Events - The Chestnut Tree Book Shop

Events at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop & Cafe

At The Chestnut Tree, we host all sorts of groups and meetings – many are monthly, and some are one off..

Our bookshop has been designed to host small meetings, such as book clubs and writers’ groups, and run small events, including poetry readings and book launches. If you are interested in holding your next event at The Chestnut Tree, please visit our Venue Hire page.

For more information about upcoming events and to book tickets or register, please visit our Humanitix page.

mystery book night | aug 27

between the lines | aug 29

TEACHERS' NIGHT | sep 9

teachers' night: primary edition |
sep 14

an evening with antoun issa | sep 25

mindful mondays | oct 5

Bad Writers Club

The Bad Writers Club is a place for you to write whatever f$%k you want, in safety.

Plenty of the group’s workshops and classes are held right here at the bookshop – head to class bento to see what’s on and book a session, or find out more here.

Trivia Night

We host a monthly trivia night on the last Wednesday of every month! Held down the road with our friends at Harley & Rose, get ready to have your knowledge tested in all areas and treat yourself to a delicious pizza and maybe a glass of wine or two. Call Harley & Rose to book!

Book Clubs

GENERAL

Third Wednesday of the month, 7pm

Our General Book Club reads a wide range of books, mostly novels and often new releases. Join us for wine, snacks and wonderful conversation. The pick for August is 'Villa Coco' by Andrew Sean Greer.

Purchase Tickets

GOOD-NATURED

Second Thursday of the month, 7pm

Our Good Natured Book Club deep dives into nature writing and connection, ecology and our place in the environment. The pick for September is 'First Knowledges: Plants' by Zena Cumpston, Michael-Shawn Fletcher and Lesley Head.

Reserve a spot

DECOLONISE YOUR SHELF

Last Thursday of the month, 7pm

Our Decolonise Your Shelf Book Club aims to broaden your reading list by reading books written solely by First Nations and People of Colour. Everyone is welcome. The pick for August is 'Medea Sang Me a Corrido' by Dahlia de la Cerda.

Purchase Tickets

PARENTS & BUBS

Last Wednesday of the month, 11am

Join us for our monthly book club for parents of the inner west community. Bubs are welcome, no need to RSVP! The pick for August is 'Villa Coco' by Andrew Sean Greer.

Buy it here

community book club

date tba

Join us for our free community book club, next book to be announced.

book your spot

COOK BOOK CLUB

Wednesday September 2nd, 6:30pm

Each attendee chooses a recipe from the book to cook and bring along to a relaxed buffet-style meal featuring everyone's dishes. We'll spend time discussing both the cooking and the stories behind the book. The pick for September is 'Baking and the Meaning of Life' by Helen Goh.

Book your Spot

BOOKS THAT BITE

term 2: april 21st to 26th may

An online teacher-led book club for kids aged 9–12 who deserve to discover the joy of reading, not the pressure. The pick for Term 2 (April 21 to May 26) is"The Girl Who Stole an Elephant" by Nizrana Farouk.

Book your SPot

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Proudly supported by the Maribyrnong City Council, our Neighbourhood Nights program offers a mix of author talks, crafts, and seasonal celebrations. With community at its heart, our workshops are a chance to slow down, make something with your hands, and share a warm, low‑pressure evening with the people who make our neighbourhood what it is.

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