We’ve just launched the Clunes Booktown Festival program for 2026 and as program manager, I am utterly exhausted but also very excited about the amazing authors that we have joining us this year.
To help you navigate the program, here are my top picks for the festival!
Bob Brown in conversation with Hilary Harper
The theme of the festival this year is 'Defiance and Hope', inspired by Bob Brown’s recent book, Defiance, which chronicles his years of activism. Brown is an incredible inspiration for anyone wanting to stand up for the environment; tickets are selling fast, so if you’re keen I suggest you book early.
Night Sky Dreaming
First Nations astronomer Krsytal De Napoli will be hosting this very special event on Saturday night after the Poetry Slam, where she explores First Nations perspectives on the night sky. Krystal is an academic at Monash University in astronomy and astrophysics, but also co-author of Astronomy: Sky Country in the First Knowledges series.
Speculative Fiction panel
I loved reading Rhett Davis’ brilliant Arborescence, in which he anticipates a future where people turn into trees to help the climate crisis. He’s on a panel with Rose Michael and Paul E Hardisty, who have also written fascinating novels anticipating alternative futures. Chaired by the wonderful Mel Fulton from RRR’s Literati Glitterati book show, this session is not to be missed.
The Poetics of Hope
Three amazing poets – Maxine Beneba Clarke, Jeanine Leane, and Thuy On – will be in conversation with Readings’ very own Christine Gordon, talking about poetry as a balm of hope in challenging times.
The Kids Village
Everything in our amazing Kids Village is absolutely free, and what a line-up we have this year! The Real Pigeons guys will be hosting a storytime with their latest book, Now You Are a Chicken, as well as a fun activity on Saturday.
We also have Amelia Mellor taking kids through an activity based on her swashbuckling Oceanforged series, Sofie Laguna reading her latest children’s book, The Last Egg, Jack Henseleit hosting family games, and Ben Sanders with a draw-along based on his latest book. Our classic hay bale maze will also be the centrepiece of the village, a fun-filled place for families to gather and enjoy the entertainment.
Books, Books, Books!
Clunes is an International Booktown and the festival is a book lover's paradise, with over 130 booksellers taking over the main street of our little town, as well as a pop-up Readings selling books from all the authors on the program, as well as bargains and new releases.
The festival is on 21-22 March in Clunes (just under 2 hours from Melbourne), entry is only $15 across the weekend and children under 16 are free. Find the full program here and we hope to see you in Clunes!
