Choose your tickets
Friday 15 August 2025
Poetry Slam ticket
Locals take on published poets in a fast-paced showdown at Roth’s Wine Bar. Expect big feelings and a few surprises as wildcard performers and open mic contenders step up onto the stage. Whether you're keen to perform or just soak up the energy—this is spoken word at its electric best. Location: Roth’s Wine Bar Time: 6.30pm, Friday 15 August Cost: $15
Locals take on published poets in a fast-paced showdown at Roth’s Wine Bar. Expect big feelings and a few surprises as wildcard performers and open mic contenders step up onto the stage. Whether you're keen to perform or just soak up the energy—this is spoken word at its electric best. Location: Roth’s Wine Bar Time: 6.30pm, Friday 15 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 feeCreating Narrative Drive: Workshop with Ashley Kalagian Blunt ticket
Tension on every page is the key to narrative drive, whether you’re writing fiction, memoir or any narrative work. In this practical workshop, you'll learn why narrative drive is essential to storytelling and discover how to create properly structured, tension-filled scenes that fuel story momentum. Facilitated by Ashley Kalagian-Blunt. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 10am - 12pm, Friday 15 August Cost: $25
Tension on every page is the key to narrative drive, whether you’re writing fiction, memoir or any narrative work. In this practical workshop, you'll learn why narrative drive is essential to storytelling and discover how to create properly structured, tension-filled scenes that fuel story momentum. Facilitated by Ashley Kalagian-Blunt. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 10am - 12pm, Friday 15 August Cost: $25
$25.00+ $1.13 fee
Saturday 16 August 2025
Breakfast with Victoria Purman & Kelly Rimmer ticket
Join two of Australia’s best loved fiction authors, Victoria Purman and Kelly Rimmer, as they discuss their latest novels over a delicious breakfast. Don’t miss discovering how they write strong women and bring the past to life on the page. Location: Blue Wren Farm Time: 8am - 9.30am, Saturday 16 August Cost: $50
Join two of Australia’s best loved fiction authors, Victoria Purman and Kelly Rimmer, as they discuss their latest novels over a delicious breakfast. Don’t miss discovering how they write strong women and bring the past to life on the page. Location: Blue Wren Farm Time: 8am - 9.30am, Saturday 16 August Cost: $50
$50.00+ $1.75 feeTogether Out West ticket
After the success of last year’s Queer Out West event, we’re proud to bring the WestWords crew back to Mudgee! Join Jelena Curic, Kathie Elliott-Scott, Michelle Hamadache, J. Marahuyo and Pete Shmigel for an evening of food, songs and laughter as these writers shares stories that are both ordinary and extraordinary at once: moments of love, reconnection with heritage and the human dimension of the war against Ukranians; the experiences of people living with disability and those that care for them; of reclaiming life and rediscovering the soul’s song. Ticket includes a two-course dinner by Relish Catering with the bar by local winery Gooree Park. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 7pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $90 (includes two-course dinner and drink on arrival)
After the success of last year’s Queer Out West event, we’re proud to bring the WestWords crew back to Mudgee! Join Jelena Curic, Kathie Elliott-Scott, Michelle Hamadache, J. Marahuyo and Pete Shmigel for an evening of food, songs and laughter as these writers shares stories that are both ordinary and extraordinary at once: moments of love, reconnection with heritage and the human dimension of the war against Ukranians; the experiences of people living with disability and those that care for them; of reclaiming life and rediscovering the soul’s song. Ticket includes a two-course dinner by Relish Catering with the bar by local winery Gooree Park. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 7pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $90 (includes two-course dinner and drink on arrival)
$90.00+ $2.75 feeCadance Bell: Letters to Our Robot Son ticket
Join Australian author, showrunner, producer, director, writer, and former Mudgee local, Cadance Bell, as she discuss her latest novel Letters to Our Robot Son. An unexpected story of life, family, hope and redemption—at the end of the world (maybe). Hosted by Beejay Silcox. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 10am-11am, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
Join Australian author, showrunner, producer, director, writer, and former Mudgee local, Cadance Bell, as she discuss her latest novel Letters to Our Robot Son. An unexpected story of life, family, hope and redemption—at the end of the world (maybe). Hosted by Beejay Silcox. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 10am-11am, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 feeLove, Laughter & Happily Ever After ticket
Why do we keep falling for romantic comedies, and what makes a love story stick? Join Leesa Ronald and Karina May for a conversation about chemistry, comedy and the joy of writing (and reading) romance. From meet-cutes to miscommunication, they’ll unpack the tropes, truths and tender moments that make readers’ hearts race. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 10am - 11.00am, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
Why do we keep falling for romantic comedies, and what makes a love story stick? Join Leesa Ronald and Karina May for a conversation about chemistry, comedy and the joy of writing (and reading) romance. From meet-cutes to miscommunication, they’ll unpack the tropes, truths and tender moments that make readers’ hearts race. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 10am - 11.00am, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
FreeBylines & Deadlines ticket
