WA Music Festivals to check out in the South West

Being roughly the size of Western Europe, it only makes sense that Western Australia is home to a colossal amount of music festivals – and many of these sweet sounds can be unearthed outside of the big smoke. Community and song collide in the South West region as rural cities and towns play host to anything from hot jazz to indie jams, creating memorable music experiences. So, get packed up and ready to head out because here’s a list of some of the best rural music festivals WA’s South West has to offer.

Groovin’ the Moo

When: May

In terms of rural festivals in WA GTM Bunbury is unparalleled in scope. Drawing in stars from across the globe year in, year out it’s no wonder why sell-out crowds of over 20,000 trek to the South-West for this one day event. Star power aside, GTM at its heart is all about how the music, culture and community of each region come together. It's this focus that has assured the beloved festival's continued success.

Aside from the great tunes GTM brings a lot to the table

The Drop Festival

When: June Travel a little further south and you’ll find yourself in Busselton, the base of operations for The Drop Festival out West. Coinciding with the Margaret River Pro the Drop is all about the locality and being environmentally sustainable. If you take the plunge and snatch up a ticket to this chilled out festival you’d be amiss if you didn’t take the time to explore the wineries synonymous with the region. If you’re feeling extra cheeky maybe you could also sneak in the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.

Fairbridge Festival

When: April

Just an hour from the city Fairbridge Festival is a celebration of folk, world and roots music in the Pinjarra region. Stretching a three-day weekend, camping amongst the picturesque bushland of the Darling Escarpment is encouraged; especially if you want to enjoy as many of the 90+ acts on offer. Despite having a reputation that precedes itself the Fairbridge Festival has remained true to its original vision by remaining a family friendly event. Be there to witness something familiar as well as some of the amazing youth talent in WA, unearthed through great initiatives by the festival.

The Fairbridge Festival is an internationally renowned event

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival

When: February If something ‘a little bit country’ is more up your alley fear not because the Boyup Brook Country Festival has got you covered. This isn’t your average hoedown as this music festival is deeply ingrained in local life, being the product of hard work, patience and unending love. If you decide to join the already thousands flocking to Boyup Brook you can to share with the family a natural bushland setting and the star-filled nights that come with it.

Blues at Bridgetown

When: November Set to the picturesque surrounds of Bridgetown, approximately 270km south of Perth, the Blues at Bridgetown festival is the embodiment of local life and the defining blues event of the year. This quintessential blues festival was inaugurated in 1993 and is a celebration of the genre’s rich history in Australia. Make sure to pack the car and hit the road for this Western Australian haven of blues and jazz fusions.

Come November the Bridgetown community springs to life

Images: Feature - The Drop, Groovin' the Moo, Fairbridge, Blues at Bridgetown

More Music Festivals Around WA