Stories by the Sea: Free Community Event
The Whitsundays Writers Festival invite the Whitsunday community and visitors to a free community celebration of books, creativity, and connection on Sunday 13 September 2026 to close this year’s festival.
The Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale, will host our first community event bringing togethering more than 20 regional authors, artists, musicians, local book lovers, writing groups, and families for a relaxed afternoon by the water.
“Stories by the Sea has been designed as a welcoming community event where everyone can participate. Whether they are avid readers, aspiring writers, artist or simply looking for an enjoyable afternoon outing.” Festival Director Richard Evans said. “It’s a chance to meet local authors, discover new books, enjoy live entertainment, and celebrate the creative spirit of our region. Plus, there’s a gold coin Banger BBQ, to keep the hungry kids happy.”
Community members can browse and buy books from featured regional authors, plus participate in a unique community book swap. Bring along up to two well-loved books in good condition and exchange them for new reading discoveries. The event will run from 3:00pm to 4:30pm.
Children are invited to join special storytime activities and a children’s book swap, helping foster a love of reading among our next generation of storytellers.
The afternoon will also feature informal readings and poetry from authors and open mic music. Other activities will be networking with regional writing groups and book clubs. Plus, a unique Blind Date with a Book activity, where books are wrapped and described with just ten words, encouraging readers not to judge a book by its cover.
Adding a visual arts element to the event, local artists from Creative Connections Whitsundays will participate in a Plein Air painting activity throughout the afternoon, with visitors invited to vote for a People’s Choice Award of their preferred work of art.
Other activities include a community pen pals initiative, children’s play activities, and opportunities to connect.
We welcome regional writing groups and book clubs to be involved to showcase their activities to festival audiences.
Visitors can refuel with a gold coin BBQ, tea and coffee, a coffee van, and a cash bar while enjoying live music and the relaxed coastal atmosphere of the beautiful capital of the Whitsundays.
The event will conclude with reflections on the 2026 festival, prize giveaways, and a preview of plans for the 2027 Whitsundays Writers Festival.
Stories by the Sea is FREE to attend and open to all Whitsunday community members and visitors.
Participating Authors
A.L. Tippett, urban fantasy and childrens
Bec Russell, personal development
Bernd Braeuer, professional and personal development
D. M. West, fantasy and sci-fi
Gary Wood, adventure memoir
Glynda Parfitt, memoir
Greg Bourke, thrillers
Keith Whalley, historical fiction and young adult
Krissy Regan, personal development, poetry, and childrens
Lorie Brink, fiction
Mark Strobel, memoir
Mark T. Rasmussen, fiction and adventure
Phia Damsma, childrens
Rachael Smith, memoir
Rachel Armstrong, romance
Richard Evans, crime thrillers
Rick Brown, professional development and fiction
Suzy Gordon, poetry
Tiki Ra, memoir
Tim King, memoir
Veronica Lando, crime
and
Whitsunday Regional Council library
Event Details
What: Stories by the Sea
When: 3:00pm-4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale
Cost: FREE community event
Tickets and full festival programme details are available via the festival website.