The Willoughby Literary Festival is back for its second year from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026, and every single event is free!
Hosted by Willoughby City Library, just up the road from Lane Cove, the festival returns after a successful debut with a program packed with some of Australia’s best-known authors alongside emerging voices and local talent.
Who’s on the line-up?
The headline names alone are worth the trip over the hill. Acclaimed author Michelle de Kretser leads the program, joined by renowned author and Willoughby local Jane Caro. They’re in good company, with Chris Hammer, Tara Moss, Kate Forsyth, Belinda Alexandra, Jacqueline Harvey and the ever-popular Dr Karl Kruszelnicki all appearing across the weekend.
Audiences can also hear from former NSW Premier Bob Carr, broadcaster Michael Brissenden, award-winning speaker Catherine DeVrye, local author Michael Visontay, media personality Osher Günsberg, and exciting new voices including debut author Jessy Wu. More info here
More than author talks
This year’s program explores a wide range of themes, including LGBTQIA+ experiences, resilience and recovery, Indigenous storytelling, inclusion and disability, travel, poetry and the preservation of local heritage – there really is something for readers of all interests and ages.
Beyond the author talks, expect a children’s book panel, an illustrator battle, a publisher’s panel and an open mic event – plenty of ways for the community to connect, share stories and celebrate creativity.
For young bookworms and budding authors
If you’ve got a young reader or a budding author who’s forever scribbling stories, this festival could be just the spark. There’s something special about kids meeting the real people behind the books they love, and the weekend serves up plenty of chances:
- Jacqueline Harvey – The Stories Behind the Stories (Saturday 18 July, 3.30pm): the bestselling author of Alice-Miranda, Kensy and Max and Willa and Woof reveals how travel and real-life experiences shape her stories. Suitable for families.
- Illustrator Battle with Serena Geddes and Ramona Davey (Saturday 18 July, 12.30pm): two of Australia’s brightest children’s book creators go head-to-head, drawing characters and worlds live on paper. Suitable for families.
- Lee Constable – How to Save the Whole Blinkin’ Planet (Friday 17 July, 3.45pm): the TV presenter leads an interactive session on eco-challenges and solutions for primary school-aged kids and their families.
- Stories for Every Child (Saturday 18 July, 11am): a Society of Women Writers NSW panel on how picture books foster inclusion and a love of reading – one for the parents and educators.
Older kids and teens who write might also get a lot out of the open mic session (Sunday 19 July, 3.30pm), where writers of all genres are welcome to read a short piece in a supportive setting.
The details
When: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July 2026
Where: Chatswood Library, The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
Cost: Free, but bookings are required
For the full program and bookings, visit the Willoughby City Library website.