Totally Lit

11 August 2026

TOTALLY LIT: Adventures in the Port City

Totally Lit is back! From 2-16 October, the festival will take over Walyalup | Fremantle's streets, bars, beaches and other unexpected places with imaginative and fun new ways to engage with writers, writing and storytelling. With nearly 60 events to choose from, get excited and join us in WA's city of literature this October.

 

TOTALLY LIT SCHOOL HOLIDAY TRAIL

Returning for a second year, the City of Fremantle's Totally Lit Trail invites children to embark on a pirate-themed adventure through the city this school holidays. Along the way, they'll complete fun activities and collect a series of six magnetic illustrations, specially designed by local author and illustrator James Foley.  Finished for 2026. 


A Totally Lit logo Adventures in the Port City 2026


2-16 October

Check out a snapshot of the festival program below or visit Totally Lit for the full program. 

 

 

Totally Lit Trail

Ahoy, mateys! Join the City of Fremantle's TOTALLY LIT TRAIL this school holidays and set off on a pirate adventure through Walyalup | Fremantle. Follow a map to complete challenges, uncover hidden surprises, and collect a special treasure at every stop.

5-11 October | 10- 2pm | Register today
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35th Hungerford Award Celebration

Join us as we announce the 2026 Hungerford Award winner and celebrate with alumni Natasha Lester, Fiona Wilkes, Deb Fitzpatrick and Howard McKenzie-Murray.
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Join in the Conversation

Totally Lit will be hosting some totally amazing conversations this year!

The program is packed with an incredible cohort of writers and subject specialists discussing everything from 'Murder and the Media' to 'Representing Neurodivergence Across Genres', 'Convicts, Mutiny and Love', and 'The Costs of Bearing Witness'.
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Crime Time

Immerse yourself in crime writing – fiction and non-fiction – and be prepared for a day of surprises, challenges and thought-provoking conversations.

Experience the atmosphere of Fremantle Prison’s East Workshops during a day that includes panel events with writers of crime fiction and non-fiction including Alan Carter, David Whish-Wilson, Emma Pignatiello, Ruth McIver, Assistant Commissioner Arlene Mavratsou, Glynn Greensmith, Meg Caddy, Geoffrey Robertson KC (joining online), and many more.
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All About the Book

Some of WA's most extraordinary writers - of historical fiction, crime writing, literary fiction, poetry and more - share their stories in a series of talks, book launches and other events taking place across the festival.

If you're already a book lover, then you need no persuasion. If you're just a little curious and want to discover what all the fuss is about then join us for some uplifting, intriguing and occasionally hilarious experiences.
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Flavours of Freo

Telling stories, one plate at a time. Enjoy literature, local flavours and unique Fremantle experiences at some very special Flavours of Freo events.
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Family and Children's Events

Totally Lit is bursting with activities for the young and the young at heart. Discover bookish treasures on Bathers Beach, experience storytelling on the Fremantle Wheel, join the Totally Lit Trail to collect your own pirate treasure, learn the stories behind some great escapes from Fremantle Prison, or sit back and enjoy free screenings of the feature film 'Whale Shark Jack' and episodes of 'The Deep' at the WA Maritime Museum.

Children's events ran from 3-11 October.

And so much more...

With nearly 60 unique events for you to discover and enjoy - it’s time to dive into a world of stories and adventures!
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A taste of What's On

Events

Life in the Great Barrier Reef

Life in the Great Barrier Reef

Events

Life in the Great Barrier Reef

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