Perhaps it’s the winter solstice that has me thinking about the remainder of the year, or perhaps it’s the accountant in my life and talk of stocktakes, but either way, after checking my lists, I am thrilled to advise there are still FIFTY-ONE writers festivals to come in 2024!

Many are in picturesque locations, in rural and regional areas, as well as in our cities. Many are niche: poetry festivals, rare book fairs, a romance conference, a festival for football writers, festivals in the mountains and by beaches. There are long-standing and much-loved festivals as well as newcomers to the scene. Most are volunteer run with little public funding and yet still offer rich and engaging programs and deserve our support.

The state-by-state break down is:

Victoria                        17

New South Wales        14

Queensland                 8

Western Australia       5

Tasmania                     3

South Australia           2

Northern Territory      1

ACT                              1

In addition, August is Red Room Poetry Month, there’s the @ubudwritesfestival ahead, and December brings the Australian Literature Festival at Sea with some very impressive guests!

The days are getting longer but a wintry weekend ahead seems like a great time to sit with a cuppa and your diary and plan some festival fun for the last half of the year. Head to our festival page for dates and details!