Words in Winter acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung as Traditional Owners of Djandak, where we work, play, and rest. We celebrate Djaara storytellers and culture holders, pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise sovereignty never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

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Curiouser
& Curiouser

Djaara Country, Daylesford and Hepburn
Wednesday 26–Sunday 30 August 2026
Words in Winter 2026 theme curiouser and curiouser, watercolour artwork with woman in image with cat.Colorful illustration of a girl with long red hair lying down reading a book with hearts, surrounded by butterflies, a cat, mushrooms, and a rabbit against a pink and blue background.
“Curiosity is what brings people together around stories. It invites us to listen more deeply, imagine differently and explore the world through other perspectives.”

—Devon Taylor, Festival Producer

Words in Winter is an annual literary festival held each August on Djaara country and across the twin towns of Daylesford and Hepburn. The volunteer-led festival brings together writers, readers and storytellers from across the region and beyond to celebrate words in all their forms – from page to stage. Across five days of conversations, readings, workshops and performances, local creators and visiting artists will share ideas, craft and imagination with audiences of all ages.

950+
Authors and artists supported
Check out the 2026 talent
20,000+
Total attendees and tickets sold
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850+
Volunteers contributed
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2026 Program

Featured events

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Cicada Story Slam plus special guests

The much-loved Cicada Story Slam returns for a special evening of raw, unfiltered storytelling. Hosted by local Maia Irell, this event invites anyone to put their name in a hat for a chance to share a five-minute true, personal story inspired by our theme, Curiouser and Curiouser. As well as the open mic we'll be joined by special guests from the Words in Winter program (to be announced) who will share their own curious tales.

Location:

Back Bar

Date:

August 28, 2026

Time:

7pm-9pm

Price:

Pay-What-You-Feel (suggested $15)

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Festival Hub

At the Festival Hub enjoy the Schools and U3A collaborative exhibition, browse the Community Book Swap or relax in The Society of Silent Readers nook. Connect with our festival volunteers to purchase tickets, ask questions and plan your festival journey.

Location:

Daylesford Town Hall – Senior Citizen Space

Date:

August 26, 2026

Time:

Open during Festival Opening Wednesday 5pm–6:30pm; Festival Hub open Saturday & Sunday 9:30am–4:30pm

Price:

Free

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Town Hall Talks

Throughout the weekend, the Town Hall becomes a sanctuary for writers, thinkers and storytellers to grapple with the big questions – justice, survival, belonging and the art of building a life on one’s own terms. Come for the ideas, stay for the dialogue and leave with a new book or a question that lingers long after the talk ends. Books will be available for purchase and signing after each talk.

Location:

Daylesford Town Hall

Date:

August 29, 2026

Time:

Saturday 29 August and Sunday 30 August , 10am-4pm

Price:

Free-$18

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Festival Community Opening

Join us for an evening of story, song and community as we launch Words in Winter 2026. The evening begins on Djaara Country with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Alison McRae followed by readings by local students, music from the Daylesford College Jazz Band and The Honeytones Choir and our Hall of Fame induction.

Location:

Daylesford Town Hall

Date:

August 26, 2026

Time:

5pm-6:30pm

Price:

Free. All welcome.

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Convent Conversations

Step into the quiet beauty of The Convent for two afternoons of intimate reflection and dialogue. On Friday, local lawyer and writer Tony Kelly sits down with writer and lawyer Fernanda Dahlstrom (The Framing) to talk justice, memoir and growing up rural. On Saturday, local writer and playwright Rebecca Lister sits down with Rosalie Ham (The Dressmaker, Look After Your Feet) for a warm, witty chat about community, retribution and the glorious disaster of getting older. Intimate by design and hosted by locals who know how to listen. Followed by book signings. Includes a glass of bubbles on arrival.

Location:

The Convent Daylesford

Date:

August 29, 2026

Time:

Friday 28 August and Saturday 29 August 4:30pm-6pm

Price:

$25 including drink on arrival

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2026 Artists & Authors

Who's coming

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The festival in motion

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of words, ideas and community feels like

News & Media

What's on & what's new

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News

Venie Holmgren Poetry Prize Opens for 2026 Entries

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News

Words in Winter appoints Aunty Alison McRae as Cultural Advisor

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Press Release

Words in Winter 2026 invites audiences to get CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER

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Words in Winter runs on heart and hard work. Every year, a dedicated crew of volunteers makes the magic happen - from making our digital presence, welcoming audiences to supporting artists backstage. Whether you have a few hours or a whole weekend, there's a role for you.

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