Sydney Writers' Festival

19 to 27 May 2025

Australia's largest celebration of literature, stories and ideas

Each year, Sydney Writers’ Festival presents more than 300 events, attracting audiences of up to 100,000 for a week-long conversation of books and ideas.

Escape into different worlds

Explore the program

All events

State Library of NSW

Children & family

Family Sunday: Learn to draw with Jade Goodwin

Join illustrator Jade Goodwin for this hands-on Family Sunday workshop!

State Library of NSW

Children & family

Family Sunday: Write and illustrate with Dan Marshall

Dan Marshall teaches participants how to write and illustrate fact-based books during Family Sunday!

State Library of NSW

Children & family

Family Sunday: Writing workshop with Jacqueline Harvey

Join bestselling author Jacqueline Harvey for a writing workshop this Family Sunday!

Carriageworks

Theatre, dance & film

Opening Night: In This Together

Local and international storytellers speak about togetherness and connection

Sydney Town Hall

Talks, courses & workshops

Liane Moriarty and David Nicholls

International bestselling novelists share the experience of seeing their local stories turn into TV series and films.

Sydney Town Hall

Talks, courses & workshops

Marian Keyes: My Favourite Mistake

Reigniting life’s spark with love, family and Irish small-town politics

Sydney Town Hall

Talks, courses & workshops

Jeanette Winterson: 40 Years: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Literary icon reflects on debut that became a classic

Sydney Town Hall

Talks, courses & workshops

SWF Great Debate: True Friends Stab You in the Front

Hilarious Festival favourite that gets provocative, pithy and personal    