BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival turns 10 in 2026. To celebrate, we want to share the love at a series of 10 crime writing events across the city, suburbs and regions.  Our 2026 calendar includes thought-provoking author panels, walking tours through historically crime-rich locations, drinks and afternoon teas, and weekend trips away – each month offering something new to crime enthusiasts. 

The extended crime-writing celebration will culminate in November with the annual Crime Writers Festival and Danger Awards in Sydney. Professor Sue Turnbull, Chair of BAD Sydney, says “Our mission here at BAD has always been to spread the word about the great crime writing that is happening in Australia today. This year, we’ve decided to take a new approach by getting out and about across the state of New South Wales. We’re also creating more opportunities for readers to engage with the books and the authors and the issues they raise. This is going to be a very good BAD year!” 

We hope to bring lovers of crime fiction, true crime, and aspiring crime writers an experience like no other with ten months of BAD fun.