Clunes Booktown Festival

The Story of Clunes Booktown Festival: Chapter 20

The quaint town honours the humble book in a beautiful binding of imagination and community.

Throughout history wordsmiths have told us stories of heroes defying the odds and of wayward adventures laced with hope. They’re stories that continue to endure and inspire generations of readers as they place themselves in the chapters, courageous, loyal, and pure. From Frodo to Harry Potter, Shakespeare tragic protagonists to the unwaveringly strong Katniss Everdeen, the stories of resilience are ones that stick around. 

It’s fitting then that a small community in regional Victoria has become a beacon of the book with a lasting legacy spanning 20 years.  

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Just 36km north of Ballarat, Clunes is a quaint and quiet town throughout the year until March hits. That’s when the streets of this unassuming village transform into a literary wonderland for the Clunes Booktown Festival, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, with 15,000 people descending into the historic centre in the name of books. Over two decades, this humble regional gem has proven that even in the most unlikely places, literature can thrive. It’s a place where the timeless themes of hope and defiance are brought to life through the written word, offering a reminder of how powerful stories can be.

The festival, which takes place on 21-22 March 2026, is a celebration of everything that makes books vital to our lives. It provides an opportunity for readers and writers to gather, reflect, and connect with one another. With more than 130 book stalls, workshops, and a stellar lineup of authors, Clunes Booktown continues to grow as one of Australia’s most beloved literary events. Their commitment to the printed word is a reflection of this year’s theme of hope and defiance, continuing to champion books, and showing that there are still avid readers engaged in this storytelling art form.

Suzi Cordell, Festival Creative Director, speaks to the significance of the event’s growth and its place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. “We’re incredibly proud of what this festival has become,” she says. “It’s a celebration of books, yes, but it’s also about celebrating the community, the people who’ve made it possible, and the way literature connects us all. To see Clunes, a small regional town, host such a major event year after year—it’s remarkable.”

The Clunes Booktown Festival has always been more than just an opportunity to meet authors or shop for rare finds. It is an immersive experience that honours storytelling in all its forms. This year, visitors can look forward to discussions on crime writing, speculative fiction, romance, and First Nations storytelling, with panels featuring some of Australia’s most celebrated authors.

Among the stars of the 2026 program are Bob Brown, the environmental activist and former Greens leader, who will discuss his new book Defiance in conversation with broadcaster Hilary Harper. The theme of defiance runs deep in Bob Brown’s own journey, and his appearance at the festival reflects how this quality has defined not only his career but the ethos of the Clunes Booktown Festival as well.

 

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Other notable speakers include Sofie Laguna, whose bestselling works have garnered critical acclaim, and Toni Jordan, a master of historical fiction. Maxine Beneba Clarke, Dennis Altman, Jacqui Horwood, and Fiona Hardy will also share their perspectives on the power of storytelling and the courage it takes to bring important themes to the forefront.

The festival is also a place for young readers to find inspiration. The Kids Village offers an array of activities to spark the imagination, including appearances by Real Pigeons creators Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood, who will share the latest adventures of their crime-fighting birds. Amelia Mellor, author of Oceanforged, will lead a workshop where children can invent their own magical creatures, encouraging them to create their own worlds of wonder.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Clunes Booktown Festival is its deep connection to the local community. The event wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated involvement of local groups, including the local football team, who help with the setup. This collaboration between the festival and the town is what gives the event its warmth and authenticity. It shows that not all heroes are reserved to fiction.

For aspiring writers, the festival offers workshops on short story writing, self-publishing, and historical writing. These sessions give attendees the chance to hone their craft, with guidance on everything from structure to promotion.

As Clunes celebrates two decades of this remarkable event, it is clear that the festival’s true success lies in its ability to connect people; whether they’re readers, writers, or anyone with a passion for stories. The festival remains a shining example of the resilience of the written word and the community that keeps it alive. Clunes Booktown stands as a reminder that literature, at its heart, is a deeply personal experience, one that endures despite the pressures of modern life.

Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring author, or simply someone who believes in the power of stories, there’s something for everyone at Clunes Booktown Festival. Be part of their 20th chapter.

Tickets are on sale now and can be picked up here.