When is Melbourne Writers Festival on?
Melbourne Writers Festival takes place 8–11 May 2025 and MWF Schools takes place 5–9 May 2025.
Please see the date listed for each individual event.
About the festival
Where can I find out more information about the venues?
Please visit our Venues webpage for more details about our venues or contact our ticketing team at ticketing@mwf.com.au or call 03 9094 7871 for further information.
How long do festival events go for?
Most festival events are 60 minutes long, however some events, including Opening Night: Magical Thinking will run for 90 minutes. Please check the event page for event duration.
MWF Workshops run for 150 minutes. Colum McCann's masterclass The Devil is in the Details runs for 90 minutes.
Is there a festival bookshop?
MWF is delighted to partner with Readings. As our official festival bookstore, you can visit Readings at all MWF events.
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.
Can I get my book signed?
Yes, you can get your book signed after festival events, unless otherwise stated on the event webpage.
Does MWF support open discourse?
Melbourne Writers Festival champions open discourse and freedom of expression. We recognise the importance of diverse and divergent perspectives among our staff, artists, audiences, and the communities we serve. The Festival is led by its values of Excellence, Curiosity, Diversity and a Future-Focused mindset.
We platform writers and thinkers who explore complex ideas with open hearts and minds, and are committed to reflecting the local and global diversity of the world in which we live. We ignite conversations that Melbourne tunes in to, addressing relevant and essential subjects and stories. Our programming values creative insight, intellectually rigorous dialogue and constructive debate.
We seek to create a festival where books, stories and ideas are discussed with nuance, compassion and mutual respect – where words have power.
While we advocate for free expression and self-determination, we also uphold a commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment, in accordance with anti-discrimination and other Australian laws. MWF strictly prohibits any speech or behaviour that is discriminatory, illegal or racist, on all MWF platforms in-person and online. We expect all participants, including artists, staff, audiences, volunteers, partners, donors and funders, to adhere to this standard of respect.
We extend our thanks to the members of the MWF community who help us create a constructive, curious and empathetic festival environment.
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 relayservice.gov.au for more information.
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.
How long does the early-bird discount last?
The 10% early-bird discount ends at 11.59pm, Thursday 27 March (for select events only).
Which events are excluded from the early-bird discount?
All workshops are excluded from early-bird pricing, as well as our four specially released events:
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Bora Chung: Your Utopia
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Colum McCann: Twist
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Yael van de Wouden: The Safekeep
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Asako Yuzuki: Butter
- Afternoon Tea with Sarah Wilson
- Badass Women of Melbourne Walking Tours
- Pay What You Wish events
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.
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 2025, 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 on this webpage. If you have any queries, please contact our Ticketing team at ticketing@mwf.com.au.
Access and inclusion
I'm experiencing financial difficulty. Is there a low-cost ticket option?
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact our ticketing team by calling 03 9094 7871 (Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm). We would love to discuss low-cost or other options with you to ensure you can join us at MWF.
You can view a list of free and Pay What You Wish MWF events here.
Which events will be Auslan-interpreted?
The following events will be Auslan-interpreted. For other events, an Auslan interpreter can provided upon request.
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.
Where can I find out more information about accessibility?
Please visit our Access and Inclusion page for more information. For further enquiries or to book accessible seats, contact our ticketing team at ticketing@mwf.com.au or on 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.
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.
Other
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