Book lovers can look forward to four days of authors, ideas and lively conversation when the Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) returns this month.
BWF will take place at Brisbane Powerhouse from 8-11 October, bringing more than 200 Australian and international artists together across 110 featured sessions, panels, salons and special events.
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!” Jackie said.
“BWF is basically a rock concert for readers – with the bonus option of meeting many of the artists while getting your books signed.”
The program will explore everything from fiction, crime and romance to food, history, journalism, popular culture, politics, parenting, gardening and wellbeing.
Headline Authors and Special Events
Among the Australian authors and personalities appearing will be Suzie Miller, Richard Flanagan, Pip Williams, Kate Grenville, Lisa Wilkinson and Shaun Micallef.
International guests include 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 author Josh Silver, New York Times bestseller and TikTok star Lyla Sage, and US speculative-fiction writer Charlie Jane Anders.
BWF will open on Thursday, 8 October with a speech from Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon writer Debra Dank, alongside the festival’s three First Nations cultural curators, Bruce Pascoe, Bebe Oliver and Samantha Faulkner.
For the first time, the Queensland Literary Awards ceremony will also form part of the festival, taking place on Thursday, 8 October, with members of the public invited to attend. More than $200,000 in prize money will be awarded across 12 categories, celebrating outstanding Australian authors. Festival-goers will also have the chance to hear from a selection of award winners at a free event the following day.
Queensland talent will feature strongly, with half of the participating artists coming from the state. Local favourites include Sally Piper, Sita Walker, Frances Whiting, Mirandi Riwoe, Melissa Lucashenko, Robin Bailey, Trent Dalton, Grantlee Kieza and Ian Kemish.
See the full program and get tickets here.
Brisbane Writers Festival
- 8-11 October
- Brisbane Powerhouse
- 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
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