Words, Wonder and a Weekend in the Woods: The 2026 Bellingen Readers Writers Festival

Dust off your bookmarks and pack your day-bags! The 2026 Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival (BRWF) is set to transform the Mid North Coast into a literary wonderland from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2026.

This year’s main stage boasts an explosive, star-studded line-up. Prepare to be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of cultural heavyweights and storytelling magic, featuring Stan Grant, Tara Moss, Richard Roxburgh, Hannah Moloney, Bob Brown, Evelyn Araluen, Bob Carr, Zoe Terakes, Mindy Woods and, of course, our legendary Festival Patron, Bryan Brown!

Nestled among UNESCO World Heritage–listed rainforests, Bellingen is pulling off something special: hosting a heavyweight cultural showcase in an absurdly beautiful, intimate setting. Where else can you grab a morning espresso, rub shoulders with Australia’s sharpest minds and still have time for a bushwalk?

“The BRWF has grown into one of the country’s most distinctive regional writer’s festivals,” says Artistic Director Adam Norris. “We have truly world-class talent in our main program, an entirely free outdoor Fringe Festival that runs simultaneously, even more free events and activities through Bellingen itself, and a wildly funny variety show that caps off the weekend.”

Between main-stage events, visitors can explore the BRWF Fringe Festival, just seconds away in Maam Gaduying Park. Bigger, brighter and more varied than ever, the Fringe offers a free open-air carnival of author showcases, open mic poetry, live music, dance, and food vendors.

This year, the Fringe is also thrilled to welcome acting royalty Jack Thompson, Brooke Satchwell and other friends for a live table-read of Malcolm McFarlane’s screenplay The Water Cart.

Perfect for day-trippers seeking a weekend escape, Bellingen is an easy drive for a jam-packed day of literary indulgence. You can catch a fascinating panel discussion, cheer on the poetry slammers, grab a bite at the Fringe and still be home by bedtime – though with a line-up this good, you’ll probably want to stay.

“It’s incredible to see people visiting the Festival from right across the country. It’s a huge boost to local business. We’ve already seen several sessions sell out, with many others set to follow suit in the weeks ahead,” says Adam. “The Bellingen Shire is such a beautiful place, and the Festival weekend is so varied, I’m not surprised. But if you’ve been biding your time before grabbing tickets, well, you might want to grab them soon before they’re gone!”

For the full program and ticket bookings, visit the BRWF website. Come for the words, stay for the wonder.

bellingenwritersfestival.com.au | info@bellingenwritersfestival.com.au

June long weekend, 5–7 June 2026.

Tickets at https://bellingenwritersfestival.com.au/program-2026