Feminists, film buffs and foodies assemble – here’s our pick of unmissable Brisbane Writers Festival events for every taste
The upcoming Brisbane Writers Festival is set to spotlight a plethora of both homegrown and international literary legends with a city-wide celebration of more than 200 events from May 3–8. There’s something for everyone in the brimming festival roster, whether you’re a true-crime fanatic, a culinary aficionado, a rock-and-roll devotee or a cinephile with a passion for a great story. Whichever category you fall under, here are some handpicked events that will have you racing to grab tickets.
There’s not much better than good food and good conversation, except for maybe a good conversation about food! If you tend to agree with us then we suggest bringing your appetite for a noggin-tantalising discussion and buying a ticket to Food Sovereignty on Friday May 6. It’s here where you can meet three celebrated Indigenous chefs – Monique Fiso, Kieron Anderson and Chris Jordan – who share a passion for traditional food revival and local food culture. The trio will deep dive into food as story, mouth-watering recipes and the new food revolution that is on the horizon. Grab your tickets here.
A riveting evening for rock-and-roll lovers
It’s not everyday that you get to listen to a bonafide rock star talk about their rich career, Grammy wins and not just surviving, but thriving in a male-dominated industry. That’s exactly what you’ll get, however, at Last Chance Texaco, an interview with renowned singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones. The singer of ‘Chuck E’s In Love’ and many other beloved hits will be chatting to journalist and the author of Pig City, Andrew Stafford, on Saturday May 7 about her life in music, songwriting and creating, and how she turned adversity into iconic music that has stood the test of time. Nab your tickets here.
A fascinating conversation for film buffs
In 2019, author Christine Leunens’ work was famously adapted into Taika Waititi’s Oscar-winning film, Jojo Rabbit. Her new book, In Amber’s Wake, captures the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior ship by French intelligence services in New Zealand in 1985. Is this another tale destined for Hollywood? We think so, but you can find out for yourself at her conversation with interviewer Michaela Kalowski on Thursday May 5. Make sure to grab your tickets before they run out!
An event for crime-podcast obsessives
We’re obsessed with crime stories – whether they be podcasts that are trying to solve real-life murders or fictionalised accounts that make us check the door is locked three times before heading to bed. In Murder, Drugs & Voyeurism, a top-notch panel of acclaimed authors – including actor and writer Bryan Brown, J.P. Pomare and Dinuka McKenzie – will speak on the enduring appeal of crime stories. Grab your tickets here for a thrilling night out on Thursday May 5 – but seriously, check your door’s locked.
A get-together for fantasy fanatics
We all love to be transported to places afar once in a while and a good novel can do just this. On Sunday May 8, Doorways to Other Worlds sees a panel of talented literary characters come together with the likes of C.S. Pacat, Mykaela Saunders, Trent Jamieson and Kirsten McGavin getting chatty with creative and cultural personality Aimee Lindorff. Whether it’s fantasy, gothic, sci-fi, horror or paranormal romance, find out what makes the creators behind some of our favourite books tick, as well as what goes into creating the worlds you love to read. Nab a ticket here.
A curiosity-piquing chat about climate change
Climate change, global warming and planet earth is never far from our thoughts, but these issues will truly take centre stage at Brisbane Writers Festival’s Curiosity event on Saturday May 7. It’s at this fact-filled evening where you can tune in to DeadlyScience educator and The First Scientists author Corey Tutt and the talented teenage Mparntwe (Alice Springs) duo behind the climate-justice graphic novel, Storm Warning. This talented group will delve into the role curiosity plays in fighting climate change and how we can promote the voices of young people. Secure your seat to this not-to-be-missed event here.
A gathering of girl power
Some of Australia’s most powerful female voices will come together to give you a much-needed dose of girl power in Feminist Voices on Saturday May 7. Author, journalist and activist Bri Lee will unite with feminist writer, broadcaster and public speaker Clementine Ford to discuss their latest works – How We Love (Clementine) and Who Gets to Be Smart (Bri) – as well as a treasure chest of other stories with fellow writer Carody Culver. Gorgeous, gorgeous girls (and guys) can get their tickets to this brain-tingling and forward-thinking event here.
To peep the entire Brisbane Writers Festival program and score tickets, head to the BWF website. Oh, and if you’re keen to get on the festival’s 60th anniversary guest list (this includes invitations to exclusive events and discounts on festival tickets, passes and online and special events), you can become a Festival Friend for just $75.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane Writers Festival.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