What happens when seasoned journalists turn their pens to fiction? Two of our country’s finest crime writers, Chris Hammer and Matthew Spencer, discuss how a background in news reporting shapes their approach to suspense, character and writing unforgettable crime fiction. Hosted by Rhys Gard. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
What happens when seasoned journalists turn their pens to fiction? Two of our country’s finest crime writers, Chris Hammer and Matthew Spencer, discuss how a background in news reporting shapes their approach to suspense, character and writing unforgettable crime fiction. Hosted by Rhys Gard. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 feePoetic Activism ticket
Poetry is a powerful form for breaking down barriers and amplifying voices. Join Rataj Abdullah, Lulu Houdini and Sara M. Saleh as they talk about harnessing the power of poetry to share what matters. Hosted by Manjot Kaur. Location: To Be Confirmed Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
Poetry is a powerful form for breaking down barriers and amplifying voices. Join Rataj Abdullah, Lulu Houdini and Sara M. Saleh as they talk about harnessing the power of poetry to share what matters. Hosted by Manjot Kaur. Location: To Be Confirmed Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
FreeWhere Fact Ends and Fiction Begins ticket
Writers of historical fiction walk a fine line—how do they draw the difference between ‘historicising’ fiction and fictionalising history? Join Lauren Keegan, Julie Janson and Kyra Geddes and host Victoria Purman as they attempt to untangle the question. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 1pm - 2pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
Writers of historical fiction walk a fine line—how do they draw the difference between ‘historicising’ fiction and fictionalising history? Join Lauren Keegan, Julie Janson and Kyra Geddes and host Victoria Purman as they attempt to untangle the question. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 1pm - 2pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 feeTechnology & The Future of Crime Fiction ticket
Technology is changing everything, including our favourite crime fiction. Join Sam Guthrie, Matthew Spencer and Ashley Kalagian Blunt as they explore how digital landscapes are reshaping character, motive and detective work on the page—and what the future might hold for the genre. Hosted by Beejay Silcox. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
Technology is changing everything, including our favourite crime fiction. Join Sam Guthrie, Matthew Spencer and Ashley Kalagian Blunt as they explore how digital landscapes are reshaping character, motive and detective work on the page—and what the future might hold for the genre. Hosted by Beejay Silcox. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 feeLiving & Writing from Rural Australia ticket
What does the writing life look like in the bush? Authors Summer Land, Kelly Rimmer, Leesa Ronald and Lauren Keegan share the realities of living and creating outside of the city—from juggling day jobs and family life to finding inspiration in the landscapes and communities they call home. A candid conversation about balance, creativity and the power of place. Hosted by Rebecca Saunders.
What does the writing life look like in the bush? Authors Summer Land, Kelly Rimmer, Leesa Ronald and Lauren Keegan share the realities of living and creating outside of the city—from juggling day jobs and family life to finding inspiration in the landscapes and communities they call home. A candid conversation about balance, creativity and the power of place. Hosted by Rebecca Saunders.
$15.00+ $0.88 feeAlgorithms & the Apocalypse ticket
As artificial intelligence advances and world alliances realign, writers are confronting new questions about power, identity and possibility. Join Cadance Bell and Sam Guthrie in a conversation about storytelling in a time of transformation. Hosted by Jenn Martin. Location: To Be Confirmed. Time: 1pm - 2pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
As artificial intelligence advances and world alliances realign, writers are confronting new questions about power, identity and possibility. Join Cadance Bell and Sam Guthrie in a conversation about storytelling in a time of transformation. Hosted by Jenn Martin. Location: To Be Confirmed. Time: 1pm - 2pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 feeSarah M. Saleh: In Conversation ticket
Award-winning poet, writer, lawyer and human rights advocate Sara M. Saleh joins us for a powerful conversation about language, identity and resistance. Her debut novel Songs for the Dead and the Living and acclaimed poetry collection The Flirtation of Girls and Monsters explore diaspora, belonging and the many ways we carry our histories. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
Award-winning poet, writer, lawyer and human rights advocate Sara M. Saleh joins us for a powerful conversation about language, identity and resistance. Her debut novel Songs for the Dead and the Living and acclaimed poetry collection The Flirtation of Girls and Monsters explore diaspora, belonging and the many ways we carry our histories. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
FreeBook & Wine Matching ticket
We’re lucky to hold our festival in gorgeous Central West wine country, combining the joys of book and wine appreciation. This year we’ve taken this love of books and wine a step further—join The Book Nest’s Portia Lindsay and winemaker James Manners as they match local wines to fascinating books from our program. Location: The Courthouse Hotel, Mudgee Time: 4-5pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $20
We’re lucky to hold our festival in gorgeous Central West wine country, combining the joys of book and wine appreciation. This year we’ve taken this love of books and wine a step further—join The Book Nest’s Portia Lindsay and winemaker James Manners as they match local wines to fascinating books from our program. Location: The Courthouse Hotel, Mudgee Time: 4-5pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: $20
