Byron Writers Festival is Back for a Landmark 30th Anniversary

Aug 6

Byron Bay prepares for the festival’s landmark 30th anniversary edition, 14–16 August
Final tickets on sale as Byron Bay prepares to welcome Australia’s favourite regional celebration of ideas, stories and conversation.

With just one week to go, Byron Writers Festival is putting the finishing touches on its landmark 30th anniversary program, taking place across Byron Bay on Bundjalung Country from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026. Three-day passes are close to selling out and final tickets for individual sessions remain on sale.

The 2026 program brings together some of the most exciting voices in Australian and international writing, including Trent Dalton, Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree (IND), Richard Flanagan, Melissa Lucashenko, Evelyn Araluen, Steve Toltz, Kerry O'Brien, Richard Fidler, Luke Bateman and Turia Pitt, alongside hundreds of other celebrated authors.

Feature events anchor the anniversary weekend, including the inaugural Rhoda Roberts Oration, marking a significant new tradition for the festival. The Thea Astley Address sees Kerry O'Brien and Richard Flanagan unite, while Richard Fidler and Kári Gíslason bring Norse mythology vividly to life in Viking Lives: Ghost Stories. Trent Dalton shares the stories behind Gravity Let Me Go,Antoinette Lattouf leads Women Who Win, and The Guardian's Are You Game Show promises one of the most playful sessions of the weekend.

The countdown is on as more than 150 writers, thinkers and storytellers prepare to take over Byron Bay for three huge days of books, big ideas, live music and conversation.

The Bay St Stage delivers an entire weekend of free programming, meaning everyone can be part of the festival. Sessions across the weekend will see award-winning investigative journalist Marian Wilkinson uncover the story of power, influence, pollution and protest in her exposé of Australia's fossil-fuel giant. Richard Fidler joins Zoe Terakes and Lucianne Tonti for an immersive conversation about the enduring allure of ancient texts and stories, and the festival closes on a joyous high with Janet Swain's Big Voice Choir, inviting everyone to raise their voice in song alongside special guests Shane Howard (Goanna) and Benja Roberts.

Young readers can enjoy the free Kids Program hosted by award-winning children's author Tristan Bancks, featuring Broncos legend Sam Thaiday, author Sarah Armstrong, performer Poppy Galactic and the Student Writing Prizes celebrating the next generation of storytellers.

Early risers can join the Saltwater Cleanse, a morning ocean dip with Delta Kay and Mandy Nolan, or greet Sunday with free guided yoga.

Beyond the stages, the festival Marketplace in Railway Park runs Friday through Sunday, opening daily from 11am, free and open to all. The heart of the festival hub, the Marketplace offers all sorts of wares from local makers and artisans, from handcrafted goods and books to food and drink stalls. It is the perfect spot to browse, refuel and soak up the festival atmosphere between sessions.

The Marketplace also comes alive with free live music across the weekend. Friday delivers a full day of performances from Yazmindi, Mandy Hawkes, Madi King, Chris Mallory, and MT WARNING. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be stunning musical interludes from Abbie Cardwell, who takes the stage Saturday afternoon, and Shelly and Brown will welcome the festival into its final day on Sunday morning.

BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL
Friday 14 – Sunday 16 August 2026
Byron Bay / Bundjalung Country
www.byronwritersfestival.com

About Byron Writers Festival

The annual Byron Writers Festival is Australia's favourite regional celebration of books, storytelling and ideas, presented on beautiful Bundjalung Country. The line-up predominantly features Australian writers and thinkers, alongside international guests, showcasing contemporary literature in all forms and genres. Originally established in 1995 as the Northern Rivers Writers Centre, 2026 will mark the 30th year of the organisation’s flagship festival.

Full author details at www.byronwritersfestival.com