Fringe Events: Beyond the Festival
Words Out West Fringe Events
Alongside our School Days, Festival Days, Books & Bubbles, Schooners & Stories events and Writers Retreat, Words Out West has a range of relaxed fringe events designed for curious minds and creative spirits.
Drop in for a hands‑on bookmark art workshop with Kristen Flynn, enjoy a free screening of The Correspondent at Western Downs Cinemas, or step into the story with our immersive Murder Mystery Nights hosted across the region.
These pop‑up experiences offer something a little different, creative and perfect to dip into throughout the festival.
Organic Lines Bookmark Art Workshop
Drop in and design your own one‑of‑a‑kind bookmark in this relaxed, creative workshop exploring organic line, pattern and repetition.
Participants will be guided to take inspiration from their favourite book, character or story, using simple materials and mark‑making techniques to create a functional piece of art to take home.
This is a flexible, come‑and‑go workshop running continuously over three hours. Each bookmark takes approximately 15–25 minutes, perfect for a casual creative break.
Where and When
Friday 12 June
Lapunyah Art Gallery
5:00PM – 8:00PM
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Ages 4+ (children, teens and adults)
Bookings: Drop in, no bookings required
Free Film Screening: The Correspondent
Based on the true story and book by award-winning journalist Peter Greste – who is appearing at Words Out West 2026 – The Correspondent follows Greste’s arrest and imprisonement while reporting overseas, and explores the risks journalists take in pursuit of truth.
This free screening invites audiences to engage with powerful themes of journalism, press freedom and real-word storytelling that sit at the heart of the festival.
Where and When
Wednesday 10 June
Western Downs Cinemas (Chinchilla)
5:30PM
Cost: Free
Book your session ticket here
Suitable for: Mature audiences (Recommended 15+ years)
Bookings: Free entry, no bookings required. Limited seating.
Murder Mystery Nights
Step into the story with these interactive Murder Mystery events hosted across the region.
Join an Agatha Christie-style whodunit filled with family feuds, hidden motives, and deadly secrets. Work toegther, follow the clues and unravel the mystery in an evening of intrigue, teamwork and storytelling fun.
A wealthy businessman. A sudden death. Everyone has something to hide.
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Adults (18+)
Bookings: Free entry, bookings required.
Dinner provided.
One lucky-door prize winner will receive a free ticket to Books & Bubbles: Night of Crime, held in Chinchilla on Saturday 13 June.
