Festival of Stories returns with a new Book Week chapter

Townsville's young readers, budding storytellers and curious minds are being invited to discover the magic of books when Townsville City Council's Festival of Stories gets underway from tomorrow.

Now in its eighth year, the ever-popular Festival of Stories will coincide with Children's Book Week for the first time, creating a week-long celebration of storytelling, creativity and connection across all Citylibraries branches.

The festival will feature an exciting program of author talks, workshops, storytelling sessions and family-friendly activities, with the headline weekend taking place at Citylibraries Aitkenvale on 28 and 29 August 2026.

Division 2 Councillor Brodie Phillips said aligning Festival of Stories with Book Week for the first time created an exciting opportunity to encourage more local families to engage with reading and storytelling.

“As a father of young kids, I know how much fun and excitement Book Week brings to all our early learning centres, kindys and school classrooms right across Townsville,” Cr Phillips said.

“Bringing Festival of Stories and Book Week together for the first time allows us to build on that enthusiasm and create even more opportunities for kids to discover new books, meet authors and hopefully spark a lifelong love of reading.

“It's a natural fit, with both events all about inspiring young minds, encouraging creativity and reminding children that every great adventure can start with the turn of a page.

“The festival also gives families a chance to spend quality time together away from screens – always a good thing – while enjoying storytelling sessions, workshops and activities designed to capture children's imaginations.

“Whether you're raising a keen reader or trying to help your child discover their first favourite book, this festival offers something for every family so I encourage you to check out the program.”

This year's festival features an impressive line-up of acclaimed Australian authors including Michael Robotham, Tim Ayliffe and Hayley Scrivenor, Sofie Laguna, Gabbie Stroud, alongside First Nations authors Victor Steffensen and Gary Lonesborough.

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to hear directly from bestselling, award-winning and emerging Australian authors, while aspiring writers can take part in workshops hosted by award-winning children's author Lynelle Kendall.

Families can also enjoy children's storytelling sessions, hands-on activities, live entertainment, food trucks and the chance for young readers to meet their favourite fantasy characters.

For more information and the full Festival of Stories program, visit What's On Townsville.