Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival 2026

The Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival returns this May, proudly bringing storytelling, big ideas, and unforgettable conversations.

Running from Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 May, the much-loved Festival will feature six days of author talks, live-streamed sessions from the Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF), and exciting local events at Bathurst Library and the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC).

Live streamed big-name authors include David Szalay, Amritav Gosh, A.C Grayling, Yann Martel, Trent Dalton, Stephanie Alezander and Mick Herron.

In person appearances by Bob Brown, Jack Toohey and Michael Brissenden, along with  local writers and session facilitated by other local writers and readers.

Other highlights include:

• Crime insights from journalist Michael Brissenden
• Wiradyuri community leaders on caring for country
• Lily Crozier discussing her new Romantasy novel
• Poetry and Art Workshop with Gabrielle Journey Jones
• The fun and fast-paced “Great Books You Might Have Missed” session

Families and young readers can enjoy a workshop with Sami Bayley, creator of and a terrific live streamed session with Dav Pilkey, of Captain Underpants series fame.

Sami Bayly will also be running an exciting Illustration Workshop for Adults.

The much-loved Great Festival Read returns, bringing Bathurst readers together to enjoy the same book ahead of the Festival. This year’s pick is Soft Serve by author George Kemp — a novel set in a country town as bushfires close in. A gem of a story of small-town lives.  George is an alumnus of CSU’s Theatre/Media Degree and is thrilled to be returning to Bathurst.

Copies of Soft Serve are available now at BooksPlus and Bathurst Library.

We also welcome the wonderful volunteers from the Bathurst CWA branch who will be running a pop-up cafe.

Tickets and the full program are available online at bmec.com.au or by calling the BMEC Box Office on (02) 6333 6161. Printed programs can be picked up at Bathurst Library and at local sponsors Bake, Table and Tea and BooksPlus.

Join us in celebrating stories, ideas, and community at the 2026 Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival—a Festival made by and for readers, right here in the heart of Bathurst.

To purchase a ticket to a single session – please navigate to the event page and use the buy tickets button, call our Box Office on 6333 6161 or pop-in and see one of the team. 

To Purchase a Day Pass – Please CLICK HERE or on each event page and select the day that you wish to purchase a pass for, call our Box Office on 6333 6161 or pop-in and see one of the team. 

To purchase a Festival Pass – Please pop-in to the BMEC box office, or call our team on 6333 6161