With just two weeks until the Byron Writers Festival throws open its doors, there’s still time to get your tickets and see writers from around Australia and the world in one place on 14-16 August.
In 2026 the Byron Writers Festival will transform the heart of Byron Bay into a joyous literary precinct, welcoming over 150 authors from seven countries to the Northern Rivers.
Organisers say you can start your morning with sunrise yoga, the Saltwater Cleanse, or Coffee & News — then wander the precinct (no venue’s ever far) to catch big-name conversations, poetry bashes, and all your favourite authors at our iconic venues and marquees.
The Festival Hub — located at Railway Park — will be the place to go for wristbands, downtown venues, weekend markets, and live music, all in one place.
An explosion of culture
Heavyweight writers and commentators appearing at BWS this year include: Roman Krznaric (UK), Richard Flanagan, Meg Mason, Kerry O’Brien, Bob Carr, Geetanjali Shree (IND), George Megalogenis, Sean Kelly, Louise Milligan, Jane Caro, Osher Günsberg, Fiona Wright, Kris Kneen, Julie Janson, Michael Winkler, Debra Oswald, Turia Pitt, Susan Wyndham, Rafael Frumkin (USA), Julio Carrasco (CHL), Ingrid Horrocks (NZ), Amy Remeikis, Steve Toltz, Micaela Sahhar, and many more.
Don’t miss the 30 year celebration of Northern Rivers literary spirit, and keep the arts and culture at the heart of our community.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
