org.au
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