Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community at our 2nd reading party! The project brings booklovers together for quiet reading and guided conversation hosted by Dan Cox. 📍 Newcastle Art Gallery's Hilliers cafe 📅 Sunday 31 May, 3pm-4pm 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...

Don't miss our special evening event with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson this Friday from 7.30pm. Sarah will speak to festival director Rosemarie Milsom about her new book I Eat the Stars. 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...

Young writers living in the Hunter region are invited to submit to the Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition. The prize seeks to celebrate and encourage the next generation of young writers. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp/

We are welcoming submissions from published writers at all stages of their careers to participate in the 2027 festival, which will be held from 2 to 4 April. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2027-program-submissions-now-open/

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community at our 2nd reading party! Hosted by Dan Cox. 📍 Newcastle Art Gallery's Hilliers cafe 📅 Sunday, 31 May 3pm - 4pm Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...

Join us for an evening with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson on Friday, 29 May! Sarah will speak to festival director Rosemarie Milsom about her new book, I Eat the Stars. Learn more and book tickets at events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...

#NWF2026 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Thank you to our core funder Create NSW and major partner The University of Newcastle.

We are seeking two flexible, passionate people with a background in education and/or creative writing to support the delivery of our Story Hunter program. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/story-hunter-guides/

After 14 years at the helm of Newcastle Writers Festival, founding director Rosemarie Milsom has announced she will step down from the role in late May to take up the position of director of Adelaide Writers’ Week. Learn more www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/important-update-from-nwf-director/

You will be spoilt for choice at this year’s festival when it comes to food and drink 🍕🍷☕️ Within NUspace, there will be pizza and coffee vans as well as a kiosk with healthy takeaway options. A pop-up bar will operate on the ground floor of NUspace from 2pm to 6pm Saturday and 1pm to 5pm Sunday.

Heading to #NWF2026? 📚 Check out our guide to a seamless festival experience in the thread below!

On Wednesday night we celebrated the unofficial launch party of #NWF2026 with Literary Trivia 📚 Thank you to Customs House for hosting, @nickmilligan.bsky.social for facilitating and everyone who attended. Explore the 2026 program at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

Former NSW premier Bob Carr speaks to @janecaro.bsky.social about his candid new memoir and the fragile, hard-won process of finding solace amid crushing grief. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/bring-back-yesterday-bob-carr-in-conversation/

Join us at #NWF2026 for a book launch! Many of the book launches in this year's program have now sold out, so get in quick to avoid missing out! Learn more in the thread below or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

Dive into the dark world of crime fiction with bestselling writers Candice Fox and JP Pomare, who are making their festival debut. Hosted by Abby Millerd. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/murder-they-wrote-candice-fox-and-jp-pomare/

We are thrilled to have City of Newcastle as a sponsor of #NWF2026 and to present a series of vibrant events in City Hall! Learn more and book at civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/al...

Heather Rose will speak with Jacinta Parsons about her new novel, A Great Act of Love, an artfully woven historical tapestry, drawing on true stories spanning Tasmania, London and Norfolk Island. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-great-act-of-love-heather-rose-in-conversation/

One more week until #NWF2026 Join us in the Civic Precinct from 27 to 29 March for 100 free and ticketed events featuring 150 writers. Explore the 2026 program at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

Literary Trivia with @nickmilligan.bsky.social is less than a week away! Bookings close at 5.00pm on Tues, 24 March. Customs House has requested that guests wishing to dine during the event upstairs pre-register their interest and select from a shortened dinner menu. Learn more at bit.ly/4sXpJKv

#NWF2026 would not be possible without the support of our major partner, the University of Newcastle. Join us for a vibrant range of free and ticketed events at NUspace, the Conservatorium of Music and Watt Space Gallery from March 27 to 29. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

With his trademark wit & grit, Bryan Brown will chat to Dan Cox about how he shapes unforgettable characters & channels a lifetime of screen storytelling into fiction that’s as sharp, surprising, & compelling as he is. 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-hidden-bryan-brown-in-conversation

From the emotions that shape players to the dramatic highs and lows that stay with fans, Brandon Jack and Helen Garner explore how sport becomes story with Corrie Perkin. This event will be livestreamed. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/talking-footy-helen-garner-and-brandon-jack/

Settle in under the open sky for the launch of the Festival’s Read the Room project, a series of reading parties to be held in venues across Newcastle in 2026. Learn more and reserve your spot at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/celebrate-the-festivals-first-reading-party/

In Bri Lee’s compelling new novel, the award-winning author probes antinatalism, climate despair and what it means to love – and betray – in extremis. Bri speaks with Amy Lovat. This event will be livestreamed. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/seed-bri-lee-in-conversation/

Play along with @australia.theguardian.com’s signature game show! With Robbie Arnott, @brigidwd.bsky.social, @thomasmayo.bsky.social, @tobyschmitz.bsky.social and host @stephharmon.bsky.social. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/guardian-australias-are-you-game-show/

@hannahkent.bsky.social, JP Pomare, and Heather Rose reflect on the realities of a life shaped by writing with Kate Evans. Learn more and book tickets at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/this-writing-life/

