Magda Szubanski:
I Can't Tell You But I Will
2:45–3:45pm, Sunday 11 October, Powerhouse Theatre
Join Magda via Zoom for this very special Brisbane Writers Festival event to celebrate her latest book and her return to public life after a recent battle with cancer.
From Fast Forward’s fad-peddling beauty therapist Chenille to Kath and Kim’s netball-obsessed, pash-rashed Sharon Strzelecki, iconic performer Magda Szubanski has been lighting up our screens and making us laugh for decades. She’s a comedy genius, a staunch advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, an award-winning author and a national treasure – and her new memoir, I Can’t Tell You But I Will, is a tender and moving portrait of the tension between public duty and private grief.
The session will feature an audience Q+A via Slido, and you’ll be able to purchase presigned copies of I Can’t Tell You But I Will. Don’t miss it!
Tickets are now on sale — click the button below book now.
#Explore the 2026 Festival Program
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Program Booklet PDF
Check pages 43 to 46 for the schedule!
Ticket Bundles
Get maximum BWF bang for your buck with one of our much-loved ticket bundles!
Browse the program to decide which events you’d like to attend, then click through to Ticketek with your list and credit card at the ready!
4-Event Regular Bundle: $99
Valid for regular program sessions.
3-Event Schools Bundle: $40
Designed for students and valid for a full day of schools programming.
3-Event YA Bundle: $50
Valid for all three Young Adult panel sessions.
Pre-order Jacinda Ardern signed books
Booked a ticket to see Jacinda Ardern at Brisbane City Hall on 11 October? Make sure you also pre-order a copy or copies of her SIGNED books!
The below titles are available for purchase and to be picked up from the venue on the day of the event, or from the bookseller post-festival:
1. A Different Kind of Power (trade paperback, ISBN 9781776951291, RRP $36.99)
2. What If You Could (paperback, ISBN 9781776953448, RRP $26.99)
3. Mum’s Busy Work (hardback picture book, ISBN 9781776957415, RRP $24.99)
Order a copy of the 2026 Program Booklet
Get a copy of the 2026 program mailed straight to your door! Order yours before Friday the 18th of September.
Packed with everything from session information and timetables to dining guides, ticketing tips and special events, the Brisbane Writers Festival print program is a must for every Festival goer.
BWF 2026 PROGRAM BOOKLET - $6
Contains the entire festival program (including YA and schools) and general information for patrons.
2026 YA AND SCHOOLS BOOKLET - $4
Contains the Young Adult and schools programs and general information for school groups.
The amount covers postage costs. Please make sure to include your postal address at the checkout. If you already have an account with us, make sure your address is up-to-date.
Copies of the program can also be found for free at bookshops, libraries and the Powerhouse.
#BWF 2025 Highlights
#Missed out on merch?
Never fear! You can still snag yourself something remember us by. Order any of our merch items from the last three festivals, and we’ll deliver for the additional cost of postage.
Artwork credits:
2025 hero image by Phoebe Paradise
2024 hero image by Samuel Tupou
2023 hero image by Brent Wilson
Click below to order yours now—limited stock available!
Brisbane Writers Festival is held on the lands of the Yuggera and Turrbul people, on the banks of the Maiwar river. We recognise the important and ongoing contributions of Indigenous Australians to art and literature, and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.