Frequently asked questions

About the festival

When is Melbourne Writers Festival on?

Melbourne Writers Festival takes place 8–12 May. Please see the date listed for each individual event.

How long do festival events go for?

Most festival events are 60 minutes long. Workshops run for 150 minutes while An Evening with Michael Cunningham will run for 75 minutes. Please see the duration listed for each individual event.

Are there bar and dining options nearby?

We're pleased to partner with a range of bars and restaurants near Festival venues. From a glass of wine and bowl of pasta at The Moat to a delectable dining experience at Hazel and Dessous to a coffee at Liminal, there's something to whet the appetite of many a wordsmith near 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.

Is there a festival bookshop?

MWF is delighted to partner with Readings Bookstore. As our official festival bookstore, you can visit Readings at all MWF events.

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 always will. We recognise, encourage and value the importance of diverse opinions and perspectives among our staff, artists, audiences, the communities we serve and through our program. It is a space where words hold power.

We ask everyone involved with MWF, on stage or as audience members, to approach discussions with curiosity and compassion. While advocating for freedom of expression and self-determination, we strictly prohibit bullying, violence, bigotry, discrimination, and racism, on all MWF platforms in-person or online, expecting all participants, including artists, staff, audiences, volunteers, partners, donors, and funders, to adhere to this standard of respect.

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 7872.

TTY users can phone 133 677 and ask for 03 9094 7872.

Speak and Listen users can phone 1300 555 727 and ask for 03 9094 7872.

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.

How long does the early-bird discount last?

The 10% early-bird discount ends at 11.59pm, Thursday 28 March (for select events only).

Which events are excluded from the early-bird pricing?

All workshops are excluded from early-bird pricing, as well as our three specially released events:

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.

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 to 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 2024, they are:

$2.20 for bookings between $0.50–$25
$3.85 for bookings between $25.01–$75
$4.95 for bookings between $75.01–$100
$6.05 for bookings between $100.01– $400
$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 changed your mind, you are most welcome to contact our Box Office team to discuss any further options.

Access and inclusion

Which events will be Auslan-interpreted?

The following events will be Auslan-interpreted. 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.

Are any events accessible remotely?

Melbourne Writers Festival is working closely with partners Vision Australia and State Library Victoria to present a selection of events remotely via livestream or broadcast. These events will be confirmed shortly. Melbourne Writers Festival also releases a number of events as podcasts following the festival.

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 7872 (Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm). We would love to discuss low-cost or other options with you to ensure you can join us at MWF.

Where can I find out more information about accessibility?

Please visit our Accessibility webpage for more information. Or for further enquiries or to book accessible seats, contact our ticketing team at ticketing@mwf.com.au or call 03 9094 7871 for further information.

How do I access 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 7872.