The Cook’s Companion is a staple in many kitchens across the country. Join national treasure Stephanie Alexander as she reflects on its lasting impact with Heather Rose. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/celebrating-30-years-of-the-cooks-companion/

Samuel Elliott, Zeynab Gamieldien & Kate Mildenhall unite for a gripping discussion about the art of psychological tension & crafting books that keep readers hooked. Hosted by Zohra Aly. 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-thrill-of-it-samuel-elliott-zeynab-gamieldien-and-kate-mildenhall

In their debut literary work, actor & writer Zoe Terakes reimagines five ancient Greek myths through a queer & trans perspective, inspired by their own Cretan heritage. Zoe will speak to Kaya Wilson at #NWF2026 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-queer-reimagining-zoe-terakes-in-conversation

Join philosophers Russell Blackford and @acgrayling.bsky.social for a deep dive into the values, principles, and assumptions behind some of the big news stories of the day. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/philosophers-cafe-with-russell-blackford-and-ac-grayling/

Celebrate the launch of RE-VIEW at Back to Back Galleries. The exhibition features 25 Hunter region artists who have responded to books by authors featured in the #NWF2026 program. 📅 27 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. 🔗 www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/re-view-art-exhibition/

Tracing Bob Hawke’s rise from union firebrand to PM, David Day speaks to @julie-mcintyre.bsky.social about the mythmaking surrounding the politician and why his legacy continues to shape Australian politics. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/hawke-pm-the-making-of-a-legend/

On #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate women and their ongoing fight for equality. The #NWF2026 program features a dynamic range of sessions that platform women writers who use their powerful voices to inspire change.

Liz Cameron, Tim Pocock, & Martina Zangger speak candidly about the mechanisms of control & abuse of power at the core of tightly controlled groups. Hosted by Jackie Dent. 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/survival-and-control-in-closed-communities

Join @peterfitz1.bsky.social in conversation at #NWF2026 🎟️ Cessnock newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-the-courageous-life-of-weary-dunlop 🎟️ Newcastle newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-courageous-life-of-weary-dunlop-peter-fitzsimons-in-conversation

We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson to Newcastle for a special evening event on Friday, 29 May! Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...

Love poetry? Join us at #NWF2026 for one (or more) of our diverse sessions featuring poetry. Learn more through the thread below and book tickets at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

Congratulations to Charlotte McConaghy, whose third novel Wild Dark Shore has been longlisted for the 2026 #WomensPrize for Fiction. We are excited to welcome Charlotte to Newcastle for #NWF2026 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-vanishing-world-charlotte-mcconaghy-in-conversation/

In this intimate conversation, Adam Courtenay speaks to Susan Wyndham about his candid memoir My Father Bryce. Learn more and book tickets at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/my-father-bryce-adam-courtenay-in-conversation/

Acclaimed authors Gail Jones and Toni Jordan join Ashley Hay for a conversation about the power of storytelling and how they shape narratives that convey emotional truth. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/slippery-truths-gail-jones-and-toni-jordan/

@brigidwd.bsky.social's unique new novel The Seeker & the Sage explores how Stoic wisdom can shape communities & help us build a better world. Brigid will speak with @stephharmon.bsky.social at #NWF2026. 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-seeker-and-the-sage-brigid-delaney-in-conversation

Writers and visual artists come together in this lively cross-disciplinary showcase at Port Stephens Artisan Collective. Five Hunter region storytellers unveil 500-word pieces sparked by striking works from local artists. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-picture-paints-500-words/

Siang Lu’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Ghost Cities is a genre-bending masterpiece of literary hilarity that offers a bold reimagining of Sino-Australian storytelling. He speaks with Courtney Collins at #NWF2026 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/ghost-cities-siang-lu-in-conversation

Bri Lee and Lucy Nelson speak with Maddison Connaughton about the ways fiction creates space for the most intimate questions about the futures we imagine. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/choice-and-circumstance-bri-lee-and-lucy-nelson/

@amiekaufman.bsky.social, Natalie Murray, and @littleredwrites.bsky.social explore what love ignites in narrative and why emotional connection remains important to readers with Katharine Pollock at #NWF2026 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/writing-romance-across-genre/

We want #NWF2026 to be accessible to everyone in our community and have Auslan interpreters available by request until March 9. Learn more at #NWF2026 at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/accessibility/

Students in Stage 3 (years 5 & 6) are invited to join us at our upcoming Story Hunter workshops. Schools are encouraged to send a small group of up to 12 students accompanied by a supervising teacher or adult. Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/host/newcast...

New York cook, food writer, & personal assistant to the late chef Anthony Bourdain, @lauriewoolever.bsky.social, joins festival director Rosemarie Milsom for a candid conversation about finding her voice. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/care-and-feeding-laurie-woolever-in-conversation/

With emotional precision, Adam Courtenay, Mandy Sayer, & S. Shakthidharan have written evocative accounts of their fathers, all of whom left complicated legacies. They speak to Magdalena Ball at #NWF2026 🎟️ bit.ly/4tQNsgB

Newcastle-born Michael Madrusan, with wife and co-author Zara discuss The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, regarded as the most ambitious drinks guide ever published. Hosted by Ben Groundwater. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-best-bar-none-michael-and-zara-madrusan-in-conversation/