Family Events at Sydney Writers❜ Festival 2026

Clear your calendar because the Sydney Writers' Festival 2026 has lined up a seriously fun program for families, where stories jump off the page, and kids are encouraged to get involved, get noisy and get creative!

Family Events at Sydney Writers' Festival

The Sydney Writers' Festival is one of Australia's biggest celebrations of books, storytelling and big ideas, bringing together authors, illustrators and thinkers from around the world for a packed program of talks, workshops and live events.

In 2026, the festival runs from 18-24 May, with the main hub at Carriageworks in Eveleigh, alongside events hosted across Sydney at venues like the State Library of NSW and other city locations. Expect everything from thought-provoking conversations to hands-on sessions for kids, plus plenty of free events woven through the program.

Curious about the top Sydney Writers' Festival events for families? Here are the best bits to get amongst with the kids this year:

Sunday, 17 May 2026
Children's Writing Workshops at State Library of NSW, Dixson Room

If your child has ever declared they're going to write a book one day, this is their starting point. A series of interactive writing workshops is taking place on Sunday, 17 May, each one designed to get ideas flowing and pencils moving.

From 10.30 to 11.15 am, Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCammon lead a lively session on building stories from scratch, using imagination and sensory details to bring worlds to life.

From 12-12.45 pm, Kate Foster flips storytelling into a game of chance with a roll-the-dice format that sends stories in unexpected directions.

From 1.30-2.15 pm, Kristin Darell focuses on character creation, helping kids develop ideas they can actually run with.

These sessions are hands-on, energetic and built for participation — less quiet concentration, more creative buzz.

Cost: Tickets from $10

Saturday, 23 May
Free Library Events

This is where things get physical — in the best way!

Dance Party at Wentworth Point Library gets kids moving with a joyful, high-energy session inspired by Australian animals. Expect jumping, crawling, stretching, and a lot of laughter as little ones bring stories to life through movement.

For something a little calmer (but still engaging), Animals on Country Storytime at Parramatta Library invites kids to listen, learn and connect with nature through storytelling rooted in First Nations knowledge. It's interactive without being overwhelming, making it a great balance to the more high-energy sessions.

Both events are ideal for younger kids and a good option if attention spans are on the shorter side.

Cost: FREE

Sunday, 24 May
Funny Books For Kids at Carriageworks, Track 12

Comedy takes centre stage here, and the energy shifts into full laugh mode.

Funny Books for Funny Kids brings together some of Australia's funniest children's authors to unpack what actually makes a story hilarious. There's live drawing, big personalities and plenty of audience interaction, with jokes flying and kids very much in on it.

Recommended for ages 7 and up — mainly because the giggle factor is dialled all the way up.

Cost: Tickets from $10

FREE Kids' Activities at Carriageworks, Bays 22-24

Also on Sunday, 24 May, the Free Kids' Activities portion of Sydney Writers' Festival is seriously worth blocking out time for, with loads to see and do for loads of ages!

Russ the Story Bus rolls in as a mobile library packed with books to explore, while the Big Family Day Backdrop invites kids to contribute to a growing collaborative artwork. There's Badge-Making With Cheryl Orsini for a take-home keepsake, plus hands-on crafting stations that keep creativity ticking along all day.

The Yoto Listening Zone offers a screen-free way to dive into stories, and the Where's Wally Activity Station adds a playful challenge with treasure hunts and interactive fun.

For more family events at Sydney Writers' Festival, check out the full 2026 lineup. Enjoy!

Where:   Multiple venues across Sydney
When:    18-24 May 2026
Cost:      FREE and ticketed events

More FREE Family Events in Sydney

Little Sydney Lives: Children's Photography Exhibition
Cabramatta Moon Festival
Surviving Australia at the Australian Museum

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