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Byron Writers Festival '26
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.
Tickets and Box Office
All 3-Day and 1-Day pass holders must exchange tickets for a wristband from the Festival Hub Box Office at Railway Park or the Bay St Stage Ticket Desk at Main Beach. The Festival Hub Box Office opens at 8:00am daily. The Bay St Stage Ticket Desk opens at 7:45am daily.
Explore the full program online
Buy tickets
Writers
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Festival Events & Workshops
Join us for a special series of separately ticketed events and workshops featuring guests from the Byron Writers Festival '26 program.
Key Information
Byron Writers Festival is held on Bundjalung Country in the township of Byron Bay, Northern New South Wales.
Eat & Drink
The Byron Bay township is full to the brim with restaurants, cafes, bars and eateries to experience during the Byron Writers Festival. Alongside this are local retailers and artisans offering unique keepsakes and gifts from the region.
Shop
Browse our marketplace of local artisans, and visit The Book Room, our festival bookshop, to grab your favourite festival titles and have them signed by authors after each session.
In the unlikely event that Byron Writers Festival 2026 does not proceed, you will be offered a refund for all passes including parking.
Unfortunately we are unable to swap or change passes once they have been issued.
Yes, we love our volunteers, they are the heart and soul of our festival. Applications generally open in May each year.
For more information on how to get involved, see our volunteer page. Make sure to sign up to our mailing list and socials to stay in the know.
Festival Partners
Thanks to all our partners and supporters. Byron Writers Festival would not be possible without your passion and generosity.
Media
Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the media – print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies and online – who represent a legitimate media organisation and must be committed to publishing event coverage.
