Enjoy cosy, bookish vibes this June as Words Out West returns
Published on 18 March 2026
Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Festival returns in June 2026, for its seventh year.
The local festival, which has gained immense popularity over recent years, continues to celebrate creativity, community, and connection through the love of words.
Shifting the event to June invites bibliophiles to indulge in the cosy winter pastime: stay indoors, keep warm with a cuppa, and be inspired by some of their favourite authors.
The main festival event will be held at the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct from 13-14 June, with concurrent author sessions and a wide range of storytelling genres and styles to explore.
The event calendar kicks off on Tuesday 2 June with the first of the School Days sessions and concludes on Saturday 20 June with the Writer's Retreat held in the picturesque Bunya Mountains.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the 2026 Words Out West Festival will be the perfect mix of festival excitement and cosy atmosphere, with tickets sure to sell out fast thanks to the inclusion of headliners Hedley Thomas, Virginia Trioli, Heather Morris and Ben Hannant - to name a few.
"Words Out West is about inspiring creativity and building meaningful connection within our community," Mayor Smith said.
"Uniting people of all ages and backgrounds through the power of storytelling is why Words Out West has been successful over the past six years.
Flexible ticketing will be offered, giving attendees the opportunity to curate a festival experience that's unique to their interests.
Tickets for Words Out West are on sale now. To purchase, and for more information, visit www.wordsoutwest.info
2026 Speakers: Virginia Trioli, Hedley Thomas, Matthew Condon, Ben Hannant, Siang Lu, Heather Morris, Rosalie Ham, Peter Greste, Michelle Prak, Stella Quinn, Nicole Alexander, Petronella McGovern, Dr. Cesar Puechmarin, Regional Lifestyle Magazine, James Foley, Kat Apel, Jasmine McGoughey, Andy Jones, Merinda Dutton, Matt Hetherington.
Words Out West Events Calendar at a Glance
Short Story Competition: Sunday 11 March - Sunday 17 May
School Days: Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-3 June in Dalby and Chinchilla
Schooners & Stories: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4-6 June in Jandowae, Miles, and Tara
Festival Days: Saturday and Sunday, 13-14 June at the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
Books & Bubbles: Saturday, 13 March at the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
Writer's Retreat: Saturday 20 June at Bunya Mountains
For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au
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Media Contact:
Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265