Key Takeaways
- Free Cultural Weekend: Running from 17 to 19 July 2026, the festival offers a highly accessible, completely free three-day program at the Willoughby City Library.
- Diverse Storytelling: The 2026 agenda explores a broad spectrum of themes, spanning local heritage and Indigenous storytelling to resilience, travel, and LGBTQIA+ experiences.
- Star-Studded Roster: Prominent literary and media figures, including Jane Caro, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Bob Carr, and Osher Günsberg, will headline author talks and new release panels.
- Interactive Community Events: Beyond traditional talks, local readers of all ages can engage in publisher panels, a children’s book panel, an illustrator battle, and an open mic session.
Willoughby City Library is proud to present the return of the Willoughby Literary Festival, taking place from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026.
Following a successful debut, the 2026 festival will feature a vibrant and inclusive program of free events, showcasing some of Australia’s most celebrated authors alongside emerging voices and local talent.
This year’s festival explores a wide range of themes, including LGBTQIA+ experiences, resilience and recovery, Indigenous storytelling, inclusion and disability, travel, poetry and the preservation of local heritage. The program reflects the diversity of the Willoughby community and offers something for readers of all interests and ages.
The festival will feature acclaimed author Michelle de Kretser, alongside renowned Australian author and Willoughby local Jane Caro, and a strong line-up of writers and speakers including Chris Hammer, Tara Moss, Kate Forsyth, Belinda Alexandra, Jacqueline Harvey and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.
Audiences can also hear from former NSW Premier and author Bob Carr, broadcaster and author Michael Brissenden, award-winning speaker Catherine DeVrye, local author Michael Visontay, media personality and author Osher Günsberg, and exciting new voices such as debut author Jessy Wu.
Across the festival, authors will discuss their latest books and new releases, offering insights into their writing, ideas and creative processes.
In addition to author talks, the festival will host a range of engaging and interactive events, including a children’s book panel, an illustrator battle, a publisher’s panel and an open mic event, creating opportunities for the community to connect, share stories and celebrate creativity.
All events are free, making the festival accessible to everyone in the community.
