When is Melbourne Writers Festival on?
Melbourne Writers Festival 2026 takes place 7–10 May at venues across Melbourne. Please see the date listed for each individual event.
How long do festival events go for?
Most festival events are 60 minutes long. Please see the duration listed for each individual event.
Are there bar and dining options nearby?
Our festival venues are located in the centre of Melbourne’s CBD with many bars, cafes and restaurants nearby.
We recommend a glass of wine and bowl of fresh pasta at The Moat, or share some delicious small plates and a cocktail at The George on Collins.
Is there a festival bookshop?
MWF is delighted to partner with Readings as our official festival bookseller. You can find Readings pop-up stores located at all major MWF venues.
Can I get my book signed?
Yes, you can get your book signed after festival events, unless otherwise stated on the event webpage.
Tickets and booking
How do I contact the ticketing team?
Please contact our Ticketing team by emailing ticketing@mwf.com.au or calling (03) 9094 7871.
TTY users can phone 133 677 and ask for (03) 9094 7871.
Speak and Listen users can phone 1300 555 727 and ask for (03) 9094 7871.
Melbourne Writers Festival also accepts calls via the National Relay Service. Registration is required for this service. Call 133 677 or visit accesshub.gov.au for more information.
When will I get my e-ticket?
You should receive your ticket via the email you used to book immediately upon booking. Please check your 'spam' or 'junk' folders if it has not arrived in your inbox, or contact our Ticketing team at ticketing@mwf.com.au, who will be able to assist you.
Who is entitled to a concession ticket?
Concession prices are available at many MWF events for children under 16, full-time students, Concession or Pension Card holders, and Seniors Card holders.
What is a booking fee?
A booking fee is a fee added to every order that supports the cost of processing tickets. This is not a credit card fee. The booking fee is calculated as a percentage of the purchase. For 2026, they are:
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$2.20 for bookings between $0.50–$25
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$3.85 for bookings between $25.01–$75
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$4.95 for bookings between $75.01–$100
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$6.05 for bookings between $100.01– $400
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$7.70 for bookings over $400.01
I changed my mind about my purchase. Can I get a refund?
MWF does not provide refunds or exchanges except as set out in the Code of Practice for the Ticketing of Live Entertainment Events in Australia. Please see more information about this and our ticketing policy and general terms of sale here.
Where can I read the ticketing terms and conditions?
Our ticketing policy and general terms of sale are available to read here.
Access and inclusion
Where can I find out more information about accessibility?
Please visit our Access and Inclusion page for full information.
For further enquiries or to book accessible seats, contact our ticketing team at ticketing@mwf.com.au or on (03) 9094 7871.
Which events will be Auslan-interpreted?
The following events will be Auslan-interpreted. For all other events, an Auslan interpreter can provided upon request.
- Opening Night: Visions & Revisions
- Queerstories
- Crip Stories: Nothing About Us Without Us
To request an Auslan interpreter or to book a seat with the best eyeline of the interpreter, please contact our ticketing team by emailing ticketing@mwf.com.au or calling (03) 9094 7872.
Please note, we require at least two weeks to confirm an interpreter. If you contact us closer to the festival we will do our best, but may not be able to organise an interpreter in time.
How do I access First Nations Community Tickets?
MWF has an allocation of tickets available for free for First Nations peoples. To access these community tickets, email ticketing@mwf.com.au or call 03 9094 7871.
Are there any events accessible remotely?
Melbourne Writers Festival aims to release all events as podcasts following the festival, which are accessible for free. You can listen to previous podcast episodes here.
Where can I find out more about travelling to the Festival?
Please visit our Venues webpage for more details about getting to our venues.
I'm experiencing financial difficulty. Is there a low-cost ticket option?
We have a number of free events as part of the MWF program. In addition, we have Pay What You Wish events available, where you are invited to nominate your own price at checkout. We also offer concession rates on most events.
For any further queries, contact ticketing@mwf.com.au.
Subscriber early bird discount
Which events are eligible for my subscriber early bird discount?
See here for a list of events that your subscriber early bird discount applies to.
Photography and privacy
Can I take photos at the Festival?
Yes, you may take photos at the Festival. However, please do not use the flash during an event.
Please note, no tripods or profressional photography equipment are permitted.
Will my photo be taken at the Festival?
Photographers and videographers will be around the Festival capturing content for archival and marketing purposes. There is a chance your photo will be taken. If you do not want your photo taken by one of our photographers, please let the photographer, or an MWF staff member know.
Where can I read your privacy policy?
Please read our privacy policy here.