Sorrento Writers Festival
April 23 - 26, 2026
2026 Festival Tickets On Sale Now
Our 2026 program will bring together an exceptional line-up of leading Australian and international writers, journalists, thinkers and storytellers, alongside prominent community leaders, academics and creative artists. Audiences can look forward to a rich mix of fiction and non-fiction voices, bold ideas, lively conversations and inspiring performances across the four days.
The 2026 Barry Jones Oration by Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, marking another highlight of what promises to be an exciting program.
155 events, 200 speakers, 10+ free events, plus a wonderful Family Afternoon and Schools program.
Tickets on sale now. Buy 10 or more general release tickets and receive 10% off
2026 Festival
Festival Key Dates
Tuesday March 3
Box office opens. Tickets on sale
Friday March 6
2026 Festival printed program will begin to be distributed via our usual Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne outlets
April 6, 10 and 13
Volunteers briefing sessions in Sorrento and Melbourne.
Wednesday, April 22
Festival Eve Program at Sorrento Portsea RSL
Thursday April 23 – Sunday April 26
Sorrento Writers Festival weekend
2026 Festival
First Release Events
The Political Lunch
Our Festival Lunch at The Baths, hosted by Barrie Cassidy, will present three respected political journalists, in discussion over a wonderful two-course meal and drink on arrival.
In Conversation: John Boyne
Award-winning Irish writer John Boyne will discuss his work, his life, and his new Elements series with journalist Caroline Wilson.
Drinks with the Prize Winners
Join us for a drink as we welcome The Prize Winners and hear what it’s like to have your writing work acknowledged by the literary and journalism communities.
Words & Music: The Beach House
Performer, host, writer and radio personality Brin Nankervis kicks off our Words & Music night with his love letter to the Aussie beach house and 40 years of family summers.
Followed by Rebecca Barnard and band as we revisit the sounds of 1970s and 80s Summer.
The Mushroom Tapes
Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein discuss the tragic family lunch that captured a world’s attention.
Support Us
You give, we grow. It’s as simple and as wonderful as that.
Without your help, we cannot stage our Festival. Nor can we harness funds for the newly-formed Sorrento Writers Festival Literacy Fund which helps children on the Mornington Peninsula to access books, improve their reading and writing skills, and create curiosity.
Thank you to everyone who has donated to our organisation in 2025. Onward to 2026, and we hope you’ll come on the journey as we plan another exciting year of bringing writers and readers together.
Donate
We are grateful to all our donors for investing in us, and for supporting us to sustain and grow our Festival and its programs. Your generosity will underpin our long-term commitment to encourage literacy and learning in our community.
Partner
By partnering with Sorrento Writers Festival you can benefit your business through a range of bespoke and curated offerings. Our teams will collaborate to tailor a partnership that meets your business needs and values, while also supporting our goals.
Volunteer
Volunteering at the Sorrento Writers Festival is rewarding, fun, and makes a meaningful contribution to the local community. Register your interest to volunteer in 2026 now.