Founded in 2016, the Canberra Writers Festival is a much loved celebration of the written word that brings diverse writers and thinkers together with audiences. The festival’s lively program of events includes author talks, panel discussions, book launches, masterclasses, dinners and performances. All set against the backdrop of our iconic national cultural institutions here in Canberra. 

 

We hold out-of-season events through the year as well as a major festival each October featuring local, national and international authors across 65+ events for adults, young people and families. We run a program for Canberra school students and a Kids and Family Day that sits at the heart of our October festival.

 

The festival deeply values our audiences, writers, publishers, partners and the Canberra local community. 

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On Open Dialogue and Freedom of Expression

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The Canberra Writers Festival exists to celebrate great writing and bring a diversity of authors, thinkers and readers together in conversation.  

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We seek to foster artistic expression and respectful exchange of ideas. We bring you nation-leading discussions on a wide range of social, political, environmental and economic issues.  We also entertain and celebrate the playfulness and wonder of page-turning stories. 

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We believe great literature and storytelling requires freedom of expression, care and responsibility. The festival is a place for authors to express their views, adhering to anti-discrimination and other relevant Australian laws. We also invite readers to listen with care and open minds to our writers speak about their work, beliefs and life experiences.

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Theme for 2026

The Canberra Writers Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026!

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So, it’s fitting this year our theme is For the Love of Books.  This is the place for the writing of 2026 that captures the nation. Whether you love literature, politics, history, memoir, crime, sci-fi, romance, poetry, comedy or all of the above – we welcome you.

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In a world where many are reading less and screens & scrolls dominate – it’s timely to get behind our authors and applaud great books.  With serious intent and bucketloads of fun, we invite booklovers across the nation to come join us.  

We look forward to bringing you brilliant book events, including opportunities for kids and young people to come together and delight in reading, writing, and storytelling.