The Best Cultural Events & Festivals in Perth

Perth! Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the exciting and vibrant cultural scene that 2025 has to offer.

These are some of best cultural events and festivals in Perth that shine a light on the rich culture of the city and surrounding regions, offering experiences that range from local comedy acts to long table dinners, music festivals and open-air concerts in the outback.

Wave Rock Weekender

If you’re looking for a unique music festival experience, Wave Rock Weekender should be at the top of your list. Set against the stunning natural backdrop of Wave Rock in Hyden, this boutique festival combines live music, art, and nature into a one-of-a-kind weekend escape. Held during the September long weekend, the event offers an intimate setting with a laid-back vibe, making it the perfect getaway for music lovers seeking something off the beaten path.

26th September to 29th September, 2025

Wave Rock Road, Hyden, Western Australia

FRINGE World

Kicking off the cultural calendar in spectacular fashion, FRINGE World is a month-long celebration of the weird, wild, and wonderful. Expect everything from cabaret and comedy to circus acts, immersive theatre, quirky pop-ups and heaps of family-friendly fun. With more than 700 events happening all over Perth, it’s one of the largest and most diverse fringe festivals in the world. Make sure to visit The Pleasure Garden in Northbridge, where food trucks, outdoor bars, and live music keep the energy buzzing all month long.

January 21st to February 15th, 2026

Various venues across Perth, including Northbridge and Elizabeth Quay

Perth Festival 

The jewel of Perth’s arts scene, Perth Festival returns in 2026 with a stellar lineup of local and international acts across music, theatre, film, and literature. As Australia’s longest-running not-for-profit multi-arts festival, it’s a cultural extravaganza that transforms the city’s parks, streets, and venues into creative playgrounds, with some major live performances lined up at the returning East Perth Power Station main hub.

The full program is still to be announced, but the first drop revealed electronic composer Max Cooper, singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya (fresh from touring with the likes of Lorde and Alex G), and UK rock band Black Country, New Road are all slated to showcase at the East Perth Power Station in 2026. Plus, Lacrima, a French theatre epic set in the cut-throat world of haute couture, will take the opening weekend spotlight at the State Theatre Centre of WA.

February to March, 2026

Laneway Festival

Laneway Festival is back in 2026, bringing its signature mix of indie, electronic, and alternative sounds to Perth on Sunday 15th of February. Known for showcasing rising stars and internationally acclaimed acts, Laneway has earned its place as one of Australia’s most anticipated music festivals. Expect a stellar mix of genres, headlined by Chappell Roan. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or it’s your first time, Laneway is the ultimate summer music experience in Perth. 

Sunday 15th February, 2025

Arena Joondalup

Sculptures at Bathers

Sculptures at Bathers is a free, unmissable exhibition that brings contemporary works from WA’s finest artists—both established and emerging—right to the edge of the ocean. Beyond the open-air sculptures at Fremantle’s Bathers Beach Art Precinct / Manjaree, 2025’s event extended into the WA Shipwrecks Museum with an indoor showcase and a packed program of artist-led tours, twilight torchlight walks, and hands-on workshops. It’s a celebration of raw, visceral art with a true sense of place.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Fremantle, Western Australia

The Karijini Experience

The Karijini Experience is a four-day immersion into the heart of Banjima culture, set in the breathtaking Karijini National Park. This festival isn’t just about art, food, and music—it’s about living the culture of one of Australia’s most ancient peoples. From guided walking tours and storytelling to cooking demos and traditional healing workshops, it’s a raw, unfiltered look at the land and its people. Expect beautiful performances, intimate art exhibitions, and an unforgettable connection with the wild, untamed beauty of the Pilbara.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Karijini, Pilbara Region, Western Australia

Jamba Nyinayi Festival

Jamba Nyinayi (Rest Awhile) is set against the raw beauty of Cardabia/Gunjayindiya Station in the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Region. Hosted by Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, this unique festival is a celebration of culture, connection, and community. Expect soulful campfire sessions, dance and music performances, cultural workshops, and vibrant food and arts markets. With camping packages, attendees get an immersive experience of local traditions, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments under the stars.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Coral Bay & Ningaloo Region, Western Australia

Fremantle International Street Arts Festival

The Fremantle International Street Arts Festival are where the streets of Fremantle/Walyalup come alive with the bizarre, the brilliant, and the downright unexpected. Picture this: roving performers popping up where you least expect them, twisting the ordinary into something extraordinary. With acts from all corners of the globe — from France to Japan, Canada to Argentina — it’s a sensory overload. Pair that with Fremantle’s buzzing alfresco scene, where pop-up bars and eateries spill into the streets, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable day out.

