Perth festivals and events

Perth comes alive in summer. Long, warm evenings bring outdoor theatre, music, comedy and art to parks, squares and beaches, and the city's two biggest arts festivals overlap in February. But there is plenty happening year-round, from spring wildflowers to winter sport. This guide is a starting point; always check official websites for dates and programs, which change each year.

Summer (December to February)

Fringe World

Fringe World is Perth's big summer arts festival, usually across January and February. It features hundreds of shows, from comedy and cabaret to circus, theatre and music, in venues across the city. Hubs in Northbridge and the city bring pop-up venues, food and bars. Some events are free. Book popular shows early.

Summer outdoor events

Summer brings outdoor cinemas, concerts in parks and events at Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square. New Year's Eve celebrations draw crowds to the riverfront.

Late summer and autumn (February to May)

Perth Festival

Perth Festival, usually in February and March, is Australia's longest-running cultural festival. Its program includes theatre, music, dance, visual arts, literature and film, with many international artists. Some events are held outdoors, and some are free.

Sculpture by the Sea

Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, is an outdoor exhibition of sculptures along Cottesloe Beach, usually held in autumn. It is free to visit. Check the official website for dates.

Autumn

Autumn is a pleasant time to visit, with mild weather and events including food and wine festivals in the Swan Valley.

Winter (June to August)

Winter is quieter, but Perth has winter festivals, light shows and football. AFL matches at Optus Stadium draw big crowds. Indoor venues host theatre and music.

Spring (September to November)

Kings Park Festival

Every September, the Kings Park Festival celebrates Western Australia's wildflowers with displays, guided walks, talks and events. It is a great time to visit Kings Park.

Wildflower season

Spring is wildflower season in Western Australia. Beyond Kings Park, wildflowers bloom in national parks and along the coast north of Perth.

Spring events

Spring also brings agricultural shows, outdoor concerts and festivals. The Perth Royal Show is a long-running spring event.

Planning around festivals

Accommodation

Accommodation fills quickly during major festivals, particularly in February. Book early.

Getting around during festivals

Public transport is the easiest way to reach festival hubs. Transperth trains and buses serve the city, and many festivals add late services. See our getting around guide.

Is it worth visiting for a festival?

Yes. Perth's festival season is a great time to visit, with warm weather and lots to see. Even without tickets, free events and the atmosphere make it worthwhile.

Month-by-month summary

Family events

Many festivals include family-friendly events. Fringe World has kids' shows, and the Kings Park Festival has family activities.

Accessibility

Many festivals offer accessible venues and services. Check festival websites for access information.

Food festivals

Perth hosts food and wine events throughout the year, from night markets to wine region festivals. Check local listings.

Free events

Look for free outdoor events, installations, talks and performances in festival programs. Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the Perth Cultural Centre often host free events.

Sport

Perth is a sport-loving city. AFL, cricket, soccer and other sports draw crowds at Optus Stadium and other venues. Check fixtures and book tickets from official sellers.

Booking tickets safely

Popular festival shows can sell out quickly, and resale scams do happen. Buy tickets from the festival's official website, the venue's box office or sellers the festival lists as authorised. Be wary of social media posts offering cheap tickets to sold-out shows, and check the refund and exchange policy before you buy. If an event is cancelled because of extreme heat or storms, the organiser will usually explain refund arrangements on its website.

Summer weather at outdoor events

Perth summer evenings are usually warm and pleasant, but daytime temperatures can be very high. At outdoor events, drink plenty of water, wear a hat and sunscreen until sunset, and find shade where you can. Many festival hubs have free water refill stations. Bring a light layer for late nights near the coast, where the sea breeze can feel cool.

Making a festival weekend

If you are visiting for a festival, base yourself in the CBD or Northbridge so you can walk between venues. Mix ticketed shows with free installations, add a morning at Kings Park or the beach, and leave time for a long dinner. Book restaurants ahead on Friday and Saturday nights in February, when the city is at its busiest.