WRITERS WEEKEND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
We are so excited for Writers Weekend!
We've put together a collection of FAQs to give you all the info you need to the best time this weekend.
Writers Weekend is happening Sat 25 and Sun 26 Feb.
What is Writers Weekend?
We’re bringing together authors and audiences to make constellations of connections in the beautiful gardens of Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC). We have more than 50 events to explore across the weekend!
Gather with us for a series of sparkling conversations with some of Australia’s best new writing talent alongside many of our greatest authors and thinkers. Bring the kids along for our Family Day festivities on Sunday morning and enjoy a view of our port city and the famous Fremantle doctor as you immerse yourself in stories.
How much are tickets?
All Writers Weekend events are Pay What You Can. This means you can pay as little (or as much) as you wish. Anything you pay above the suggested $24 per session ticket price will help other people attend Festival events where cost is a barrier. We want Writers Weekend to be accessible to all!
Family Day events are free but require pre-registration.
How do we get there?
You can ride a bike, drive or take public transport!
Note - there are disruptions to the Fremantle train line during Writers Weekend. See Transperth website.
All detailed information about transport is on our venue page.
A free and wheelchair accessible Transperth shuttle bus will run to and from Fremantle Arts Centre across the weekend. The bus will run approximately every 30mins from Stand 9, Fremantle Station to stop 20297, Skinner Street (John Curtin College of the Arts, approx. 3min walk) and return.
Saturday 9am – 9pm
First service departing Fremantle Train Station 9.05am
Last pick up from FAC 8.40pm
Sunday 8am – 7.30pm
First service departing Fremantle Train Station 8.05am
Last pick up from FAC 7.10pm
Are there seats? Can I bring a picnic blanket?
Each individual event's venue will have seats for general admission. However, you’re welcome to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the FAC grounds in between sessions.
What access services are available?
You can find access info on each event page and the FAC venue page. All Writers Weekend venues are wheelchair accessible though require a transition on grass. However, please note Front Garden, South Lawn and Upper Lawn venues are grassed.
All sessions in the South Lawn will be Auslan interpreted and open captioned. Please approach one of our friendly staff or volunteers for access assistance.
For specific details on venue accessibility please download our Access Guide.
If you’d like to speak to someone about Access at Perth Festival get in touch via phone on 08 6488 8616 or email.
What are the food options and can I bring a picnic?
The Fremantle Arts Centre Gage Roads Bar is open 9am – 7.30pm on Saturday and 8.30am – 6pm on Sunday, with alcohol available from 12pm on both days.
Food trucks will also be serving a range of food and drinks from the top terrace all weekend.
You're welcome to bring a picnic, but BYO alcohol is not permitted.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely! And there is a full program of family fun planned for Sunday morning. Check out the Family Day events and celebrate the magic of stories with your littlest book lovers.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted in FAC’s grounds.
Exceptions made for guide, hearing and assistance dogs.
Is there a map of the venue?
Yes! You can find it here.
Where can I get more info on the Writers Weekend events?
Check out the full Writers Weekend program!
It's going to be beautifully warm this weekend, so make sure you bring a hat and stay hydrated!