Perth Events and Festivals

Australia Day Skyworks: celebrated on the 26th of January at the Swan River, this is typically the most popular event of Perth’s annual calendar. Skyworks brings more than 350,000 people every year to King's Park and the banks of the Swan River to watch the laser show and fireworks display at night. The fireworks are launched from a number of places, including city skyscrapers, Narrows Bridge, and from the Swan River and the Swan Bell Tower.

Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF): this is the oldest and largest of Australia’s multi-arts festivals. This series of events is known by various names, including the 'Festival of Festivals' and 'Edinburgh of the South', and comprises nine related festivals that all operate under the PIAF umbrella. The most well-known include the CY O'Connor Bush Fleadh, Fremantle International Jazz Festival, Mandurah International Opera Festival, Perth International Writers Festival and the Johnnie Walker Watershed, which is a local contemporary music festival.

A Taste of the Valley Festival: held at venues throughout the Swan Valley, the best products of the valley are showcased during this event. Art, food, wine and music are the centre of attention over six weekends. Specialties of the valley featured include premium wines, olives, cheese, fresh produce, preserves and chocolate, along with art exhibits, music performances and other types of entertainment.

Claisebrook Carnival: held at a riverside park, this carnival is scheduled to coincide with the annual school holidays. This is a fun day for the family; kids can learn how to make a kite and everyone can enjoy the music played by several local bands. The day’s highlights are undoubtedly the dragon boat races and the fireworks display at the end of the evening.

Moon Rise Rock Festival: although this festival is held quite a distance north of Perth at the Derby Racecourse, crowds from around Western Australia converge to listen to more than 20 bands. This is one of the longest-running rock festivals around. It’s held in the moonlight, under the boab trees, for two nights of high-quality music and a finale that features a spectacular fireworks display.

Fremantle Heritage Festival: this is the perfect chance to learn about the history of the area while visiting some of Fremantle’s most well-known historical buildings. You can also take part in seminars and workshops, and enjoy the art exhibition, numerous film screenings and children’s activities.

Balingup Carnival and Medieval Fayre: this festival allows you to step back in time, as you see the town of Balingup transform into a medieval village for a day. Roaming the streets are kings and queens, knights, fair maidens and jesters galore. Wandering minstrels and street theatre performances are also on hand for your entertainment. Kids enjoy the Punch and Judy shows and the jousting knights. During the mid-afternoon, a colourful group of performers and musicians parade through the town.

Perth Royal Show: the show is held at the Claremont Show Grounds, and is a showcase for the agricultural, horticultural, industrial, mineral and technological resources of Western Australia. The whole family will enjoy the demonstrations, working exhibits, side shows and competitions which feature everything from animals to wines.

Artrage Festival: this innovative arts festival celebrates Perth's alternative scene, showcasing a varied collection of local and regional artists for three weeks in October. Experimental and innovative art is the focus. The city centre is filled with performances in music, comedy and theatre. The visual arts, multi-media and spoken word presentations are all on offer. The Perth Cultural Centre is the venue for many of the theatrical performances.

Fremantle Festival: held in late November annually, the events comprising this festival range from comedy, music and dance performances to exhibitions of visual arts and crafts. The entertainers are local and often festival-goers themselves. Sporting events are also a popular component, as is the Fremantle Festival Lotteries Parade.

RAC Channel Seven Christmas Pageant: thousands of spectators fill the streets of Perth every December to view the parade and pageantry. Children and adults alike enjoy the spectacle which includes colourful floats, groups in costume, performance artists and clowns. Undoubtedly, the kids’ favourite is Santa Claus, but numerous local television personalities and sports stars also feature prominently.