Byron Writers Festival 2026 tickets: the 30th anniversary edition

14-16 August. The 30th anniversary edition. Day passes + evening events.

By Byron Bay Backpackers editorial team

Byron Writers Festival early-bird tickets for the 30th anniversary edition went on sale in April, with the full program due in June. The festival runs 14-16 August across the Byron Community Centre, Byron Theatre, Byron Surf Club, the Beach Hotel and Haven. Day passes + ticketed evening events.

The Writers Festival is the Byron festival that has actually survived and is actually running in 2026 (vs Bluesfest cancelled, Splendour on hiatus, Falls on hiatus since 2023). For backpackers — the day passes are well-priced for international visitors interested in Australian literary culture, and the venue spread means you can move through multiple sessions in a day on foot.

Accommodation note: Writers Festival weekend (14-16 August) is a busy one for Byron accommodation. If you're combining Writers Festival with a Byron visit, book accommodation 4+ weeks ahead.