The best Perth events that can’t be missed | AWW

Perth Festival is Australia’s longest-running cultural festival and shows off Western Australia’s diverse and rich arts scene. Held annually from mid-February to early March, you’ll be treated to theatre, music, dance, literature, film and arts, with performances and exhibitions across various venues in the city. Not only will you catch performances from Western Australian talent, but the festival also attracts performers from around the world, too. Whether you’re a cinephile, an art-lover and everything in between, the Perth Festival is an enriching cultural experience that has a little something for everyone.

Cottesloe Beach is an iconic Perth destination that’s renowned for being a haven for snorkellers and surfers. Every year, Cottesloe Beach transforms into a cultural hub when it hosts the annual Sculpture by the Sea art exhibition. Typically taking place in March, the exhibition features over 70 awe-inspiring sculptures by artists from Australia and across the globe. It’s the perfect way to traipse Western Australia’s stunning coastline while soaking in incredible art.

Looking for a day of family fun? The Perth Royal Show is an event filled with rides, games, food and agriculture. Held at the Claremont Showground in late September to early October, the show celebrates Western Australia’s rural heritage with livestock and agricultural competitions. The kids (and kids at heart) will be entertained to their heart’s content with carnival rides, sideshow games and street food and a nightly fireworks display.

If you haven’t gotten your fix of arts and culture from the Perth Festival, then you’re in luck because the Fringe World Festival also takes place early in the year. The festival is Perth’s largest and most diverse arts festival, typically taking place from mid-January to mid-February. You can expect to catch a number of zany cabaret, comedy, circus, theatre and music shows across the city. 

City to Surf Perth is a popular annual fun run for a good cause that sees thousands hit the streets in their best athleisure late August. Whether you’re a first-time runner or an avid marathoner, there are multiple race distances to suit every fitness level including a marathon, half marathon, 12-kilometre run, and a 4-kilometre walk. You’ll kick off the run in Perth’s CBD and finish at City Beach. Not only is this a great way to challenge yourself, but the marathon raises money for charity, so it’s also for a great cause.

The Kings Park Festival is an annual celebration that gives you a chance to get up close and personal with Western Australia’s unique wildflowers and natural beauty. Coinciding with the wildflower season the festival is brimming with floral displays as well as environmental education and talks. This isn’t just a haven for greenthumbs, the picture-worthy wildflower displays are a great way to spend your time in Western Australia’s capital.

If you’re a music-lover who happens to be in Perth in November, you’re in luck. The Perth International Jazz Festival will be a treat for your ears. Taking place over three days every November, the Perth International Jazz Festival sees the best jazz musicians from around the world flock to the capital to perform in various venues across the city. From concerts, workshops and free performances, whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, you’ll be treated to an enriching experience.