Storyfest Gold Coast returns 22 to 24 March 2027 (Week 9, Term 1)

Experience the ultimate celebration of literary joy at Storyfest Gold Coast! Meet leading Australian storytellers across three unforgettable days of stories, creativity and connection.

It all kicks off with the Parents' and Friends' Prologue Party - fun for the whole family! And for the grown-ups, come along to either the Literary Lunch on the Tuesday or join us at The Craig Bassingthwaighte Long Table, held as the closing event for the festival on the Wednesday evening.

Tickets go on sale Monday 16 November 2026!

Standard session tickets are $10.00 (inclusive of GST) per person per session. Many sessions have limited numbers, so book early to avoid disappointment. Please note there is no allocated seating. Bookings can only be processed on receipt of full payment and there are no refunds or exchanges once bookings are processed.

Festival Highlights

Prologue Party
Literary Lunch
Young Illustrators' Breakfast
The Craig Bassingthwaighte Long Table

Prologue Party

Come along to the highlight of literary events on the Gold Coast, this free community event is for the whole family. The Prologue Party is a night of festivities to celebrate the written word and the wonders it brings to both young and old. Activities for the children, street performers, authors, Dippin’ Dots and so much more, to enjoy in a fairground atmosphere. The festival bookshop will be open during this event, it is a great opportunity for adults and children to browse the bookshelf and find that perfect book.

Literary Lunch

Each year the Literary Lunch enables avid book readers to join a book-club style discussion with an author who writes about challenging, emotional and controversial topics! Don’t miss this signature event at Storyfest Gold Coast.

Young Illustrators' Breakfast

Gather 'round, young artists! Join us for a magical morning of creativity and breakfast. This special event features two of Australias most talented children’s illustrators. Delight in a delicious breakfast spread and let your imagination soar as we share stories, swap tips, and sketch our way through a morning of fun. From quirky characters to vibrant landscapes, this illustrator breakfast is sure to inspire your next masterpiece! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet the artists behind your favourite books and discover the joy of illustration.

The Craig Bassingthwaighte Long Table

The Craig Bassingthwaighte Long Table Dinner sees a gathering of the Festival’s patrons, authors, sponsors and those from the literary world coming together to celebrate literature at its finest. 

With guests from highly regarded literary speakers to new authors in the making, the Literary Long Table is a must for every bibliophile. Past Literary Long Table speakers include Alastair Mcleod, Markus Zusak, Wendy Harmer, William McInnes, Peter FitzSimons and Richard Fidler!