Byron Writers Festival celebrates 30 years with a homecoming to the heart of Byron Bay
For three decades, Byron Writers Festival has been a place where ideas are exchanged, stories are shared and the written word takes centre stage. In 2026, the beloved festival marks a major milestone, and it’s doing so by coming home to where it all began.
Byron Writers Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary by returning to Byron Bay, transforming the township into a lively literary precinct from Friday August 14 to Sunday August 16. For the first time, the festival will be hosted across multiple venues right in the heart of town, bidding a fond farewell to the Bangalow Showground and stepping into a new era that is more connected, visible and accessible than ever before.
Across three days, Byron Bay will hum with writers, readers, big ideas, conversation and performance, with iconic local venues forming the backbone of the program. Festival hubs will be set up on the foreshore and in the centre of town, with sessions and events taking place at the Byron Community Centre (including the Byron Theatre and Wategos Room), Byron Bay Surf Club, Beach Hotel, Haven and more venues still to be announced. Additional events will be held at the Cavanbah Centre, alongside free programming for readers of all ages on the Byron foreshore.
The move into town allows the festival to further embed itself within the community, activating streets, public spaces and local businesses throughout the weekend. Cafes, restaurants and retailers will become part of the rhythm of the festival – perfect for pre-session coffees and post-panel debriefs – while the world-famous foreshore provides a distinctly Byron backdrop.
Artistic director Jessica Alice says the anniversary year represents a meaningful shift for the festival and its audience. “We are delighted to celebrate our 30th year in Byron Bay, more connected with the community, more visible, and more accessible than ever before. We’re excited to activate Byron with books and culture, and make it a festival for everyone to discover and enjoy. We extend our deep thanks to the community for their incredible support that has allowed us to keep going and look forward to the next 30 years.”
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The festival’s signature feature events will remain a cornerstone of the program, alongside book signings and author appearances at official festival bookshop, The Book Room, on Fletcher Street – set to become a key pedestrian thoroughfare throughout the weekend. Day passes will provide access to all official daytime festival venues and sessions, while evening feature events will be ticketed separately. Parking will be available at the Cavanbah Centre, with shuttle buses transporting festivalgoers into the precinct.
Byron Shire mayor Sarah Ndiaye welcomed the return of the festival to the town centre, describing it as a natural fit for the region. “The Festival celebrates not only the power of storytelling, but the strength of a community that values creativity, curiosity and respectful exchange of ideas,” Sarah said.
Festival chair Courtney Miller echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of place as the festival enters its fourth decade. “Moving into Byron itself is an exciting opportunity for our town to be a central aspect of the program. This is Bundjalung country and it’s a location that is immeasurably loved.”
Early Bird tickets for the 2026 Byron Writers Festival will go on sale in April, with the full program and venue details to be released in June.
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