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Local Word Writers Festival 2026

The 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:

  • For local writers of all abilities and stages, we'll have workshops on offer across the region throughout the month of August
  • For local authors, showcase your work and meet other emerging writers at our Local Authors Fair on Saturday 29 August, 2026
  • For book lovers, come along and meet some of our region's most exciting new authors and learn about their work
  • Local Author Talks are being held throughout the year across our library network - look out for the Local Word logo!

Tickets go on sale here mid-June

 

Writers Workshops

Our program of writers workshops continues to be the most popular offering on our Local Word Writers Festival program.

This year we're offering workshops over the whole month of August, and aspiring, emerging and established writers will have a wide variety of topics to choose from at library locations throughout the region.

Tickets: Half day workshops will be priced at$40 or $20 for concession, full day workshops at $80 or $40 for concession, and bookings are required. 

Bookings will open mid June via this page.

Local Authors Fair

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.
Tickets: Free entry but registration preferred as tea/coffee and pastries will be supplied.
Bookings will open mid June via this page.

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Want to stay up-to-date with all things Local Word? Whether you're interested in attending an event or participating as a presenter at the next Festival, sign up here or below and we'll keep you in the loop.

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Accessibility, Ticketing, Photography, FAQ's and More!

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

  • Please be aware that the program may be subject to change without notice, and in all cases we will do our best to notify attendees in advance.
  • Refunds will be issued on request if submitted more than 24 hours prior to the event. Please email your request to events@grlc.vic.gov.au.

Photography and Session Recordings

  • We have photographers coming to most sessions for a short visit so we can capture the creativity in process! Images and/or video may be used by Geelong Regional Libraries or by media or other participating organisations for marketing, social media, or publication.
  • Please notify a staff member or the photographer if you do not wish to appear in photographs or videos.
  • You are welcome to take your own photos (and tag us on socials) but please be aware of other people in your photos, and seek permission if you do take photos of others.

Question not answered here?

Visit our FAQ's page for more information, or email us at events@grlc.vic.gov.au
 

 

About the Festival

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.