The Northern Territory Writers Festival returns to the Red Centre from 29 May - 1 June 2025, with a bold, four-day program of talks, performances, immersive experiences, and workshops.
The main festival site is set against the stunning backdrop of Olive Pink Botanic Garden with six venues across Alice Springs hosting a range of vibrant events, including storytelling, panel conversations, and a Walk-In Cinema. The festival celebrates the richness of Australia's cultural and linguistic diversity, bringing people together through story, language, and culture.
Held annually and alternating between the Top End and the Red Centre, the festival offers writers and readers across the Territory a chance to connect, reflect, and share.
This year's theme, angkwerre-iweme - healing in the winds of change - invites audiences to explore storytelling as a pathway for truth-telling, renewal, and connection to Country.
More than 50 local writers join national guests including Jeanine Leane, Gina Chick, Royce Kurmelovs, Sara Saleh, Veronica Gorrie, Winnie Dunn, and Daniel Browning, sharing powerful stories of resilience, sovereignty, and transformation.
Highlights include:
Yitaki Maninjaku: Reading Country - a rare and immersive workshop with Warlpiri trackers in the Tanami DesertThe Winds of Change - poets and storytellers perform readings to explore life, loss, and healing through changeHealing Comes from the Land - an intimate fireside event with storytellers reflecting on the land's power to healResilient Women - Saying No to Violence - featuring Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group and Herstory MparntweLanguage is Power, Disrupting Literature and Story Sovereignty - conservations on language revitalisation, the rise of First Nations publishing, and innovative writing.
Family-friendly events include picture book readings, a walk-in cinema, and a traditional story time with Warlpiri elder Anthony Egan.
Proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through the NT Major Events Funding Program the 2025 NT Writers Festival promises a thought-provoking weekend, for writers, readers, and everyone in between. Explore the full program and book your tickets at: here
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton:
"Events like the NT Writers Festival not only support our vibrant arts sector but also shine a national spotlight on the Territory as a destination for thought-provoking and meaningful experiences. With visitors travelling to Alice Springs to engage with powerful stories and stunning landscapes, this festival delivers both cultural and economic benefits for the region.
"It's also a perfect opportunity for travellers to explore the beauty of Central Australia - from the ancient landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges to the rich cultural heritage of local Aboriginal communities. Whether it's a sunrise at Simpsons Gap, a visit to the Araluen Arts Centre, or a bushwalk through Desert Park, there's so much to see and experience beyond the festival. We encourage everyone to make the most of their time in the Red Centre."
Quotes from NTWF Artistic Director, Louise Omer:
"Inspired by the theme angkwerre-iweme - healing in the winds of change - the conversations, readings and performances will respond to and be in conversation with this place, to provoke, challenge and enlighten. We uplift ancient knowledge and traditional literacies and make space for truth-telling. We showcase storytellers who disrupt racist narratives. We honour the strength in language reclamation, we celebrate queer stories and trans joy, and we create layers of meaning together.
"Visiting writers include Jeanine Leane, Royce Kurmelovs, Gina Chick, Sara Saleh, Daniel Browning, Veronica Gorrie, and more. These authors will be in conversation with 50 local writers and storytellers, creating a fascinating meeting of minds and alchemy of ideas. With such a variety of events - including 10 free events, and a 5Rhythms® with Gina Chick - everyone will be able to find something that speaks to them."
