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Brisbane Writers Festival

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Brisbane Writers Festival

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Have we got a story for you!
8–11 October 2026 BWF will celebrate 60 years in May 2022.

Brisbane Writers Festival explores ideas, identity and imagination through conversation and debate, powered by the year’s best writing. This annual and much-loved cultural event continues to grow every year and attract an eager and ever-increasing community of engaged readers.

27/10/2026

The top ten bestselling books from the Harry Hartog Festival bookshop!

Which books did you buy at BWF26?

23/10/2026

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Ariarne Titmus: Relentless

6pm, Thursday 12 November 2026
Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Rd, West End

When she was seven years old, Ariarne Titmus knew she was going to be an Olympic swimmer. When she was 14, her family left Tasmania for Queensland to give Ariarne the best chance to pursue her dream. When she was 18, Ariarne beat US powerhouse Katie Ledecky to become the 400-metre women’s freestyle World Champion.

Over the next seven years, Ariarne’s strength, determination and commitment made her one of the greatest middle-distance swimmers of all time: she smashed records, won eight Olympic medals and became known as ‘The Terminator’. But at 25, at the peak of her athletic power, Ariarne announced her retirement.

In Relentless, her deeply personal and powerfully honest memoir, she shares her incredible story for the first time, opening up about the medical issues that shaped her decision to change course and embrace life outside the pool.

Don’t miss Ariarne in conversation with award-winning journalist, TV presenter and author Katrina Blowers for an insightful and inspiring discussion of sacrifice and success.

Tickets:

6:00pm, Thursday 12 November 2026Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Rd, West EndWhen she was seven years old, Ariarne Titmus knew she was going to be an Olympic swimmer. When she was 14, her family left Tasmania for Queensland to give Ariarne the best chance to pursue her dream. When she was 18, Aria...

22/10/2026

Thanks to you, our readers, writers and loyal supporters, BWF 2026 has had a record-breaking year at the Powerhouse, with attendance and ticket sales up 20% on last year.

A special shout-out to all our sponsors, partners and volunteers – we couldn’t do the Festival without you!

What were your Festival highlights? Who do you want to see in 2027? Fill out our survey to let us know – see our link in bio.

Save the date! BWF will be back next year from 7–10 October, in addition to an exciting program of out-of-season events.

Stay tuned for more announcements soon!

10/10/2026

MORE TICKETS ON SALE: SHAUN MICALLEF

Great news! Due to demand, the Shaun Micallef: Matthew Flinders session on Sunday morning has more tickets available and will be moving to the Powerhouse Theatre!

Join Shaun for a fascinating and entertaining conversation about his new book, Matthew Flinders, exploring the curious life and adventures of one of Australia’s most famous explorers.

New venue: Powerhouse Theatre
9.30am
Sunday 11 October 2026
$25/29.90

Already booked? Simply bring your tickets to the Powerhouse Theatre!

For tickets and the latest event details:
https://bwf.org.au/2026/brisbane-writers-festival/shaun-micallef-matthew-flinders

09/10/2026

Day 1 highlights!

And there’s still so much more to come. Join us on Friday and over the weekend for more bookish delights!

Don’t forget to pop down to the Powerhouse to make the most of our half-price rush tickets on selected events – they’re only available in person at the Box Office before the event.

07/10/2026

Happy Festival Eve! Who’s joining us at one of these Thursday events?

06/10/2026

The jacarandas are blooming and the Brisbane Powerhouse is filling up with books – it’s Festival week!

This Thursday 8 October, witness the entire Powerhouse precinct come alive with writers and book lovers as Brisbane Writers Festival 2026 officially opens its doors.

A few important notes about your visit:

- Car parking is tight! We recommend City Cat, bus and getting dropped off where possible.

- Coming on Saturday morning? The farmers’ markets are on, so it will be extra busy! Allow extra time to travel but the good news is we have lots of coffee options.

- Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office. Look out for our daily half-price rush tickets on selected events (only in person on day of event).

- The Festival bookshop is run by our friends from Harry Hartog – it’s inside on the Turbine Platform. Signings will take place after almost every event.

- Dining options at the Powerhouse include Bar Alto (open from 9.30am), Mary Mae’s Brisbane (open from 8am) and Vertigo.

- The Queensland Literary Awards ceremony is on Thursday night. Book tickets via our website or follow along on the socials!

Looking for the Parkside Marquee?
Find the Parkside Marquee, otherwise known as the Augathella Spiegeltent, at the New Farm Park end of the Powerhouse Plaza (where the outdoor cinema used to be). Follow the signs or ask a friendly BWF volunteer for directions!

The forecast is for hot weather on the weekend, so don’t forget your water bottle!

Keep an eye on Festival happenings and updates via our socials, website and newsletter – sign up via website: www.bwf.org.au.

We can’t wait to see you at the Festival!

01/10/2026

Queensland’s biggest literary event is only one week away 🤩

We can’t wait to see all the book lovers of Brisbane and beyond!

📆 8–11 October
📍 Brisbane Powerhouse
🎟️ bwf.org.au

28/09/2026

📚 Keen to discover books hot off the press? Join these authors as they talk about their newest releases published in September or October!

📝 The Country Schoolmaster by Kate Grenville
🧠 The Brain Cliff by Dr Norman Swan
🚸 How to Ruin a Child by Richard Glover
💜 The German Ward by Pip Williams
⚖️ Inter Alia by Suzie Miller
💝 I Can’t Tell You But I Will by Magda Szubanski
🐨 Australianarama by Stavroula Adameitis
👔 A Suitable Man by Jock Serong
💞 The World of Barbie by Megan Hess
👯‍♂️ When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney
😁 Holding on to Happiness by Jim Rogers and Millie Robinson
🌎 The World Beneath her Feet by Holly Ringland
🚢 The Cruise by Naima Brown
🍾 People with Money by Jess Ho
👰🏻‍♀️ The Starving Bride by Catherine Chidgey
🏡 Cul-de-sac by Eleanor Limprecht
… and more!

🎟️ Grab tickets or our four-event bundles ($99!) at www.bwf.org.au

24/09/2026

Brisbane book lovers, the countdown is on!

Address

381 Brunswick Street
Brisbane, QLD
4000

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61732160694

Website

http://www.bwf.org.au/

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