A joyous conversation with readings by some of our favourite writers – Antoun Issa, Pauline Menczer, Zoe Terakes – sharing stories of queer life and love. With Daniel Browning.

Julie Janson

Benevolence and Compassion
Friday 14, August, 4:30 pm —5:30 pm
Byron Theatre

Explore celebrated novelist, playwright, and poet Julie Janson's series of novels Compassion, on the lives of Aboriginal women in 1800s New South Wales, and Benevolence as a counter narrative to colonial history in Australian literature, as well as her latest poetry collection My Kaathi Sister. With Grace Lucas-Pennington.

The Power of Place
Saturday 15, August 9:00 am —10:00 am
Byron Theatre

Join three brilliant literary novelists for a discussion about settings, landscapes and place in their work, and how these elements define the stories they tell. With Mick O'Regan.

Cultural Touchstones
Saturday 15, August 3:00 pm — 4:00 pm
Byron Bay Surf Club

What are the books that shape our culture? Join international guest Rafael Frumkin with writers Kári Gíslason and Julie Janson to discuss the books that wield influence and form the new canon. With Suzy Freeman-Greene.

Making Women Visible
Sunday 16, August 9:00 am — 10:00 am
Byron Bay Surf Club

Award-winning women novelists Julie Janson, Debra Oswald, and Geetanjali Shree explore age and 'invisibility', and the ways they represent and re-centre women in literature. With Ashley Hay.

Bebe Oliver

Joy, Humour & the Blak Everyday
Friday 14, August 1:30 pm —2:30 pm
Byron Bay Surf Club

Arrernte Warlpiri poet Marie Elena Ellis, Tom Forrest (Outback Tom) and Gamilaroi poet and musician Luke Patterson offer an antidote to the trauma focus of mainstream media when it comes to reporting on Blak lives. While there is healing and survival in humour, sometimes laughter comes from just having a great sense of humour. With Bebe Oliver.

First Nations Knowledges
Saturday 15, August 3:00 pm — 4:00 pm

Knowledge for First Nations peoples comprises living systems of language, story, practice and Country. Join renowned practitioners to explore the depth and complexity of these knowledges and what it means to protect and share them today. With Bebe Oliver.

Luke Patterson

Whale Stories
Friday 14, August
10:00 am — 11:00 am
Beach Hotel

In celebration of whale migration season in Byron Bay, join poets Luke Patterson and Dakota Feirer and novelist Tasma Walton to honour the cultural significance of whales and our personal connections to these majestic animals. With Grace Lucas-Pennington.

Joy, Humour & the Blak Everyday
Friday 14, August 1:30 pm —2:30 pm
Byron Bay Surf Club

Arrernte Warlpiri poet Marie Elena Ellis, Tom Forrest (Outback Tom) and Gamilaroi poet and musician Luke Patterson offer an antidote to the trauma focus of mainstream media when it comes to reporting on Blak lives. While there is healing and survival in humour, sometimes laughter comes from just having a great sense of humour. With Bebe Oliver.

Poetry Walk
Saturday 15, August 10:30 am — 11:30 am
Bay St Stage

Explore the natural beauty and poetic pathways of Byron in this walking tour featuring performances by acclaimed poets.

Please meet at Bay St Stage at 10:30am.

Beyond The Lines 2026
Saturday 15, August 7:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Byron Theatre

Get ready for a night of rhythm and rhyme in an exhilarating live event!

Featuring the award-winning Evelyn Araluen, Chilean musician and poet Julio Carrasco, Australian Poetry Slam champ Arantza Garcia Ferrand with acclaimed festival guests Ender Başkan, Fiona Wright, Damien Becker and more.

Hosted by Luke Patterson, expect big energy, bold voices and a celebration of language that sings and stings. One stage. Many stars. Don’t miss it.