Melbourne Writers Festival

Melbourne Writers Festival For the latest news, subscribe to our newsletter on our website.

23/05/2026

More than 24,000 literary-lovers hit the streets of Melbourne to be part of MWF 2026 ❤️‍🔥

Take a look back at a handful of this year’s highlights - from packed sessions and big conversations to autumnal evenings spent in some of our city’s oldest theatres sharing stories. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2027!

In the meantime, stay tuned for new podcast drops, book recommendations and more 📚

📹 Video Production:
Documentarians:
Editor: Rich Hart

08/05/2026

Opening Night through your eyes ✨

We handed the mic to audiences last night to hear their thoughts on MWF and what they’re most looking forward to seeing this weekend. 🎤

We’re gearing up for another exciting night of MWF tonight - this time at Melbourne Town Hall. 🏛️ We can’t wait to see you there.

Final tickets for events are on sale now.
Check out the program via the link in our bio. 🔗

Video 🎥

08/05/2026

And just like that… the festival has begun. 🏁

Opening Night was full of celebration, conversation - and a few rapid-fire questions for some of our amazing artists.

More festival magic to come 👀


Video 🎥

By now, we hope you’ve secured your seats and have your books stacked by the door ready to be signed by your favourite a...
07/05/2026

By now, we hope you’ve secured your seats and have your books stacked by the door ready to be signed by your favourite authors.

To help you make the most of your MWF experience, we’ve put together a quick guide of great CBD spots to eat, drink and make memories – pre and post event!

🍹🍝 The Moat for cocktails and Italian cuisine
☕ Market Lane for your morning brew
🍰 Sofitel Melbourne on Collins for a luxurious Mother’s Day weekend
📚 Readings for expanding your TBR pile

✨ Tonight’s the night we officially kick off the 2026 Melbourne Writers Festival! ✨On the iconic stage of the Athenaeum ...
07/05/2026

✨ Tonight’s the night we officially kick off the 2026 Melbourne Writers Festival! ✨

On the iconic stage of the Athenaeum Theatre (where the very first MWF was held in 1986), renowned international and local authors will share original works in response to this year’s festival theme Visions & Revisions.

Get ready. A weekend full of literary wonder awaits … 📚🌌 We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Final tickets on sale now. 🎟️

⌛ The countdown is officially on – our 40th anniversary Festival begins this Thursday 7 May! Spend next weekend with int...
02/05/2026

⌛ The countdown is officially on – our 40th anniversary Festival begins this Thursday 7 May!

Spend next weekend with international powerhouses and local literary icons including Jacinda Ardern, R.F. Kuang, David Szalay, Susan Choi, Stephanie Alexander, Maria Reva, Tony Birch, Madison Griffiths, Anita Heiss, Michael Pedersen, Zoe Terakes, Evelyn Araluen and many (many) more.

Tickets are flying out the door! 🪽Book now to secure your seats. ✨

Final tickets via the link in bio 🔗

We can’t wait to see you soon ❤️

Thanks to Vision Australia Library, you can attend MWF no matter where you are! Experience incredible conversations from...
29/04/2026

Thanks to Vision Australia Library, you can attend MWF no matter where you are!

Experience incredible conversations from the comfort of home with free live streams of these sold-out highlight MWF events.

🌺 Anita Heiss: The Paradise Pact
📅 Wednesday 6 May, 7pm

❄️ Bri Lee: Seed
📅 Friday 8 May, 7pm

🌳 Bob Brown: Defiance
📅 Saturday 9 May, 3.30pm

Live stream registration is free and available to everyone.

Book now via the link in bio 🔗

🤝 In partnership with

Whether you live locally, regionally or interstate - here’s your chance to savour the city with Melbourne Writers Festiv...
28/04/2026

Whether you live locally, regionally or interstate - here’s your chance to savour the city with Melbourne Writers Festival and ! Just in time for Mother’s Day 😉

We’re delighted to partner with our friends at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins to offer you and someone special a memorable stay in the city.

The lucky winning pair will receive:

🛏️ An overnight stay for two at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins (with breakfast included in the No35 restaurant🍳)
👩‍🍳 A double pass to Stephanie Alexander: The Cook’s Companion at MWF on Sunday 10 May
📕 A copy of Stephanie Alexander’s 30th anniversary edition of The Cook’s Companion

For a chance to win, simply follow and and tag a person you’d love to share this experience with in the comments below 🫶🏻

View the T&Cs via the link in bio.

Entries close 5pm, Tuesday 5 May AEST.

This year, the enigmatic Ariana Reines makes her MWF debut in celebration of her latest poetry collections, The Rose and...
26/04/2026

This year, the enigmatic Ariana Reines makes her MWF debut in celebration of her latest poetry collections, The Rose and Wave of Blood.

In conversation with Jessie Kindig, Reines will discuss her creative practice and what it means to write the poetry of witness.

Spend an afternoon with this enthralling poetic force as she reflects on a life spent seeking meaning through art.

🥀 Ariana Reines in Conversation
📅 Sunday 10 May, 2.30pm | The Capitol

Book now via the link in bio 🔗

26/04/2026

In less than two weeks, international bestseller takes the stage at The Capitol alongside fellow crime fiction superstar Benjamin Stevenson ()

Two of Australia’s most thrilling writers will discuss their latest books and what makes darkly addictive tales of murder, mystery and twisted motives so compelling.

Don’t miss this riveting conversation, hosted by

🩸 Dervla McTiernan and Benjamin Stevenson: Blood on the Page
🗓️ Saturday 9 May, 10.30am | The Capitol
🤝 Supported by ARA

Book now via the link in bio 🔗

Address

Level 4, 176 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

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