Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026 returns for the 23rd edition with for a week of insightful discourse on the intersection between literature and humanity, bringing a new roster of influential writers, activists, journalists, and key figures to the cultural heart of Bali.
Lately, it can often feel like the world is devolving as one bad news follows another. As threats against humanity multiply day by day, Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026 reminds how strong one’s voice can be in restoring harmony. The overarching theme of Samarasā: Awareness. Empathy. Action. epitomises this, borrowing from the Sanskrit philosophy of aligning the mind, heart, and action.
Returning for the 23rd edition to Bali’s cultural heart on 21-25 October 2026, this year’s festival brings back flagship events that include author talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, literary lunches, live performances, late-night comedy, spoken word galas, and book launches that embrace creative expression of all kinds, alongside the UWRF Emerging Writers programme aimed at honing and introducing national talent in the literary arts.
Split into the three pillars of its main theme, the festival’s daily schedule highlights the important role literature plays in establishing open and critical thinking amidst attacks on freedom of speech and human rights. The Awareness facet, for example, has Palestinian author and essayist Adinia Shibli speaking on her culture’s erasure due to Israeli occupation, Man Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai sharing stories exploring migration and identity, as well as Indonesian investigative journalist and filmmaker Dandhy Laksono offering sharp insights on national socio-political reform and environmental justice.
Empathy brings the likes of Tari Lang, whose memoir regales the wrongful imprisonment of her parents during Suharto’s coup, as well as South African-Australian academic Sisonke Msimang and Balinese writer Oka Rusmini discussing topics on women’s voices and bodies. Rounding out the triad is the Action theme, spotlighting speakers and topics like activist Randa Abdel-Fattah on censorship, Nepalese fashion designer Prabal Gurung on immigration and discrimination, and Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto on surviving abuse-induced grief.
This year also launches the Writers’ Retreat, a multi-day intensive mentorship workshop with acclaimed figures in the literary world. Participants can choose between a focus on autobiographical works led by award-winning author and journalist Peter Godwin or Asian narratives guided by Hong Kong-hailed author Xu Xi.
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 81246838459
E: info@ubudwritersfestival.com
IG: @ubudwritersfest
