Meet hamlet. Literature Expo – the book event set to take over Canberra in 2027

Posted on 26 August, 2026

Literature lovers are in for a treat with the announcement that Canberra is getting a large-scale book event in early 2027. Here’s what we know.

When sisters Sam and Shannon Hoppitt decided they would be the best people to launch a literature expo in Canberra, it was for a single, simple reason: they’re passionate about the city’s rich bookish subculture.

Both devoted readers with their own business focused on creating literary gifts and rarities – The Bookmark Revolution – they say that the idea for hamlet. Literature Expo was born out of a “need, passion, and a desperate desire” to create a fully inclusive and supportive community for the Canberra region.

The event is set for February 2027, and from workshops, panels, and presentations to craft activities, readings, and author signings, there’s sure to be something for those who think reading is more than a novel idea.

“The idea of a hamlet – a small town that exists solely because its people needed somewhere to belong – truly speaks to us in terms of being accepting and supportive of anyone who needs a place they can be safe and themselves,” explains Sam.

“We aim to create an event full of authors, vendors, and attendees who just want to share their passion with others. There’s no judgement, no stigma, and nothing but a good time and tonnes of new friends.”

Designing the event so small businesses and creatives can shine, hamlet. Literature Expo will be so much more than a simple market. The sisters say the event will offer all manner of creative outlets and experiences – from bookish origami workshops to speed date-style book reviewing and even book bedazzling.

Attendees will also be able to browse the Ye Olde Shoppe for their newest bookish merchandise and goodies, relax in the lending library, head down Author Alley, or reenact iconic book scenes.

As for the author and vendor line-up? Shannon says it will be a who’s who of local creatives, along with some interstate guests.

“We’ll keep some of them a surprise for now as we finalise contracts, but we are proud to have Joanne Rose, Hollie Hartwright, Diamen J. Coluccio, Novellous, Elodie Groves, Grace McGinty, Focus Folding, and Cyanidesugar3Dprints,” she says. “It’s such a rich melting pot of genres, creativity, and interests.”

“One thing that was important to us was showcasing real artists and their work and worth, staying away from AI work or generative images or texts and shining a spotlight on the incredible human-made art that exists in our community.”

With backgrounds in event and project management, multi-store retail management, a bachelor’s in English literature, and lots of book-ish connections, Sam and Shannon feel ready to help turn the page in the misconceptions surrounding Canberra’s literary scene.

They say they wanted to create a safe space for anyone who ever felt like they were outcast or talked down to because of their love of books – or the kinds of books they read.

hamlet. Literature Expo is a giant bookish networking event. But it’s also so much more.

“More than anything, we wanted to show people that Canberra is still important and that bookish creatives definitely care about Canberra and its people,” says Sam.

“We’ve played under the radar for a long time as the boring political town – which is great most of the time. But we’ve seen the consequences of that in the lack of visiting music, special concerts or activities, and now in book events. We want to reclaim our importance as the nation’s capital and show what we’re capable of while providing a local equivalent to the likes of Sydney or Melbourne.”

With tickets now available for Saturday 27 February, expressions of interest for vendors and authors are still open.

With more information to come, keep an eye on @hamletlitexpo and @thebookmarkrevolution. Consider yourself booked and busy that weekend.