Ideas, Debate and Powerful Stories: Essential Events at the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Every May, the cultural heart of Sydney comes alive with one of the world’s most respected literary gatherings, the Sydney Writers' Festival. The 2026 program features a compelling lineup of essential festival events that explore powerful themes including resilience, politics, journalism, history, identity and the future of truth in a rapidly changing world.

Running from 17 to 24 May, the festival offers audiences the opportunity to engage with leading writers, journalists and thinkers through thought-provoking discussions and lively debates. These carefully curated sessions highlight the importance of storytelling in helping society understand complex global issues.

After Bondi: Reflecting on Community and Resilience

One of the most moving conversations in the 2026 program is After Bondi on 17 May. In this deeply reflective session, writers Jessica Chapnik Kahn, Lee Kofman, Simon Tedeschi and Michael Visontay join host Michaela Kalowski to explore grief, solidarity and resilience following the 2025 Bondi terrorist attack.

Through personal reflection and thoughtful discussion, the panel examines how communities process tragedy and how storytelling can play an important role in healing and understanding.

The Story That Changed My Life

The Story That Changed My Life

On 19 May, some of the world’s most respected journalists gather for The Story That Changed My Life, a fascinating session about the defining moments that shaped their careers.

Participants include Lorena Allam, Avani Dias, Lyse Doucet, Anton Enus, Kate McClymont and internationally renowned writer Patrick Radden Keefe.

Each speaker reflects on the moment or story that transformed their professional journey, dividing their careers into the time before and after a defining experience.

Brave Conversations About Words and Democracy

One of the festival’s most topical discussions takes place on 21 May with Brave Conversations: When Words Offend. This panel explores how societies can have more productive and respectful disagreements, particularly in an era of increasing political and cultural division.

Speakers including Waleed Aly, Cordelia Fine, Antoinette Lattouf, Greg Sheridan and Amy Thunig-McGregor join hosts Daniel Heller and Farid Zaid to discuss the role of dialogue in strengthening democracy and relationships within society.

The Great Debate Returns to Sydney Town Hall

SWF Great Debate

A beloved festival tradition returns on 21 May with the SWF Great Debate at the historic Sydney Town Hall.

This year’s provocative topic, We Can’t Handle the Truth, will see teams led by Annabel Crabb and writer David Marr face off in a lively and humorous battle of ideas.

Joining the debate are Matilda Boseley, Reuben Kaye, Rhys Nicholson and Jennifer Wong, with adjudication by Yumi Stynes.

Exploring Identity, History and Storytelling

A wide range of sessions throughout the festival explore important cultural and historical themes.

In Holding Up the Mirror, writers Lee Kofman, Jon Sopel and Michael Visontay examine antisemitism in Australia and globally, in conversation with historian Avril Alba.

The session Big Histories brings together internationally respected writers including Amitav Ghosh, historian Clare Wright and researcher Luke Kemp to explore how the grand narratives of history influence the future of our world.

Meanwhile, Great Adaptations provides a fascinating look behind the scenes of storytelling across mediums. Authors Mick Herron and Suzie Miller discuss bringing their works from page and stage to screen in conversation with writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law.

Celebrating Literature and Diverse Voices

Sydney Writers’ Festival

The festival also shines a spotlight on literary excellence with the return of State of the Art, a special Booker Prize-focused session featuring acclaimed authors Susan Choi, Roddy Doyle, Yann Martel, David Szalay and Charlotte Wood.

Another much-loved event is Queerstories, a powerful storytelling evening celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices and lived experiences. Hosted by Maeve Marsden, the event features contributors including Raewyn Connell, Victoria Falconer, George Kemp, Steve MinOn and Sofi Oksanen.

Politics, Society and the Future of Truth

As global politics and technology reshape public debate, the festival offers important discussions on these critical issues.

Barrie Cassidy and Friends: State of the Nation brings together influential political commentators including Waleed Aly, Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis and Niki Savva. Hosted by veteran political journalist Barrie Cassidy, the session examines the political forces shaping Australia’s future.

In Silenced, writers Randa Abdel-Fattah, Michael Mohammed Ahmad and Antoinette Lattouf explore challenging themes from their latest works in conversation with broadcaster Jan Fran.

The festival concludes with the thought-provoking session The Future of Truth. Speakers including Barbara Demick, philosopher A. C. Grayling, Jimmy Wales and artificial intelligence expert Toby Walsh examine the challenges of misinformation, artificial intelligence and digital manipulation in modern society.

A Festival That Inspires Ideas and Conversation

Sydney Writers’ Festival

With its dynamic mix of debates, conversations and storytelling, the Sydney Writers' Festival remains one of the most influential literary events in the Southern Hemisphere.

For visitors to Sydney, the festival offers the chance to experience world-class cultural programming while exploring one of Australia’s most iconic cities.

The full Sydney Writers’ Festival 2026 program can be found online.

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Website: https://www.swf.org.au

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