Blue Mountains Writers' Festival

The 2026 Blue Mountains Writers' Festival gathers a star-studded lineup of over 80 writers for a weekend of storytelling and cultural discussion. Under the creative direction of Maeve Marsden, the festival's theme is 'Edges and Echoes,' exploring how literature balances human experience in turbulent times through genres such as memoir, poetry, satire, and nature writing. Notable participants for the 2026 program include Pip Williams, Benjamin Law, Bruce Pascoe, and Waleed Aly.

Events are distributed across several unique locations in the Blue Mountains, including the historic Carrington Hotel, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, and Varuna the National Writers' House. Unique 'signature sessions' take place at Scenic World, utilizing the Skyway and the Rainforest Room to provide a distinct backdrop for literary conversations. The program also features the Mick Dark Talk for the Future, delivered in 2026 by former Greens leader Bob Brown.

In addition to author talks and panel discussions, the festival offers practical workshops for aspiring writers and an opening night event complemented by live music. The schedule spans from Katoomba to the Megalong Valley, integrating the natural landscape into the festival experience.