02 – 20 June 2026
Same Great Festival, New Winter Vibe.
Join us for the seventh Words Out West in 2026!
For readers, writers, and word-lovers alike, right here on the
Western Downs.
Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Festival takes a novel approach to storytelling, with a host of events for all ages and interests.
School Days
Tuesday 2 June, Dalby Events Centre
Wednesday 3 June, Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
Bringing young readers and writers together with inspiring sessions for school aged children
Schooners & Stories
Thursday 4 June, The Exchange Hotel Jandowae
Friday 5 June, Q Hotel Miles
Saturday 6 June, The Commerical Hotel Tara
Order at the bar and pull up a seat – this event is perfect for kicking back with a good yarn.
Festival Weekend
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
Join us for two days packed with inspiring talks, workshops, and storytelling.
Books & Bubbles: A Night of Crime
Saturday 13 June, Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
An evening of bubbles, brilliance, and Australia’s best crime storytelling
Writers Retreat
Saturday 20 June, Godshill Bunya Mountains
Unplug and focus on your craft with this immersive retreat designed for writers of all backgrounds.
Get the most out of your Words Out West experience! Grab the books, read the stories, and arrive ready to ask brilliant questions when you meet the authors in person.
Make it a literary trip to remember and experience Western Downs, where it’s the people that make it! Click here to plan your getaway in the region.