$20.00+ $1.00 feeJulie Janson: Compassion ticket
Compassion is the dramatised life story of one of Julie Janson’s ancestors who went on trial for stealing livestock in New South Wales. A gripping fictive account of Aboriginal life in the 1800s, Compassion has been shortlisted for both the ACT Literary Award and The Miles Franklin Literary Award. Join Julie Janson, one of our most significant authors at work today. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 4-5pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
Compassion is the dramatised life story of one of Julie Janson’s ancestors who went on trial for stealing livestock in New South Wales. A gripping fictive account of Aboriginal life in the 1800s, Compassion has been shortlisted for both the ACT Literary Award and The Miles Franklin Literary Award. Join Julie Janson, one of our most significant authors at work today. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 4-5pm, Saturday 16 August Cost: Free
Free
Sunday 17 August 2025
The Tortured Readers’ Group ticket
High schoolers assemble! We know you love reading and so do we—join the crew to discuss new releases, old favourites and what makes a great YA read. Bring along something from your reading pile. Snacks and juice provided. For ages 15-18. Hosted by Amelia Disher with special guest author Tyrolin Puxty. Location: The Book Nest Time: 1pm - 2pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: Free
High schoolers assemble! We know you love reading and so do we—join the crew to discuss new releases, old favourites and what makes a great YA read. Bring along something from your reading pile. Snacks and juice provided. For ages 15-18. Hosted by Amelia Disher with special guest author Tyrolin Puxty. Location: The Book Nest Time: 1pm - 2pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: Free
FreeThinking Differently: A Conversation with David Holmgren ticket
Presented in partnership with Watershed Landcare What does a resilient, sustainable future look like, and how can we help shape it in our own communities? Join Permaculture co-originator David Holmgren via video-link for an inspiring conversation with Maddie O’Brien from Watershed Landcare. Together they’ll explore practical ways we can live and grow by drawing on local knowledge and regenerative ideas. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 12pm - 1pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: $15
Presented in partnership with Watershed Landcare What does a resilient, sustainable future look like, and how can we help shape it in our own communities? Join Permaculture co-originator David Holmgren via video-link for an inspiring conversation with Maddie O’Brien from Watershed Landcare. Together they’ll explore practical ways we can live and grow by drawing on local knowledge and regenerative ideas. Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 12pm - 1pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 feeRecognising Louisa Lawson ticket
Join novelist Kyra Geddes—author of The Story Thief— and sculptor Margot Stephens—creator of Mudgee’s Louisa Lawson statue—as they discuss their interest in history and how it influences their creative practice.
Join novelist Kyra Geddes—author of The Story Thief— and sculptor Margot Stephens—creator of Mudgee’s Louisa Lawson statue—as they discuss their interest in history and how it influences their creative practice.
$15.00+ $0.88 feeHomegrown Verses ticket
Join Mudgee region poets Jorie Ryan, Eila Jameson-Avey and Johanna May for a chat about their writing and their community. Location: To Be Announced Time: 12pm-1pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: Free
Join Mudgee region poets Jorie Ryan, Eila Jameson-Avey and Johanna May for a chat about their writing and their community. Location: To Be Announced Time: 12pm-1pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: Free
FreeSunday Storytime ticket
Join local illustrator Lisa Kennedy and author Lisa Melichar, as they read from their book, There Is Time.For ages 4-7. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 10am - 11am, Sunday 17 August Cost: Free
Join local illustrator Lisa Kennedy and author Lisa Melichar, as they read from their book, There Is Time.For ages 4-7. Location: Mudgee Library Time: 10am - 11am, Sunday 17 August Cost: Free
FreeThe State of Publishing ticket
A critic, bookseller, novelist and a librarian walk into a bar … Join Beejay Silcox, Portia Lindsay, Karina May and host Jenn Martin for a discussion about the state of publishing in Australia (and around the world). Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 9am - 10am, Sunday 17 August Cost: $15
A critic, bookseller, novelist and a librarian walk into a bar … Join Beejay Silcox, Portia Lindsay, Karina May and host Jenn Martin for a discussion about the state of publishing in Australia (and around the world). Location: Town Hall Theatre Time: 9am - 10am, Sunday 17 August Cost: $15
$15.00+ $0.88 fee
Lazy Long Lunch with Chris Hammer ticket
Before becoming an international bestselling author, Chris Hammer wrote The River: a Journey through the Murray Darling Basin. Join Chris over a three-course lunch by Relish Catering, with beverages from Yeates Wines, as he discusses his career and how the places and issues in The River have inspired the settings of his crime novels. Location: Yeates Wines Time: 1pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: $125 (includes 3-course-lunch & drink on arrival. Additional drinks available for purchase)
Before becoming an international bestselling author, Chris Hammer wrote The River: a Journey through the Murray Darling Basin. Join Chris over a three-course lunch by Relish Catering, with beverages from Yeates Wines, as he discusses his career and how the places and issues in The River have inspired the settings of his crime novels. Location: Yeates Wines Time: 1pm, Sunday 17 August Cost: $125 (includes 3-course-lunch & drink on arrival. Additional drinks available for purchase)
$125.00+ $3.63 fee