Lifeline Bookfest returns to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in June 2026, offering a massive shopping event for local families. With over one million books and a dedicated Comicfest zone, this free festival includes game areas and reading spaces for children. It is a fantastic opportunity for Brisbane kids to find affordable reads while supporting vital crisis services.
Lifeline Brisbane Bookfest & ComicFest 2026
Bookfest is back and bursting with books galore and so much more!
- Over 1 million books spread out over 9 massive days
- Comics, CDs, Collectibles, Magazines and More
- Free to enter, fun for the whole family
- Funds raised support Lifeline’s 24/7 Crisis Support Services
Brisbane’s iconic and much-loved Bookfest is taking over Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 5 July 2026, with over a million books once again on sale.
Delivering hundreds of pallets of books to learn, books to help you earn. Prepare for great reads and other books to help prepare great eats. The mask and capes will also be donned as the fantastic ‘ComicFest’ also returns — now with even more space and over 10,000 comics, collectibles and figurines available. Alongside graphic novels and manga, you’ll also find pop-culture favourites, video games and collectables all under one roof.
The event is spread across three main areas:
- The $2.50 Hall, where every item is just $2.50
- A High-Quality Hall with individually priced items
- ComicFest, celebrating comics, manga, gaming and collectables
There are chillout spaces to sit and read, a record player to listen to old favourites or discover a new one, and a game zone to test skills on video games new and old. Fresh stock is added daily, so no two visits feel quite the same — part treasure hunt, part story wonderland, it’s easy to spend a few hours or even a whole day exploring.
Good to know for families: The venue is fully indoors and weather-proof, with wide aisles and flat access making it pram- and wheelchair-friendly. The relaxed, explore-at-your-own-pace vibe means it works beautifully for little readers, big readers, and everyone in between.
Lifeline Bookfests are held to raise funds to support Lifeline Crisis Support Services, which are free and available for anyone who needs them via phone 13 11 14, text 0447 13 11 14, and online chat lifeline.org.au — 24/7.
Preparing for a visit:
- Trolleys will be available, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own ‘book carrying device’ (BCD) – everything from personal shopping trolleys to backpacks, prams, and suitcases has been spotted!
- A $1 Lifeline bag is also available to purchase on the day.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended – it’s a massive event with every nook and cranny worth exploring.
- Eftpos is the preferred payment method, with cash payment available from select checkouts.
Books from $2.50.
Plan your visit
When: Saturday 27th June – Sunday 5th July 2026, Opening Times TBD (Estimated 7:30AM – 6PM Daily)
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Glenelg St, South Brisbane 4101
Cost: Lifeline’s Bookfest is FREE to enter. No tickets or bookings are required.
