10 years of stories: Canberra Writers Festival brings big names (and even bigger conversations) to the capital
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There’s something quietly magical about a city that loves books – and this year, Canberra is leaning all the way in.
The Canberra Writers Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and instead of waiting until October to pop the champagne, it’s stretching the celebrations across the year.
Think cosy autumn conversations, winter nights with world-class authors, and a steady stream of events designed to remind us why stories matter.
Under the theme For the Love of Books, this year’s program is both a major festival moment in October and a season-long invitation to read more, think more, and maybe even put your phone down for a minute (radical, we know).
Here are the bookish events to mark on your calendar…
Sarah Wilson: big ideas, bold questions
If your bookshelf leans towards the philosophical (with a side of existential pondering), Sarah Wilson’s upcoming appearance is one you’ll want on your radar.
Taking to the stage at The Street Theatre on Friday 8 May, Sarah will launch her new book I Eat the Stars – a book that continues her exploration of being human in a collapsing world and how we make meaning amid the chaos.
Sarah has built a career on asking the kind of questions most of us are quietly avoiding about purpose, connection and what it actually means to live well. Her talks are equal parts intellectual deep dive and personal reflection, often leaving audiences both challenged and strangely comforted (a rare combo).
This event promises a candid, thought-provoking night that goes beyond the page- think less of a traditional author talk and more of an exploration of how we navigate the world right now. The event will be hosted by our very own Associate Editor and book lover, Emma Macdonald.
Tickets here.
Lisa Wilkinson: history, headlines and one remarkable Australian story
There are few voices in Australian media as instantly recognisable as Lisa Wilkinson. When she takes the stage on Thursday 30 April at the National Library of Australia, expect a conversation that blends sharp journalism with deeply human storytelling.
Her latest book, The Titanic Story of Evelyn, uncovers the life of Australian nurse Evelyn Marsden, a survivor of the Titanic disaster whose story has largely been overlooked. She’ll be interviewed by the brilliant Amy Remeikis.
Tickets here.
From memoirs to high tea (yes, please)
Beloved Australian author Rosalie Ham (you might know her as the author of The Dressmaker – the book and film starring Kate Winslet) is heading to Canberra for two events.
The first, a conversation at the National Library on Friday 1 May, followed by a Dressmaker-inspired high tea at Hyatt Hotel Canberra on Saturday 2 May. Books and cake? Say less.
Both events will be packed with wry observations on human nature, fantastic couture, and the delights of ageing (wine and cheese for dinner?) and power and perils of gossip!
Tickets here.
A night for the book club group chat
If your idea of a big night out involves Booker Prize winners (same), Night of the Bookers is your headline act. Held at the National Library of Australia on 12 May, the event brings together two of the most talked-about international authors right now: David Szalay and Susan Choi.
Szalay, winner of the 2025 Booker Prize, will dive into Flesh – a gripping, quietly devastating novel about ambition, identity and the forces that shape a life. Choi, shortlisted for the same prize, brings Flashlight, an expansive and deeply human story that’s already been named one of the year’s best by heavyweights like The New Yorker.
In conversation with Canberra favourite Nigel Featherstone, the evening promises sharp insights, beautiful writing, and the kind of discussion that you’ll think about long after you leave.
Tickets here.
But wait, there’s more
The full festival program is set to run from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October and will land later this year.
Until then, consider this your gentle nudge to book a ticket, crack open a fresh new book, and lean into the kind of conversations that we all need to have.
Tickets for upcoming events are on sale at canberrawritersfestival.com.au
