When is Book Week 2026? Dates, Theme & Everything You Need to Know
Book Week 2026 runs from Saturday 22 August to Friday 28 August 2026.
The 2026 theme is Symphony of Stories, with illustrations by the talented Briony Stewart. It's one of the most anticipated events on the Australian school calendar — and if you've got kids in primary school, you know how important it is to have the right costume ready!
Key Dates for Book Week 2026
| Date | What's happening |
|---|---|
| Saturday 22 August | Book Week 2026 begins |
| Monday 24 August | School activities start |
| Thursday/Friday 27–28 August | Costume parade day (check with your school) |
| Friday 28 August | Book Week 2026 ends |
Tip: Most schools hold their costume parade on the Thursday or Friday of Book Week. Check your school newsletter for the exact date — some schools celebrate on a different day!
What is the Book Week 2026 Theme?
This year's theme is Symphony of Stories — a celebration of the power of stories to bring people together, spark imagination, and create harmony.
The 2026 theme was designed by illustrator Briony Stewart, whose vibrant artwork captures the magic of reading. Expect to see lots of musical and storytelling-inspired costume interpretations this year!
When Should I Order My Book Week Costume?
If Book Week is at the end of August, you'll want to plan ahead — especially if you're ordering online. Here are our recommended ordering deadlines:
- Standard shipping: Order by Tuesday 19 August for delivery before Book Week
- Express shipping: Order by Sunday 24 August for express delivery
- Last-minute orders: We stock a large range and ship fast from Australia — but don't leave it too late!
Popular Book Week Costume Ideas for 2026
Not sure what costume to choose? Here are the perennial favourites that never go out of style for Book Week:
For girls: - Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) - Matilda (Roald Dahl) - Alice in Wonderland - Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) - Cinderella or classic fairytale characters
For boys: - Harry Potter - Where's Wally - Charlie Bucket (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) - Captain Underpants - Fantastic Mr Fox
For teachers and adults: - Miss Honey (Matilda) - Professor Dumbledore - The Cat in the Hat - Willy Wonka
Browse our full range of Book Week costumes for kids — we have hundreds of options to suit every age and budget, all shipped from Australia.
🛍️ Ready to Order? Shop Popular Picks
|
Kids Where's Wally Wenda Costume Striped Book Week outfit $39.59 — In Stock |
Girls Red Riding Hood Costume Fairytale cape & dress set $47.29 — In Stock |
|
Kids Storybook School Girl Costume Blue tutu & book week dress-up $42.48 — In Stock |
Girls Storybook Girl Costume Blue dress with white apron $37.39 — In Stock |
| Browse All 500+ Book Week Costumes → | |
Book Week 2026 vs Previous Years
Wondering how 2026 compares? Here's a quick look at recent Book Week dates:
| Year | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22–28 August | Symphony of Stories |
| 2025 | 16–22 August | Powerful Stories. Powerful Readers. |
| 2024 | 17–23 August | Reading is Magic |
| 2023 | 19–25 August | Read, Grow, Inspire |
Book Week is always held in the third or fourth week of August in Australia, organised by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA).
Start Shopping for Your Book Week 2026 Costume
Whether you're after a quick and easy costume or something show-stopping for the parade, we've got you covered. Shop our full range of Book Week costumes, all available with fast Australia-wide delivery:
- 👉 Girls Book Week Costumes
- 👉 Boys Book Week Costumes
- 👉 Wizard Costumes (incl. Harry Potter)
- 👉 Popular Book Week Costumes (Matilda, Willy Wonka & more)
- 👉 Easy Book Week Costumes
Book Week 2026 is on 22–28 August — start planning early and avoid the last-minute rush!
Need Costume Ideas for Book Week 2026?
Now you know the dates — next step is the costume. We've put together two resources to save you time:
- 📋 Complete Book Week 2026 guide — costume ideas, DIY vs buy, FAQs
- 💡 50 easy Book Week costume ideas — quick picks, last-minute options
- 🏆 Top 25 easy Book Week costumes for Aussie kids — ranked by how fast you can pull them together
- 👧 Girls’ Book Week costumes: 25 storybook heroines — from Matilda to Hermione
- 👦 Boys’ Book Week costumes beyond Wally — 20 ideas for every reading level
- 🛍️ Shop all Book Week costumes — 3,500+ characters, fast Melbourne shipping
Two popular picks ready to order now: Where’s Wally instant kit for kids (on in under 2 minutes) and Harry Potter Gryffindor robe (works for boys and girls, Prep to Year 6).
Order cut-off: Tuesday 19 August 2026 for guaranteed Australia-wide delivery before Book Week.
Beyond Book Week — also popular this school year: 100th Day of School costumes (July) · princess costumes · superhero costumes.
