Perth is heating up in more ways than one this October, with our events calendar expanding to almost 400 events. International tours, Broadway musicals and global comedy legends will all make their stops here throughout the month, but the true powerhouses are the 16 festivals bringing their programs of events across the city.
From food and wine to burlesque, celebrations of Perth’s arts and culture scene mean there’s something on for all creative types to enjoy this month. Here are our highlights.
Entwined in the Swan Valley
October 5 – 18
30+ events run over two weeks through the best boutique wineries and award-winning Swan Valley restaurants.
At its heart is a celebration of the flavours of the Swan Valley, where visitors are encouraged to slow down, connect and sample the best local tastes and tipples.
The festival opens with free event A Taste of Entwined, providing foodies with the perfect opportunity to sample some of the food and wine to be featured throughout the festival at the newly refurbished Oakover Grounds.
Otherwise, the full program is available to browse on our events guide, from a Swan River cruise, long table lunches, degustations or an asparagus cooking masterclass.
Perth International Burlesque Festival
October 9 – 25
Global headliners, regional showcases and local talent all feature on this year’s huge Perth International Burlesque Festival program.
Heading into its 13th year, the festival is a celebration of all things burlesque performance and unapologetic confidence, culminating at the State Theatre for the Club Burlesque Gala on Saturday, October 24.
World-class burlesque performers Raquel Reed, Kelly Ann Doll and Kitty Obsidian will all present never-before-seen performances to the Perth crowds to make this year’s program a hard one to miss.
Circular Fashion Festival
October 16 – November 15
After launching its inaugural event in 2025, the Circular Fashion Festival is back in Perth for round two.
The festival celebrates sustainable fashion and creativity, hosting exhibitions, markets and runways across Perth and Fremantle that champion local designers and upcycling.
Every Saturday throughout the festival, the Circular Markets land in Yagan Square, where keen thrifters can pilfer through vintage finds and preloved goods in the name of putting slow fashion first.
Perth International Jazz Festival
October 22 – November 1
For its 14th year, Perth International Jazz Festival has brought together an international program, assembling Grammy winners and jazz icons across the city’s best venues for 11 days this spring.
Supergroup AZIZA (Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland) headline, closing out the festival at His Majesty’s Theatre. Other highlights include three-time Grammy winner Dee Dee Bridgewater, Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan, New Orleans institution Rebirth Brass Band and powerhouse vocalist Nik West.
Perth jazz fans can experience something new every night of the festival, from theatres to night markets. The 2026 PIJF Launch at Brookfield Place will be a night to remember, with the CBD precinct hosting eight hours of live music across its venues to ring in the festivities.
