Showcasing a huge line-up of 19 popular fiction Authors and illustrators, including local West Australian stars such as Michael Trant, Rachael Johns, Sara Foster, Gabriel Evans, James Foley, Kate Emery, Renée Treml, Madeline Te Whiu, Juliet Marillier, Emily Paull, Stefanie Koens, Stephen B. Platt, Tamara Moss, Sasha Wasley and many more.

The Festival will kick-off on Friday 20 March 2026, with our dazzling Night with the Stars, an evening of fabulous food, local wine and our Opening Night Panel featuring four unique West Australian voices.

Over a vibrant weekend, literary lovers, aspiring writers and illustrators will come together to enjoy a rich program of author talks, world-wide exclusive book launches, readings, panel discussions, creative writing and publishing masterclasses, and hands-on illustration workshops.

The Kalamunda Readers Festival includes an exclusive FREE 2-Day book signing event titled: The Halls of the Stars, where guests will be able to meet and mingle with a stellar lineup of local author stall holders, before exploring the pop-up book stands from Dymocks and New Dawn Publishing, offering a wide selection of titles written and illustrated by our featured line-up of incredible Authors and Illustrators presenting talks and workshops across Festival weekend.

At our special Children's Day event on Sunday 22 March at the Kalamunda Community Centre, teens and younger readers can enjoy a day packed with story time sessions, creative workshops, and book signings with local authors.

This exciting new festival marks a first for the City of Kalamunda, bringing together the wider literary and arts community in the picturesque Perth Hills.

Mayor Margaret Thomas expressed her excitement for the program, stating “Storytelling and the love of reading are passions that can be enjoyed at any age. I’m thrilled to see this festival come to life”.

“The festival will bring together local creatives and talent, and will connect, inspire and celebrate our community. I encourage everyone to explore the program; there is truly something for everyone”.

The festival will run across two days, plus our wonderful Opening Night, with events held at the Kalamunda Library, Zig-Zag Cultural Centre, Kalamunda Community Learning Centre, and Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre. Attendees can expect to discover and hear from some incredibly inspiring authors and creatives, through our joyful celebration of storytelling and creativity.

For more information visit www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/kalamunda-readers-festival or phone the City of Kalamunda Libraries Team on 9257 9969 or email Readers.Festival@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.