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Monday, 18 May 2026

Discover the Sydney Writers’ Festival 2026: Over 55 Free Events Across the Harbour City

Cheryl Orsini

Literary lovers visiting Sydney in May have a remarkable opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most celebrated cultural events without spending a cent. The Sydney Writers’ Festival returns in 2026 with an impressive lineup of more than 55 free events taking place across the city, offering visitors a chance to engage with writers, thinkers and storytellers from around the world.

Running from 17–24 May 2026, the festival transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub for ideas, creativity and conversation. From family-friendly storytelling sessions to lively debates on politics, food and culture, the program provides something for every type of traveller.

Family Day Brings Stories and Creativity to Life

One of the most anticipated free events of the festival is Family Day, returning on Sunday 24 May with a packed program designed to inspire young readers and families.

Sue Whiting

Children and parents can join popular author and illustrator Cheryl Orsini for a fun badgemaking workshop, while engaging storytelling sessions will be hosted by acclaimed children’s author Sue Whiting and illustrator Gabriel Evans.

Brother and sister duo Victor Steffensen and Sandra Steffensen will also share stories that celebrate culture, knowledge and connection to Country.

Families can enjoy the lively atmosphere of Russ the Story Bus, watch Australian illustrators battle it out in creative drawing competitions, and explore interactive storytelling sessions where audiences decide how the story unfolds with writers Nathan Luff and Andrew Cranna.

Adding a playful twist to the day, author Dan Marshall invites audiences to challenge and debunk 42 common myths in an entertaining and educational session.

Food, Stories and Laughter at FEAST: Food Fights

Jennifer Wong

Food culture takes centre stage at the popular FEAST: Food Fights event on 23 May, hosted by poet and performer Jennifer Wong.

Writers and storytellers including Durkhanai Ayubi, Natalia Figueroa Barroso, Shirley Le, Debra Oswald and Michael Shaikh will share humorous and heartfelt stories about cooking mishaps, festive traditions and memorable meals.

The event celebrates the universal language of food while exploring how culinary experiences connect cultures and communities.

Inside Australian Politics: Secrets of the Lodge

Politics enthusiasts will enjoy Secrets of the Lodge on 21 May, where leading political commentators unpack the personalities and power struggles that have shaped Australian democracy.

Journalist and historian Troy Bramston joins political columnist Sean Kelly, journalist Amy Remeikis and commentator Niki Savva to share insider perspectives on Australia’s most influential prime ministers and the stories behind the nation’s political leadership.

Fireside Conversations at Carriageworks

Fireside: Sky Stories

Two atmospheric evening events bring storytelling to life in the Blacksmith’s Workshop at Carriageworks.

In Fireside: Sky Stories on 23 May, celebrated Indigenous author Bruce Pascoe joins astrophysicist Ray Norris to explore the wonders of the night sky and the connections between astronomy and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Later that evening, Fireside: Spooky Stories gathers a fascinating group of storytellers around the metaphorical campfire. Comedian and writer Shaun Micallef appears alongside international authors Bora Chung and Mariana Enriquez, with host Maeve Marsden guiding audiences through a night of eerie tales and dark humour.

Finding Your Way Forward: Stop Being Stuck

Ahona Guha

Life advice meets thoughtful discussion in the event Stop Being Stuck on 22 May. Media personality Osher Günsberg joins psychologist Ahona Guha and writer Josh Silver for a conversation about overcoming personal challenges and navigating life’s obstacles.

The session is hosted by journalist Sana Qadar and offers practical insights on resilience, self-understanding and emotional wellbeing.

A Cultural Highlight for Visitors to Sydney

With more than 55 free events taking place across Sydney, the Sydney Writers’ Festival offers travellers an accessible way to experience the city’s vibrant cultural life. From storytelling and family activities to intellectual debate and live performances, the festival showcases the depth and diversity of contemporary literature.

For visitors exploring Sydney in May, attending festival events provides an enriching addition to any travel itinerary while offering the chance to meet some of Australia’s most inspiring writers and thinkers.

Sydney Writers’ Festival

17–24 May 2026
Website: https://www.swf.org.au
For full program details and event information, visit the official website.

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