Melbourne Writers Festival 2027 to run 6 to 9 May

The festival has set its 2027 dates in an information pack inviting Melbourne libraries to host events with festival guests.

The Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) will run from Thursday 6 May to Sunday 9 May 2027, according to an information pack the festival has issued to local libraries.

The pack sets out the 2027 Local Libraries Program, through which libraries across Melbourne can stage an event for their communities with help from the MWF programming team. Libraries choose speakers from the festival's guest list, which covers local and interstate writers of fiction and nonfiction and includes options for general and younger audiences. Each library event will appear in the festival program, on the MWF website and in the printed guide, with approved promotional material supplied.

Taking part costs a library $2,500 plus GST, which covers fees, per diems and travel for up to two artists, typically a writer and a moderator. Additional guests cost extra. Libraries are responsible for free ticketing, customer service, audio-visual setup, front of house, book signings and looking after artists on the day. They must also arrange a local bookseller and promote the event through their own channels using MWF copy and images.

Expressions of interest opened on 1 September and closed on 30 September 2026, with libraries told of the outcome on 16 October. Events are due to be confirmed by 12 November, payment is due on 15 January 2027, and bookings open on 18 March 2027.

Enquiries go to festival director and chief executive Veronica Sullivan at veronica@mwf.com.au.