The Williamstown Literary Festival (aka the Willy Lit Fest) is one of the biggest literary festivals in Victoria. It brings together readers and writers.
The festival runs for three days and will take place in the Williamstown Town Hall and the Williamstown Library.
Williamstown Literary Festival 2025 Dates, Tickets & Program Schedule
The Williamstown Literary Festival began in 2003 as a local festival to promote a love of reading, writing and the spoken word to a diverse audience. We deliver a high-quality, rich program featuring renowned Australian authors, emerging and local writers and all literature creatives. The festival offers a unique, intimate experience, allowing attendees to meet and interact with authors and guests in a relaxed, welcoming community environment.
The festival is run by an honorary committee, supplemented by a band of willing helpers at festival time.
They strongly focus on local participation, with the annual People’s Choice awards showcasing aspiring local writers and poets. The Ada Cambridge Award for Poetry and Prose is run annually with the winners being announced at the festival’s opening. In 2021, WLF announced the addition of the Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award for those writing about disability.
The program appeals to people of all ages and literary tastes. Events include panels, interviews, author talks, workshops for children, teenagers, and adults, readings, and storytelling. Writers working in all genres, including poetry, novels, nonfiction, crime, historical fiction, drama, adventure, and sports, contribute to a fabulous festival.
Weekend Pass
With a Weekend Pass, you can choose from 50 sessions across the Saturday and Sunday of Willy Lit Fest. A Weekend Pass allows you entry into any Saturday or Sunday session, including conversations, panels, workshops, launches, walks, and Willy Lit Fest Late.
You will still need to reserve your spot in each session you wish to attend. When you buy a Weekend Pass you’ll receive a unique link from Willy Lit Fest. Book your tickets using this link to guarantee yourself a seat.
Not including Friday’s Stereo Stories concert.
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