Sydney’s All About Women festival will return in 2026 — and the first glimpse of the program is already shaping up to be one of the most impressive line-ups yet. Once again taking over the stages and foyers of the Sydney Opera House, the festival will coincide with International Women’s Day, bringing together some of the world’s most compelling thinkers, storytellers and cultural commentators. Below, everything we know so far.
Who is part of the All About Women 2026 program?
So far, four major international names have been announced on the 2026 program.
First up is Zadie Smith, the British novelist and essayist whose new collection Dead and Alive has already become essential reading. Known for her sharp cultural analysis and unmistakable voice, Smith will explore the state of politics, art, media and everything in between.
Joining Smith is Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who will appear fresh off the global release of her memoir and documentary in 2025. She’ll reflect on the future of women in leadership, and what redefining power looks like after years spent navigating crisis, scrutiny and public life.
Emily Maitlis, one of the UK’s most recognisable journalists — and the woman behind the now-infamous interview with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — will take the stage to discuss accountability in journalism.
And rounding out the first release is Laila Lalami, the Moroccan-American writer celebrated for her novels and essays on migration, identity and freedom. She’ll discuss her latest book, The Dream Hotel, along with her broader body of work exploring life at the intersections of gender, race and religion.
On the names so-far announced, Sydney Opera House Head of Talks & Ideas, Chip Rolley said, “Our curatorial team has pulled together an extraordinary line-up for the fourteenth All About Women. These first four speakers demonstrate the program’s prodigious range, with literary powerhouse Zadie Smith, who always shows us our world in a new way; former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who gives us new ways to wield power; journalist Emily Maitlis, who fearlessly holds power to account; and author Laila Lalami, who offers unparalleled insight into the immigrant experience in the US."
The full program for next year's festival will be announced in January 2026.
When is the All About Women 2026 festival?
All About Women 2026 will take place on Sunday 8 March, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Events will run across various venues at the Sydney Opera House.
How to get tickets to All About Women 2026
Tickets start from $35, with presales rolling out across the first week of December:
- Insiders pre-sale: Tuesday 2 December, 9am
- What’s On pre-sale: Wednesday 3 December, 9am
- General public: Thursday 4 December, 9am
