The Newcastle Writers Festival will return in 2026 with a fresh energy and a line-up that director Rosemarie Milsom described as “eclectic and dynamic”.
While the program won’t be available until 6 February, she says audiences can expect a mix of celebrated Australian writers, Hunter voices and three international guests.
“People are hungry for great conversation,” Milsom said.
“We’ve curated a schedule that really responds to that.”
Reese Witherspoon’s November Book Club pick Charlotte McConaghy will appear alongside beloved Australian cook and author Stephine Alexander.
The festival will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the latter’s much-loved book, The Cook’s Companion, with the writer who is making her debut at 85.
A.C. Grayling is returning after a popular appearance earlier this year, joined by former NSW Premier Bob Carr, who will discuss his new memoir Bring Back Yesterday.
Award-winning poet Evelyn Araluen will present her powerful new collection The Rot, while writer, artist and performer Omar Musa visits Newcastle with his novel Fierceland.
Milsom said the event continued to evolve alongside the city.
“We’re approaching our 15th anniversary and, in that time, the festival has cemented itself in the city’s identity,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Newcastle has changed dramatically over the past decade.
“And, the festival has grown with it.”
The event will once again activate spaces across the Civic precinct.
This includes the University of Newcastle’s NuSpace building and Conservatorium, Watt Space Gallery and City Hall.
There will also be satellite venues in Cessnock and Port Stephens.
The new year also sees storytelling brought into the open air, with an outdoor reading party and a history walk designed to strengthen audiences’ connection with literature.
“Books are at the heart of what we do, but there are many ways to share stories,” Milsom said.
“We hope the reading party will bring people together in a way Newcastle hasn’t seen before.”
The festival has shifted from its usual early-April slot to the last weekend of March.
Tickets are on sale from 9 February via the Newcastle Writers Festival website.
An early booking is recommended, with several headline events expected to fill quickly.
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