Sydney Writers’ Festival returns 17–24 May with a packed program of conversations, workshops and family‑friendly events. The festival is hosted across multiple venues including Carriageworks, Sydney Town Hall and the State Library of NSW. Whether you’re planning a full day out or dipping into a single session, here’s our take on 6 great ways to make the most of the festival. 

[1. Spend a Saturday at the Festival for $80](https://www.swf.org.au/stories/2026/spend-saturday-at-the-festival-for-80 "Spend at Saturday at the Festival for $80") 

If you want a full festival experience without the planning, this curated Saturday itinerary is a perfect place to start. For $80, you can move between headline talks, panel discussions and pop‑up moments at Carriageworks.  

Saturday 23 May  
Carriageworks  
[Find out more](https://www.swf.org.au/stories/2026/spend-saturday-at-the-festival-for-80 "Find out more") 
![Sydney Writers' Festival at Sydney Town Hall. Image: courtesy of Sydney Writers' Festival ](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/7rq5OHTm6izEOGBUoZl7F6/e961cefce70b4265c655c7bef65d7d8e/SWF24_JWP-0425.jpg)
[2. Don’t miss the SWF Great Debate: We Can’t Handle the Truth](https://www.swf.org.au/program/festival-2026/swf-great-debate-we-can-t-handle-the-truth "SWF Great Debate") 

A festival favourite returns to Sydney Town Hall with a sharp, funny and fast‑moving debate featuring some of Australia’s most entertaining thinkers and performers. Expect big arguments, bigger laughs and a packed house.  

Thursday 21 May  
Sydney Town Hall  
[Find out more](https://www.swf.org.au/program/festival-2026/swf-great-debate-we-can-t-handle-the-truth "Find out more")

![Sydney Writers' Festival Good Weekend Quiz. Image: Jacqueline Edmont/Sydney Writers' Festival](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/3PfQQEFH8lIAhXkYhVUGIh/d3a105d6fe339aa4fd70c1f1f52378c2/SWF25_May24_TheGoodWeekendQuiz_JacquelineEdmont-17.jpg)
[3. Test your knowledge at the Good Weekend Quiz](https://www.swf.org.au/program/festival-2026/the-good-weekend-quiz/ "The Good Weekend Quiz") 

One of the festival’s most popular events is back. Hosted live at Carriageworks, the Good Weekend Quiz brings together writers, journalists and audience teams for a fast‑paced, good‑humoured battle of wits.  

Saturday 23 May  
Carriageworks 
[Find out more](https://www.swf.org.au/program/festival-2026/the-good-weekend-quiz/ "The Good Weekend Quiz")

[4. Browse the Bookshop at Carriageworks and Sydney Town Hall](https://www.swf.org.au/festival-info/festival-precinct/ "Browse the Bookshop")

No festival visit is complete without a stop at the onsite bookshop at both Carriageworks and Sydney Town Hall. Pop by to find new releases, festival titles, staff picks and books by every writer in the program. There will also be book signings by festival authors.  

19–24 May 
Carriageworks  
[Find out more](https://www.swf.org.au/festival-info/festival-precinct/ "Find out more")

[5. Bring the kids for free activities ](https://www.swf.org.au/program/festival-2026/free-kids-activities/ "Free kids activities")

Families are well‑catered for with a full program of free events for kids across multiple venues. From storytelling and illustration workshops to hands‑on creative activities, young readers can explore big ideas in a fun, welcoming space.  

Saturday 24 May  
Carriageworks  
[Find out more](https://www.swf.org.au/program/festival-2026/free-kids-activities/ "Find out more")
![Prize-winning reads. Image: courtesy of Sydney Writers' Festival](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/12NqORf1XiMUF6Yeo813PK/55b72cb727633e130315261dc71d2748/Prize_winners_3.jpg)
[6. Enjoy a bumper line‑up of award‑winning reads](https://www.swf.org.au/stories/2026/curate-your-festival-awards "Curate your festival awards")

Dive deeper into the stories shaping this year’s festival and explore this year's award‑winning books. From Trojan War epics and sharp political thrillers to intimate memoirs and bold climate change writing, there's a bumper stack of celebrated reads to explore across multiple venues. Grab a multi‑pack and enjoy standout titles across multiple venues.

17 - 24 May
Various locations 
[Find out more](https://www.swf.org.au/stories/2026/curate-your-festival-awards "Find out more")

The City of Sydney is a major supporter of the Sydney Writers’ Festival. The festival is the kind of cultural project we’re proud to support. It plays a vital role in shaping Sydney’s creative identity and connects local audiences with ideas from around the world. 

Sydney Writers’ Festival runs 17–24 May across the city, with sessions for every age and interest. [Explore the program and start planning your visit](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/programs/sydney-writers-festival "Explore the program"). 

People browse tables of books at the Sydney Writers’ Festival bookshop inside a large industrial-style hall with high windows.

Sydney Writers Festival Bookshop at Carriageworks. Image: Jacquie Manning / Sydney Writers' Festival

Sydney Writers Festival Bookshop at Carriageworks

Fresh voices, bold conversations at Australia’s largest celebration of literature, stories and ideas

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