April 2026

Fremantle, Western Australia

Perth Comedy Festival

The Perth Comedy Festival is WA’s ultimate comedy extravaganza, bringing the best local, Australian, and international comedians to the stage for an unmissable month of laughs. From stand-up and sketch to improv and magic, the festival showcases a vibrant mix of comedic talent across Perth’s top venues, including the Regal Theatre, Astor Theatre, The Rechabite, and Freo Social. From absurdist acts to family-friendly comedy, there’s something for everyone at this laugh-out-loud Perth festival.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Perth, Western Australia

Shore Leave Festival

Shore Leave is a multi-day celebration of seafood that captures the spirit of the Midwest region—where adventure, food, and culture collide. Inspired by the area’s rich maritime heritage, the festival invites visitors to indulge in the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch, a standout dining experience that highlights the region’s flavours. Major attractions include The Helm festival hub on Geraldton’s foreshore, the Beach Price Markets at Geraldton Fisherman’s Wharf, and guided tours to Kalbarri and Chapman Valley.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Geraldton, Western Australia

Taste Great Southern

Taste Great Southern celebrates the region’s local talent, premium produce, and rich cultural heritage, all set against the rugged beauty of Albany, Denmark, and beyond. Running across four days in May, the festival introduces interactive town takeovers in Mount Barker, Porongorup, Frankland River, and Katanning, inviting visitors to explore hidden gems. With long table lunches, wine masterclasses, markets, and a luxury dinner party, it’s an unforgettable culinary journey.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Great Southern Region, WA

Bickley Harvest Festival

The Bickley Harvest Festival is an annual celebration of the Bickley Valley’s rich heritage in wine, cider, spirits and local produce – located just 35 minutes from Perth’s CBD in the Perth Hills Wine Region. The first weekend of May will be filled with activities, with satellite events happening across the month at multiple participating venues including wineries, distilleries, cideries, restaurants and galleries. Each venue will offer a unique experience, from intimate wine tastings to family-friendly activities. Sample award-winning wines, savour gourmet meals or simply enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Bickley Valley.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Perth Hills, Western Australia

Margaret River Pro

The Margaret River Pro lands in Western Australia every May, drawing the world’s top surfers to the iconic Main Break. As a World Surf League Championship Tour event, the Pro will see both men and women surfers battling for Championship points in one of the most thrilling competitions on the circuit. 2026 will mark the 12th year of Margaret River hosting a round of the prestigious World Championship Tour and will be the last event before the mid-season cut, ensuring even more intense action. Surfing fans won’t want to miss this showdown.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Surfers Point, Margaret River, Western Australia

Ord Valley Muster

Take a trip to the Kimberley for one of Western Australia’s most unique festivals. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the East Kimberley, the Ord Valley Muster is more than just a festival—it’s an iconic celebration of Western Australia’s remote beauty, rich Indigenous heritage, and vibrant outback culture. Foodies will be in heaven at the exclusive long-table dining events scattered throughout the festival, and the highlight of the festival, the Kimberley Moon Experience, is an open-air concert held on the banks of the majestic Ord River. 

Picture yourself under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the rugged outback, while grooving to live music from some of Australia’s top performers. With an electric atmosphere and a scenic riverside setting, this is set to be a magical night to remember. From dazzling performances to intimate cultural experiences, gourmet dining, and epic outdoor adventures, the Ord Valley Muster truly has something for everyone.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Kununurra, Western Australia

Ningaloo Sky Festival

The Ningaloo Sky Festival lights up Exmouth every two years, offering an unforgettable celebration where culture, cuisine, and the cosmos converge. Held against the stunning backdrop of the Ningaloo Coast, this beautiful festival is packed with live music, a mesmerising drone show, lively food stalls, and indulgent degustation dinners. Astronomy talks reveal the universe’s secrets, while the skies above dazzle with celestial wonders. It’s a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural flair, making it an unmissable event in Western Australia for anyone seeking adventure under the stars.

2026 dates to be confirmed

Exmouth and the Coral Coast Region, Western Australia

UnWined

Sip on some of Western Australia’s best wine, beer, cider, and spirits at UnWined, a must-visit event for any wine lover. First up this season, the festival will be heading to the lush surrounds of Market Square Park in Subiaco this October, bringing over 50 local wineries pouring more than 300 wines just for the occasion.

Slated for May 2026, the Perth edition of this festival is set in the picturesque Supreme Court Gardens, offering an elegant outdoor experience where you can sip, savour, and socialise in style. Sample premium wines from renowned regions like the Swan Valley, Margaret River, and the Great Southern, and don’t miss the opportunity to meet the passionate makers behind your favourite labels.

Unwined Subiaco, Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th October, 2025

Unwined Perth, Friday 15th May to Saturday 16th May, 2026

Now that you’ve set aside diary space for some of the best cultural events and festivals in Perth, it’s time to plan around them with our guides to the city’s top date spots and rooftop bars. After all, what’s a festival without a touch of romance and a few sky-high sips to elevate the experience?