Three days celebrating books, ideas and storytelling across Newcastle
The Newcastle Writers Festival returned in 2026 with a packed program celebrating storytelling, ideas and conversation, bringing more than 150 writers, thinkers and storytellers to the region.
Spanning venues across Newcastle, Cessnock and Port Stephens, the festival invites readers to dive into everything from literature and politics to philosophy, food writing and pop culture.
Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or simply curious to hear from some of the world’s leading writers, the weekend offers plenty of opportunities to listen, learn and connect.
The festival opened on Friday 27 March with a special Opening Night Gala at Newcastle City Hall, featuring London-based humourist and bestselling author Kathy Lette.
In conversation with Yumi Stynes, Lette will reflect on her career, resilience and the highs and lows of life as a feminist writer.
Across the weekend, audiences heard from an impressive lineup of speakers including AC Grayling, Bryan Brown, Bob Carr, Hannah Kent, Antoinette Lattouf, Bri Lee, Thomas Mayo, Heather Rose and Siang Lu, alongside beloved cook Stephanie Alexander and historian Peter FitzSimons.
Literary highlights include an appearance by the trio behind The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder — Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein — as well as sessions with international bestselling authors Amie Kaufman, Natasha Lester and Charlotte McConaghy.
Beyond the talks, the festival spills out into the city with unique events and community experiences. Expect the return of Read the Room, an outdoor reading party at Newcastle Ocean Baths, and the largest Family Fun Day program since 2019, featuring beloved children’s writers including Andy Griffiths, Sally Rippin and the creators of Real Pigeons.
The main festival hub will be the University of Newcastle’s NUspace city campus, where visitors can browse a pop-up bookstore from MacLean’s Booksellers, enjoy food vans and live music, and soak up the buzzing festival atmosphere.
Since its debut in 2013, the Newcastle Writers Festival (NWF) has become one of Australia’s premier regional literary events, attracting writers and audiences from across the country.
The first festival brought together more than 70 writers across 38 sessions, and its success set the tone for what would become a much-loved annual celebration of storytelling and ideas.
In 2014 the festival introduced a Primary Schools Program, and since then, more than 12,000 students have taken part in events across Newcastle and Cessnock – inspiring the next generation of readers and writers.
Beyond the main festival weekend, NWF continues to nurture literary talent through initiatives like the $5,000 Fresh Ink Emerging Writer Prize, which supports regional NSW writers, and the innovative Story Hunter program, training local writers to deliver creative writing workshops in schools across the region.
The festival is guided by a passionate board led by President Kate Robinson, Vice-President Rosemarie Milsom, and Treasurer Annette Morrissey, each bringing a wealth of experience across communications, journalism, and governance.
A small but dedicated team including: Program Manager Amy Lovat, Digital Manager Zoe Drew, Artist Logistics Manager Cherrie Sheldrick, and Story Hunter Coordinator Emma Biddle, who each work tirelessly to deliver a festival that continues to grow in size and reputation every year.
Of course, none of it would be possible without the 200 incredible volunteers who help bring the festival to life, welcoming audiences, supporting events, and ensuring every session runs seamlessly.
From headline authors to local voices, the Newcastle Writers Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity, conversation, and community, a must-visit for book lovers and curious minds alike.
Newcastle Writers Festival
When: 2027 dates to be announced soon.
For more information visit Newcastle Writers Festival
