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5 Events at Sydney Writers’ Festival You Shouldn’t Miss
This year’s event is bigger than ever, and we’ve scoured the program to find the sessions to pop onto your must-see list.
Book lovers and wordsmiths unite: the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival program has officially been unveiled, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting lineups yet.
With more than 39 international guests and over 220 Australian authors taking part, the festival — which takes place from May 17 to May 24 — is the place to discover brilliant writing and take part in important conversations.
Highlighting extraordinary novels, poetry and writing of all kinds, this year’s theme is Show Me The Truth, and events will be focused on discussing a range of major topics, like ‘can we handle the truth?’
With over 200 events on the program, there’s only one question: where does one begin?
We’re here to help. After scouring the list, here are five of the events you don’t want to miss at the 2025 Sydney Writers’ Festival.
An Evening with R.F. Kuang
Multi-genre literary superstar R.F. Kuang is set to take over Sydney’s Town Hall with the lowdown on her career so far. She’ll be touching on her bestselling books the Poppy War trilogy, Yellowface and Babel: An Arcane History, as well as diving deeper into her newest release, Katabasis. Trailing a dramatic journey into the underworld, this fantasy epic has got people chatting.
Where: Sydney Town Hall
When: Saturday 23rd May, 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Cost: From $40
Tayari Jones: Kin
Don’t miss this chance to glean some literary insights from international guest Tayari Jones, author of bestseller An American Marriage.
Jones will be discussing her newest work, Kin, which explores the relationship between two childhood best friends as they grow and are tested by the world. Miles Franklin Literary Award winner Shankari Chandran will be in conversation with Jones, making this event a double whammy!
Where: Carriageworks, Bay 20
When: Thursday 21st May, 2pm to 2:55pm
Cost: From $40
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SWF Great Debate: We Can’t Handle the Truth
An event favourite, this year’s Sydney Writers’ Festival debate will see some of the sharpest minds in journalism and media tackle the question ‘Can we handle the truth?’. ABC presenter Annabel Crabb and writer David Marr will be going head to head with their opposing teams. Hosted by Yumi Stynes, speakers also include reporter Matilda Boseley, comedian and drag artist Reuben Kaye and comedians Rhys Nicholson and Jennifer Wong.
Where: Sydney Town Hall
When: Thursday 21st May, 8:15pm to 9:30pm
Cost: From $35
Lily King: Heart the Lover
A regular on the New York Times bestsellers list, Lily King is heading down under to chat to readers about her most recent novel, Heart the Lover, as well as her story collection Five Tuesdays in Winter.
Set to sell-out, this event will see the author of both Euphoria and Writers & Lovers take to the stage with editor of Spectrum, Melanie Kembrey.
Where: Carriageworks, Bay 17
When: Saturday 23rd May, 8pm to 9pm
Cost : From $45
Brave Conversations: When Words Offend
If you’re ready to dive into a really meaty conversation, this is the SWF event for you. Discussing public debate and the arbitrary rules around what should be said, what is challenged and what is forbidden, the conversation will draw on the diverse lived experiences of a series of esteemed guests.
Panellists include Waleed Aly, Cordelia Fine, Antoinette Lattouf, Greg Sheridan and Amy Thunig-McGregor. Expect to touch on questions like: What is the distinction between offence and hate speech? How do we balance freedom of expression with the protection of dignity and safety? Who gets to decide what is ‘safe’ – and what role and responsibilities do writers’ festivals have in a democracy under pressure?
Where: Carriageworks, Bay 17
When: Thursday 21st May, 8pm to 9:15pm
Cost: From $45
There’s plenty more to see at this year’s Sydney Writers’ Festival, so explore the full program here.
Loving our picks of the Sydney Writers Festival events and keen to see what else the city has to offer? Check out our monthly what’s on guide (your inside scoop on the hottest events to add to your calendar ASAP) or find your new favourite read at our editor’s picks of the most gorgeous bookstores in Sydney.
