Whether you’re a literature lover, news junkie or a YA fan, Sydney Writers’ Festival has an event for you – in fact, we have more than 200. We’ve highlighted the ones we think you’ll like most so you’re not here until midnight planning your event schedule (though we think that’s a great way to spend an evening).
Subscribe to our e-newsletter for more guidance on which events we think you should fill your day with.
A Message from our Artistic Director
If you’re after some direction, why not take it from the person who knows the Festival program best. Read Artistic Director Ann Mossop's message.
2023 Podcast
Annabel Crabb and Ann Mossop join forces on the SWF Podcast. Tune in to find out which events they want you to know about.
Festival highlights
For this year’s biggest names and not-to-be-missed galas, check out our Festival Highlights.
Free events and Curiosity Lectures
With almost a quarter of our program free to attend, you can choose your own adventure of free sessions to attend – including our Curiosity Lecture Series where some of the Festival’s most inquisitive minds deliver lectures on eclectic topics that spark their curiosity.
All-Day YA
With sessions specially curated by Sydney Writers’ Festival Nathan Luff (Manager of Children's & YA Programs), All-Day YA is an epic celebration of all things YA (Young Adult fiction).
Returning on Saturday 27 May, we’re delighted to bring young people and their favourite authors together again at Carriageworks to explore the latest genre-trends, from the heightened worlds of fantasy to the rich tapestry of contemporary life. Delve into the depths of the new age of rom-coms and find out why suspense so successfully keeps us wanting more.
Family Day
On Sunday 28 May, roll on up to Carriageworks for the marvellous magic of Family Day, a riotous celebration of storytelling and creativity that will captivate kids of all ages.
The Big Backyard returns on from 10am to 4pm with free activities that will whisk kids away into a world of wonder.
Check out our Family Program events.