Words Out West 2026

Next date: Tuesday, 02 June 2026 | 12:00 AM to Saturday, 20 June 2026 | 11:59 PM

Words Out West 2026

Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest takes a novel approach to storytelling, with a host of events for all ages and interests.

The festival kicks off with School Days on 2–3 June in Dalby and Chinchilla, where students will be inspired by engaging sessions led by acclaimed authors and storytellers.

Join us for the Festival Days on 13–14 June at the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct. Be captivated by the best of local and national storytelling talent, including Virginia Trioli, Hedley Thomas and Heather Morris alongside other acclaimed authors and creators. The program features keynote presentations and panels spanning popular and emerging genres.

After Saturday’s sessions, Books & Bubbles: A Night of Crime awaits with a sparkling evening of champagne, mingling, and thrilling conversation with two of Australia's most compelling investigative storytellers - Hedley Thomas and Matthew Condon.

Building on the sell-out popularity of last year's event, Schooners & Stories is expanding to a three-town tour on 4—6 June. Pull up a bar stool at Jandowae, Miles or Tara as Ben "Polar Bear" Hannant shares stories from on and off the field. 

For aspiring authors, the festival concludes with the Writers Retreat on 20 June, held at the stunning Godshill in the Bunya Mountains. This retreat offers a day of inspiration and creativity in nature. Choose from two immersive workshops or book both for a full day experience. 

Attendees have the option to purchase individual tickets or discounted full-day passes, providing tailored access and flexibility for festival goers of all interests and budgets.

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