The Clunes Booktown Festival returns for its 19th year on March 22-23, 2025, transforming the historic main street of Clunes, Victoria (36km north of Ballarat) into a vibrant literary hub. The festival will feature over 100 book stalls offering thousands of secondhand, new, and collectible books.
Headlining the event are Australian literary icons Helen Garner, discussing her latest book “The Season,” and Kate Grenville, presenting her new memoir “Unsettled.” Other notable speakers include Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, ABC’s Back Roads host Heather Ewart, and an array of authors covering diverse topics from sustainability to neurodiversity.
The programme explores various storytelling forms through author talks and workshops, featuring emerging genres like romantasy and cosy crime. Special events include a screening of “Mad Max” in The Tin Shed (where part of the film was shot), a Poetry Slam, Historical Walking Tour, and the return of Clunes’ legendary Hay Bale Maze.
Festival entry is $10 for those 16 and over (free for locals and children), which includes access to music, street performances, and Kids Village activities. Author talks are $25, and workshops are $30, with package discounts available for multiple events.
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