Local Word Writers Festival is back and we're mixing it up for 2026!
Our festival continues to evolve. Based on some fantastic feedback from our previous festival goers, we're changing the format to offer more of what you want:
Call for Local Authors!
If you're a local writer living or working in the Geelong region, and you'd like to participate in Local Word 2026, we'd love to hear from you!
Opportunities exist to present in the Local Word Writers Workshops Program, or exhibit at the Local Authors Fair.
Workshop Presenter - Applications close at 5.00pm AEST on Thursday 30 April, 2026
Local Authors Fair Exhibitor - Applications close at 5.00pm AEST on Tuesday 30 June, 2026 (this deadline my be extended, numbers permitting)
Please complete our Expression of Interest online form
Our program of writers workshops continues to be the most popular offering on our Local Word Writers Festival program.
This year, instead of offering workshops over two days, we're offering them over the whole month of August, and budding, aspiring or established writers will have a plethora of workshops to choose from.
Writers Workshops will be held throughout August, at library locations throughout the region. Workshops will be priced at$40 or $20 for concession, and bookings are required.
Writers - Share Your Knowledge!
Are you a writer or creative in the Geelong region with a skill to share? Why not pitch your workshop idea and share your story?
Expressions of Interest are now open for authors to present in this year’s Writers Workshops program, part of our Local Word Writers Festival.
Applications* close at 5.00pm AEST on Thursday 30 April, 2026 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/PfPp94SR0Z Do you know an author who should be there? Please email them this link
*Your workshop can run for 1 hour, a half day (3-4 hours) or a full day (5-8 hours). The Expression of Interest form will ask you to provide an outline of your content identifying clear objectives, workshop structure/format and any interactive tasks/content you intend to include. Workshops take considerable preparation time and include authors’ intellectual property, as such all presenters are offered ASA rates of payment.
First introduced at last year's festival, the Local Authors Fair showcases local independent authors and their stories from across our region in a supportive and fun atmosphere.
This event is designed for writers and readers alike - readers can find their new favourite authors – and authors can find new fans!
Everyone is invited to come along, browse the tables, meet some of our local emerging authors and hear about their latest books. Entry is free and there will be plenty of books for sale, but no obligation to buy!
Saturday 29 August, 2026 from 12.00noon to 3.00pm at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, followed by a literary networking event for all. Free entry. Bookings not required.
Showcase Your Story at the Local Author Fair
Are you a writer in the Geelong region with a book to share? Whether it’s your debut novel, a memoir, or a collection of poems, the Local Author Fair is your chance to connect with readers, network with fellow authors, and celebrate local storytelling.
Expressions of Interest are now open for authors to take part in this year’s Fair.
Applications* close at 5.00pm AEST on Tuesday 30 June, 2026 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/PfPp94SR0Z Know an author who should be there? Please email them this link
* For the Local Author Fair, each author will be provided with a chair and a table to display signage and their books/work. Visitors will come and go throughout the afternoon with opportunities for book sales throughout the event. All set up and pack down must be carried out by the author (trolleys are available). Please note, participating authors must provide their own book stock, and eftpos and/or cash sales facilities. Places will be limited to a maximum of 40 and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. A registration fee of $20 per author applies - this will be payable at a later date to confirm your place.
Accessibility
Geelong Regional Libraries offers fully inclusive and accessible venues. If you require any assistance to access the program or attend the events, please email events@grlc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 4201 0600.
Program Changes and Refunds
Photography and Session Recordings
Question not answered here?
Visit our FAQ's page for more information, or email us at events@grlc.vic.gov.au
The annual Local Word Writers Festival brings our diverse local writing communities together through writers workshops and our local authors fair.
It's a hyper-local festival, designed to celebrate and showcase the creative and literary talent of Victoria’s south-west region – from Geelong, the Bellarine, Colac and the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Cape Otway.
For established and emerging writers, and appealing to readers and book lovers generally, the festival includes topics and books from fiction and non-fiction genres and includes storytellers of all kinds.
Featuring workshops at Libraries across the region and a full day author fair at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, supported by book sales and signings.
Dates of previous festivals:
2025 - Friday 22 and Saturday 23 August 2025
2024 - Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August 2024
2023 - Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August 2023
2022 - Friday 18 and Saturday 19 November 2022
Watch Local Word online:
You can now view recorded sessions from Local Word 2025 on our YouTube Channel. Re-live the discussions, or share them with your family and friends.
