Words Out West 2025: Readers and writers festival to debut in new Chinchilla location
Bibliophiles will have something to celebrate with a month-long readers and writers festival returning to the region. Find out more.
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The Western Downs’ premier readers and writers festival Words Out West will return to the region next March with an expanded program and new location for bookworms to enjoy.
Running for the past five years, the festival which celebrates all things words will now be held at Chinchilla Cultural Precinct, to facilitate the event’s growing programs and popularity.
The event calendar will kick off on March 4 with the first of the School Days sessions before something for adults on March 8 with Schooners and Stories, an event held at The Windsor Hotel, Dalby, encouraging guests to pull up a seat at the bar, order a pint and enjoy a yarn.
The following weekend will see Books and Bubbles at the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct where guests can enjoy a champagne connect with fellow book lovers, and mingle with featured authors before the event caps off with a writers retreat at Jubri’s Hideaway on March 22.
The main event will run over two days on March 15-16 and will feature author sessions from Christian White, Stephanie Trethewey, Gordon Bray, Li Cunxin and more as well as the debut of the Bookish Market.
Western Downs Regional Council mayor Andrew Smith said the event was important for fostering creativity in the region.
“Words Out West focuses on empowering creativity and connection within our community,” he said in a press release.
“Uniting people of all ages and backgrounds through the power of storytelling is why Words Out West has been successful over the past five years.
“We encourage attendees to explore Chinchilla’s local cafes, parks, precincts, and small businesses throughout their stay.”
Council’s Community and Liveability general manager Daniel Fletcher said the event would be bigger and better than ever.
“The Writers Workshop at Jubri’s Hideaway returns next year offering an immersive hands-on experience for aspiring authors,” he said in a press release.
“Our core mission is to deliver intimate, accessible experiences for writers, aspiring writers and book lovers.
“Resources have been reallocated to enhance the main festival experience allowing ticket prices to remain similar to last year.”
Tickets are now on sale here.
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Originally published as Words Out West 2025: Readers and writers festival to debut in new Chinchilla location
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