Sydney Writers’ Festival returns from May 17th to 24th with over 250 authors and 200 events exploring this year’s theme, Show Me the Truth.
The lineup brings serious star power, with fantasy phenomenon R.F. Kuang discussing her latest work Katabasis, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sharing her deeply personal memoir A Different Kind of Power, and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe unpacking his new book London Falling.
Booker Prize winners David Szalay, Roddy Doyle, and Yann Martel join the program alongside Australian heavyweights Trent Dalton and Heather Rose. Don’t miss the SWF Great Debate at Sydney Town Hall on May 21, where Annabel Crabb and David Marr lead teams tackling “We Can’t Handle the Truth,” featuring Reuben Kaye and Rhys Nicholson. The festival also offers over 55 free events, including Family Day and Fireside storytelling sessions at Carriageworks. Tickets go on sale March 14th here.
Quick Bites
- When to Go: May 17th-24th; tickets on sale March 14th at 10am
- Where: Various Sydney venues, including Sydney Town Hall and Carriageworks
- Cost: Ticketed events (pricing varies) plus 55+ free events available
- Vibe Check: Week-long literary celebration exploring truth and trust through author conversations, debates, family activities, and intimate Fireside storytelling sessions
