Words in Winter 2026 returns to Daylesford and Hepburn from Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 August. Now in its 24th year, our beloved local literary festival continues its tradition of bringing writers, artists and thinkers to the heart of Djaara Country for five days of author talks, workshops and community events. While the festival sees national voices take to the stage, its spirit remains firmly local. An impressive 60% of the program is curated and driven by our own community, making this a true testament to the creative depth of the region.
The festival opens on Wednesday 26 August from 5pm-6:30pm with a free community opening at Daylesford Town Hall. Expect a Welcome to Country from Festival Cultural Advisor and Dja Dja Wurrung-Gunditjmara-Yorta Yorta Elder Aunty Alison McRae, readings and music from local students, songs from The Honeytones Community Choir and the festival’s annual Hall of Fame induction—a warm, communal beginning that sets the tone for the days ahead. All welcome.
On Saturday 29 August from 10am-11am, with Dja Dja Wurrung, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta Elder, Stolen Generations survivor, and newly appointed Words in Winter Cultural Advisor Aunty Alison McRae returns for a conversation with master storyteller and Gunditjmara Elder Uncle Ted Laxton—having a yarn about art, survival, culture and humour as resistance. It is a powerful highlight in the program and the funds from the Pay-What-You-Feel tickets go towards the festival’s 2027 First Nations Engagement Fund.
Throughout the weekend, the Town Hall Talks will host acclaimed literary figures including Noongar woman and Author Claire G Coleman, and Dr Hannah Gould. These sessions are also grounded by the presence of our own community voices, including local kitchen gardener Mara Ripani, local landscape legend Natasha Morgan, Tammi Jonas and Catie Payne, who join the stage to discuss the big ideas shaping our world. At The Convent Gallery, our Convent Conversations shift the pace to intimate dialogue. Local writer Tony Kelly will converse with author Fernanda Dahlstrom on themes of justice and rural life, while local playwright, festival member, and host of ‘On The Couch’ Rebecca Lister hosts celebrated author Rosalie Ham for a session exploring community, retribution, and aging.
The Cicada Story Slam returns on Friday 28 August (7pm–9pm, at the Back Bar) with a pay what you feel entry. Hosted by local Maia Irell, it’s open to anyone brave enough to share a five-minute true story inspired by the theme. With special guests also taking the mic, it’s a chance to hear the festival’s “curiosity” ethic at its most immediate—personal, public and alive.
For those looking to refine their craft, the festival offers an inspiring and affordable workshop program. Whether you are an aspiring writer or an established author, sessions cover everything from the nuances of self-publishing to creative experiments in collage poetry and writing crime fiction, offering tools to elevate your practice in a supportive, community-focused setting.
Younger audiences are also accounted for with an amazing kids’ program on Saturday the 29th of August, supported by Springs Medical Centre, featuring authors including local author Michelle Pleasance, Dee White, and Emma Gourlay.
The Festival Hub, situated in the Senior Citizens Centre at the Daylesford Town Hall, serves as the festival’s central meeting point. Open Saturday and Sunday, visitors can browse the Community Book Swap, visit the Society of Silent Readers nook, or view the collaborative Schools and U3A exhibition. It’s the perfect place to start your weekend, whether you are booking last-minute tickets or looking for a quiet moment to settle into the festival atmosphere.
Tickets and the full program are available at wordsinwinter.com/get-tickets and the full line-up of artists available at wordsinwinter.com/artists-authors.
