Explore the 2026 Program

Curate Your Festival | Awards

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 Awards curated events, we’ve got some of the biggest names from longlists and shortlists for the most prestigious literary prizes in the world. Hear from the best of the best and gain insights from behind the scenes of the glitz and glamour of acclaim.

Yann Martel: Son of Nobody | Thursday 21 May, 12pm

Unravel ancient traditions of storytelling with the Booker Prize–winning author of Life of Pi, Yann Martel, as he discusses his new novel, Son of Nobody. With ABC Radio National’s Claire Nichols.

Tayari Jones: Kin | Thursday 21 May, 2pm

Hear Tayari Jones, author of Women’s Prize for Fiction winner An American Marriage, discuss the bonds of mothers, daughters and sisterhood in her novel, Kin. With Shankari Chandran.

David Szalay: Flesh | Thursday 21 May, 6pm

Hear 2025 Booker Prize winner David Szalay trace the evolution of his singular, propulsive novel Flesh and the slowly unravelling life of its protagonist. With Michelle de Kretser.

Susan Choi: Flashlight | Friday 22 May, 12pm

Join 2025 Booker Prize–shortlisted writer Susan Choi as she discusses family, absence and alienation in her new novel Flashlight, in conversation with Beejay Silcox.

State of the Art: The Booker Prize | Friday 22 May, 8pm

Hear Booker Prize–winning and –shortlisted writers read from their works and reflect on their journey to recognition. With Susan Choi, Roddy Doyle, Yann Martel, David Szalay, Charlotte Wood and host ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.

Roddy Doyle in Conversation | Saturday 23 May, 6pm

Listen as Irish author of Booker Prize–winning Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha Roddy Doyle discusses his life’s work and latest novel, The Women Behind the Door. With Kate Evans.

Take a seat and hear from the prize winners of some of literature's most illustrious awards.

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