Sydney Writers' Festival 2026 Livestream Program

From 21–24 May, some of the world’s most distinguished authors, journalists, social commentators and cultural game-changers will be streamed live into the Ross Family Studio - no travel required.

• Gain insights from brilliant minds.
• Participate in interactive Q&As - ask the questions that matter to you.
• Hear from those shaping today’s stories, debates and ideas.

Download the full program or scroll below to explore the lineup.

2026 Sydney Writers' Festival Livestream Program Booklet(PDF, 3MB)

The Future of Democracy: Fighting Authoritarianism with A.C. Grayling

Hear how Professor of Philosophy A.C. Grayling outlines the fragility of democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism in For The People, followed by a discussion chaired by Nick Bryant and Rosalind Dixon.

Yann Martel: Son of Nobody

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.

Stephanie Alexander: The Cook's Companion 30th Anniversary

Hear from Australia’s beloved chef Stephanie Alexander on the 30th anniversary of her essential kitchen resource and one of our favourite cookbooks, The Cook’s Companion. With chef Adam Liaw.

Bringing the Past to Life

Sink into stories from near and far in this Festival favourite event with Robbie Arnott, Yann Martel and Tasma Walton, in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.

David Szalay: Flesh

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.

Big Histories

Revisit the past to find solutions for the present and future with bestselling author Amitav Ghosh and existential risk researcher Luke Kemp, with host Clare Wright.

Tony Abbott: Australia: A History

Reflect on Australian values, our pioneering democracy and shared history with former prime minister and author of Australia: A History, Tony Abbott, with Troy Bramston.

Trent Dalton: Gravity Let Me Go

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.

Great Adaptations

Get behind-the-scenes insight into adapting stories from page to screen with writers Mick Herron (Slow Horses) and Suzie Miller (Prima Facie) in conversation with Benjamin Law.

Florence Knapp: The Names

Explore the profound force of family and the life-defining act of naming a child with bestselling debut author of The Names, Florence Knapp, in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Claire Nichols.

State of the Art: The Booker Prize

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.

Amitav Ghosh in Conversation

Join acclaimed writer Amitav Ghosh to explore the themes of history, post-colonialism and environmentalism behind his rich body of work, including his new novel Ghost-Eye. In conversation with Michael Williams.

The Future of Democracy: Trump’s America with Jon Sopel

Join journalist and writer Jon Sopel as he considers how to withstand the forces eroding democracies worldwide, in conversation with Nick Bryant and Rosalind Dixon.

Fantastical Worlds

Hear international bestselling writers Lev Grossman, R.F. Kuang and Garth Nix discuss their careers, their enthusiasm for fantasy and the genre’s dedicated readers. With host Carody Culver.

Roddy Doyle in Conversation

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.

Lily King: Heart the Lover

Revel in this unforgettable story of love, desire, friendship and loss as New York Times–bestselling author Lily King discusses her latest novel, Heart the Lover, with Melanie Kembrey.

The Future of Truth

Join international correspondent Barbara Demick, philosopher A.C. Grayling, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and AI researcher Toby Walsh as they share their perspectives on the value of truth today. With ABC Radio National’s Natasha Mitchell.

Power Up with Dav Pilkey

See Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants, Dog Man) draw his beloved characters live and hear his inspiring life story. Prepare yourself for some hilarious onstage antics!

Antoinette Lattouf: Women Who Win

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.

Mick Herron in Conversation

Listen as Mick Herron reveals the details of the latest instalment in the Slough House thrillers, where theft, secrets and blackmail unnerve his band of failed spies. With Michael Williams.