Explore the 2026 Program

Curate Your Festival | Aussie Talents

We know that the Festival has a lot of events to choose from so we’ve curated a selection of events to help you decide what to see based on your interests.

We also have multipack discounting available for when you book 4 events, 5 events or 6 or more events. Book all or some of the events in this selection to receive your discount.

For the Aussie Talents curated events, we’re highlighting local favourites across memoir, comedy, art and more. Hear from familiar faces or try the work of someone entirely new to you in these Festival events.

Heather Rose: A Great Act of Love | Thursday 21 May, 1pm

Hear Australian Book Industry Award and Stella Prize winner Heather Rose share a story of love and reinvention set in the colony of Van Diemen’s Land. In conversation with Melanie Kembrey.

Drusilla Modjeska: A Woman's Eye, Her Art | Thursday 21 May, 3pm

Hear acclaimed Australian writer Drusilla Modjeska discuss the courage and lasting significance of Modernist artist-women who challenged the way we see the female body – and so much else. In conversation with Anna Funder.

Trent Dalton: Gravity Let Me Go | Friday 22 May, 2pm

Join multi-award-winning writer Trent Dalton to discuss his latest novel, Gravity Let Me Go, and its themes of love, family, ambition and deception. In conversation with Cassie McCullagh.

Melissa Lucashenko: A Writing Life | Saturday 23 May, 1pm

Hear award-winning writer Melissa Lucashenko reflect on the life of letters behind her oeuvre, including her new book, Not Quite White in the Head. In conversation with Winnie Dunn. 

Shaun Micallef: De'Ath Takes a Holiday | Saturday 23 May, 4pm

Romp through a satirical take on the vampyre story in De’Ath Takes a Holiday with comedian and writer Shaun Micallef. In conversation with comedian Jennifer Wong.

Randa Abdel-Fattah: Discipline | Saturday 23 May, 6pm

Hear award-winning writer Randa Abdel-Fattah unpack complex personal and political demands in her prescient new novel Discipline, in conversation with Bernadette Brennan.

S. Shakthidharan: Gather Up Your World in One Long Breath | Saturday 23 May, 8pm

Hear acclaimed playwright of Counting and Cracking S. Shakthidharan share an intimate portrait of his family in Gather Up Your World in One Long Breath. In conversation with Benjamin Law.

Antoinette Lattouf: Women Who Win | Sunday 24 May, 2pm

Reflect on powerful examples of feminist victories throughout history with journalist and human rights advocate Antoinette Lattouf in her latest book Women Who Win. In conversation with Jo Dyer.

We love championing local Australian talent at the Festival so be sure to prioritise some old or new-to-you favourites this year.

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