Lives transformed by writing and ideas.
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The 2026 Festival Program is live!
From 14—16 August, Byron Bay will welcome writers from around the world and transform into a literary precinct with markets, live music, and ocean bathing.
Themed Sanctuary, we present this festival at a moment of great global change, and as algorithmic tools offer a cheap illusion of creativity and understanding. From the festival stage to the bookstore and cafes, take sanctuary here alongside those nourished by the doing of writing, reading and thinking.
Big conversations lead the 2026 Feature Events as Richard Flanagan, the only author to have won both the Booker Prize and the Baillie Gifford Prize, returns to the festival to present his new work Heresies. Acclaimed journalist and human rights activist Antoinette Lattouf joins former publisher and festival director Louise Adlerto discuss Women Who Win.
We welcome stellar global voices including Roman Krznaric, one of Britain's most popular public philosophers, India's Geetanjali Shree brings the history-making Tomb of Sand, and Thai transnational novelist and nonfiction writer Thammika Songkaeo offers her debut novel, Stamford Hospital.
Devour new releases from Meg Mason, whose Sorrow and Bliss became a global phenomenon, as she returns with Sophie, Standing There, while political journalist Amy Remeikis delivers Screw Nice, a sharp dismantling of the politics of civility.
Explore the full lineup, including Evelyn Araluen, Luke Bateman, Daniel Browning, Jane Caro, Bob Carr, Trent Dalton, Dakota Feirer, Richard Fidler, Robert Forster, Osher Günsberg, Antoun Issa, Julie Janson, Sean Kelly, Kris Kneen, Siang Lu, Melissa Lucashenko, George Megalogenis, Steve MinOn, Debra Oswald, Andrew Pippos, Micaela Sahhar, Marika Sosnowski, Claire Thomas, Sita Walker, Tasma Walton, Michael Winkler and many more.
Explore the full program online and download the PDF here
Buy tickets
About Us
Byron Writers Festival presents world-class gatherings that enrich and transform the lives of our audiences and community.
We have four flagship areas of operation—our annual festival, Academy activities for writers, StoryBoard education programs and year-round events including talks, tours and Festival Friends membership program.
What's On
Keep the conversations going and your ideas flowing beyond the festival with inspiring events, public talks and workshops.
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Byron Writers Festival Friends
Become a Festival Friend and join our vibrant community of writers, readers, and storytellers, and support the arts in regional Australia.
Friends membership starts from $60 for a year of benefits.
Access exclusive Festival Friends member prices on tickets for festival, year-round events and Academy workshops
Receive priority booking for festival tickets, access to our exclusive lending library, special invitations to Festival Friends events
Get digital or print copies of northerly magazine
Access opportunities and resources for writers including eligibility to apply for annual Residential Mentorship, networking and paid professional mentorship services
