2026 Newcastle Writers Festival

Newcastle Writers Festival celebrates books and ideas. Each year, we bring together some of Australia’s most compelling writers to share stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us.

The 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival will be held from Friday 27 March to Sunday 29 March. There will be a series of Pre Festival event in the lead up, from Sunday 22 March to Thursday 26 March.

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAM

Tickets

Tickets are sold by the session.

Single Sessions — Enjoy more than 100 sessions across the festival. Sessions vary in cost from free to $50.00+bf. Bookings are required for all sessions, including free sessions. Note, some events are taking place at Newcastle City Hall venues (Concert Hall, Cummings Room, Hunter Room) and these events are being ticketed by the Civic Theatre. Bookings can be made here.

Family Fun Day - These special events will be held on 29 March from 9.30am to 1.00pm in Newcastle City Hall and feature some of Australia most beloved authors, delighting children, parents and grandparents alike. Bookings can be made here

Programs | Tote Bags

If you would like a printed program and/or tote bag delivered to you please order at the checkout. The cut off is 5.00pm 20 March. Note limited copies of the program will be available at the festival information tables in NUspace along with tote bags.

How do I get to the festival

The festival is easily accessible from the Newcastle Interchange by light rail and bus. For information about bus, ferry, and train services, visit the Transport NSW website

We strongly encourage you to leave your car at home as on-street parking will be difficult to find. Paid parking is available at various locations in and around the festival precinct. A comprehensive map is available here locations 8, 10 11 & 12 are the closest parking stations. It is a busy weekend in Newcastle and arterial roads will be congested. Please give yourself plenty of time to travel before the start of your session – more so if you intend to buy tickets at the box office. Please note that Honeysuckle, Newcastle foreshore, and Memorial Drive will be affected by Newcastle Running Festival road closures on the morning of Sunday 29 March.

Companion Cards

Newcastle Writers Festival offers tickets to Companion Cards holders tickets, please contact ticketing@newcastlewritersfestival.org.au to book and check availability (note spaces are limited).

Accessibility

Up-to-date information is available here. Need more information, please email access@newcastlewritersfestival.org.au. Note Customs House Hotel is an historical building and is only accessible by stairs. This venue is hosting Literary Trivia on Wednesday 25 March.

Terms and Conditions

By purchasing or using a ticket to Newcastle Writers Festival (NWF), you agree to the our terms and conditions. Booking fees are charged by Humanitix not Newcastle Writers Festival. Humanitix directs funds to initiatives such as literacy programs, scholarships, and supporting children in need.