Curiouser and Curiouser
Five days of wonder, words and belonging in Daylesford and Hepburn.
This August, Words in Winter returns to Daylesford and Hepburn for five days of curiosity, words and belonging.
Our 2026 theme, Curiouser and Curiouser, is an invitation to lean in: to stories you haven't heard, writers you haven't discovered, and conversations that only happen when a community gathers around literature and creativity.
The festival happens at winter's edge — acacias in bloom, bees returning, days quietly lengthening. And with them, us: emerging, curious, ready. Ready for the stories that pull us out of ourselves. Ready for the warmth of a full room and the particular magic of words shared out loud.
Programming this year runs across three pillars:
The Curious Craft for writers and makers, Curious Histories & Untold Truths for storytellers and memory-keepers and Community Curiosities for everyone who calls this region home
From author panels at the Town Hall to workshops at Radius Art, every venue has a purpose and every event asks you to look a little closer.
Collaboration with artist Eloise Grills
Each year, Words in Winter partners with a local artist to feature their original artwork as the festival's flagship image.
This year, we are thrilled to have Eloise Grills as our festival artist. An award-winning writer and artist, Eloise is a beloved member of our community. Her work will vividly bring the theme Curiouser and Curiouser to life across our posters, program, and signage. Her unique style, which blends whimsical illustrations with profound narratives, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of curiosity and exploration that defines our 2026 festival.
"I'm constantly amazed by the talent we have locally. Our guest artists spark creativity, and our neighbours are a constant source of inspiration. The joy and laughter that fill this festival every August are unmatched." — Festival volunteer
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We are not aiming to be a prestige festival. We are a community festival that takes literature seriously — and takes joy seriously, too.
Debut novelists share a program with Miles Franklin longlisted authors. Local poets open for nationally recognised voices. Primary school students display their work alongside U3A writers in an intergenerational showcase. That mix is not accidental. It is the point.
And keep your eyes open around town — golden tickets hidden in loaves of bread, books tucked into cafes, and a Community Book Swap raising funds for our 2027 landmark festival.
Curiousity, it turns out, is everywhere.
Who's coming
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Across Daylesford and Hepburn
Each year the festival spreads across Daylesford and Hepburn, using a mix of heritage halls, intimate galleries and community spaces that have become part of the Words in Winter character. The venues change slightly from year to year, but the towns stay the same -- and so does the pleasure of moving between them on a cold August morning.
For venue details, accessibility information and getting there guides, visit the Venues page.
Frequently Asked
The Words in Winter 2026 Festival is scheduled to take place from Wednesday 26 August to Sunday 30 August, 2026. This annual event promises a lineup of literary activities, workshops, and discussions, offering something for everyone who loves the written word. Mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring celebration of literature and creativity.
The 2026 festival program will be available starting in early July. Stay tuned for updates and make sure to check back for the full schedule of events and activities!
To stay updated on festival news and changes, subscribe to our e-newsletter through our website. Make sure to check your email regularly for updates. Additionally, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest announcements and information.
The theme for the 2026 festival is "Curiouser and Curiouser." This theme encourages attendees to delve into a world of exploration and wonder, sparking curiosity and playful questioning about the world around us. It invites everyone to embrace their inner explorer and engage with the festival's offerings in a way that is both imaginative and thought-provoking.