Our top picks from the Sydney Writers Festival 2025 program

Sydney Writers Festival returns from May 19-25 2025.
This year’s theme is ‘In This Together’, uniting readers and writers.
Festival highlights include Samantha Harvey, Colm Tóibín and Marian Keyes.
READ MORE: things to do in April

If you’re visiting Sydney in May and love books, stories, or big ideas, you won’t want to miss the Sydney Writers Festival. Returning from May 19 until May 25, it’s one of Australia’s largest literary festivals, bringing together world-famous authors for a range of thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive workshops that take place across the city.

You don’t have to be a hardcore bookworm to enjoy it either. There are free and ticketed events, from casual author talks to deep-dive discussions on everything from fiction to politics. You can even get your favourite books signed or join a writing workshop if you’re feeling inspired.

Beyond the festival, Sydney’s literary scene comes alive, with pop-up bookshops, readings in cafes and events at local libraries among the offerings. It’s a great way to see a different side of the city—one that goes beyond beaches and sightseeing. Here are some of the hottest tickets and must-see events planned.

1. Liane Moriarty and David Nicholls

An Australian and an Englishman walk into a town hall… no jokes here, however, as this pair of international bestselling authors will join forces and compare their experiences of seeing their works transformed into binge-worthy television series and films.

Moriarty is famed for her blend of domestic thrillers, psychological thrillers, women’s fiction, mystery, and drama. Her most famous books include Nine Perfect Strangers, Big Little Lies and her latest release, Here One Moment.

Nicholls, meanwhile, is the author of One Day, which, although published way back in 2009, was turned into a worldwide hit series by Netflix last year (that gut-wrenching one starring Leo Woodall). Nicholls will also discuss his latest release, You Are Here, on May 22: find more info here.

The pair will appear on stage with ABC Radio National’s Claire Nichols of The Book Show.

Where: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000.
When: Wednesday May 21, 6pm–7pm.
How much: Adult $40-$60, concession $35. Book here.

2. Colm Tóibín: From Brooklyn to Long Island

Tóibín’s 2009 novel Brooklyn was so adored by readers, it was adapted for the big screen in 2015 with Hollywood actor Saoirse Ronan taking the role of Eilis in the Oscar-nominated film. The author returned last year with a sequel to the beloved novel, set 20 years later. Long Island sees Eilis face more quandaries about her new home and her homeland. It’s being heralded as his best work yet.

At this event, Colm Tóibín joins Kate Evans (ABC Radio National’s The Bookshelf) to discuss his latest portrait of the people of picturesque Enniscorthy.

Where: Carriageworks, Bay 17, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, NSW 2015.
When: Friday May 23, 4pm-5pm.
How much: $40. Book here.

3. Why We Sleep, Featuring Professor Matthew Walker

This is Dr Matthew Walker’s first live event in Australia, and it’s not one to miss. The professor of neuroscience UC Berkeley is a world-leading expert on sleep and is the founder of the Centre for Human Sleep Science. He knows what he’s talking about. In conversation with Sana Qadar, award-winning journalist and host of ABC’s All in the Mind podcast, Walker will explore how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood and energy levels, regulate hormones, prevent disease and slow the effects of aging. Phew. Bring a pad and paper as there will be a lot to learn.

Where: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
When: Tuesday May 27, 6pm-7:15pm.
How much: $40-$60, concession from $35. Book here.

4. Firetalk

Gather around the fire to hear stories, as communities have for centuries. Presented in partnership with Vivid Sydney and curated by Wiradjuri poet and activist Jazz Money, this series of events will bring together First Nations writers, poets and songwriters who share their stories.

Where: Walumil Lawns Barangaroo, Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: May 28, June 4 and 11, 6:30pm-7pm.
How much: Free and unreserved, so arrive early to get a seat.

Firetalk at Sydney Writers' Festival 2025. The fireside event will bring together First Nations authors and poets — Firetalk at Sydney Writers’ Festival 2025. (Image supplied)

5. Asako Yuzuki: Butter

Butter was a runaway success of 2024, winning the Waterstones Book of the Year and becoming a coveted Sunday Times bestseller. Following a gourmet chef turned serial killer and a journalist who was put behind bars for the crime, it was the first of Asako Yuzuki’s books to be translated into English from Japanese. Yuzuki will be joined on stage by Carody Culver to discuss the international success of her novel, as well as the transgressive pleasures of food.

Asako Yuzuki will speak in Japanese and will be translated into English by a live interpreter.

Where: Carriageworks, Bay 17, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, NSW, 2015
When: Saturday May 24, 7:30pm-8:30pm
How much: Adult $40-$45, concession $35-$45. Book here.