WA's top annual events 2015

WA's Top Annual Events.

JANUARY

BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series
This international swimming and water polo competition, held at HBF Stadium, Mt Claremont in January and February, includes epic open water race Swim the Swan. Perth City

Wignalls Vintage Blues Music Festival
This soulful Albany festival is quickly rising in popularity, with folks making the trek from all over for the fine wine, hearty food, and magnificent music.
Great Southern

Grapes and Gallops
An eight-race equestrian program that showcases the Mt Barker region's finest wine, food and fashion, in true country style.
Great Southern

Fringe World Festival
Eccentric acts from around the world arrive to perform everything from magic to burlesque, in spectacular pop-up venues and beer gardens across the city and Northbridge.
Perth City

Festival Gardens, Perth International Arts Festival (photography Jarrad Seng).

Australia Day Armadale
Celebrate this national holiday in true Australian style with a fireworks display, a live concert, and plenty of fun activities for the whole family, on the grass at Armadale's historic Minnawarra Park.
Perth Hills

West Australian Circus Festival
A three-day event featuring crazy circus, comedy, cabaret and theatre shows for 12 hours each day, with great food, market stalls and optional on-site camping.
Karridale, Margaret River

Hopman Cup
This international mixed-team tennis tournament gathers the world's top players to battle it out at Perth Arena.
Perth City

Lancelin Ocean Classic
Watersport crazy? Windsurfing and kitesurfing athletes converge on one of WA's most beautiful coastlines to compete in this 25km marathon, from Ledge Point to Lancelin.
North Coast, Perth Surrounds

Mandurah Cup 100 Club
In idyllic country, Pinjarra's historic horse-race club hosts the region's premier social sporting event.
Pinjarra, Peel

Lancelin Ocean Classic.

FEBRUARY

Perth Writers Festival
Get the inside scoop on the literary world, as writers of all levels come together around town for readings, workshops, and Q&As. There's also a family day, with storytelling and activities for children. Perth City

South West Craft Beer Festival
Fan of the microbrewery? Enjoy more than 60 southwest craft beers on tap at Old Broadwater Farm, while listening to great live or electronic music over three zones. Busselton, Margaret River

Club Marine Geographe Bay Race Week
This major yachting regatta is "designed by sailors, for sailors", with competitors of all levels from around Australia. View the yachting action and enjoy the bay's pristine waters from the Geographe Bay Yacht Club.
Busselton, Margaret River

Be Active Busselton Jetty swim
Centred on the 3.5km swim around iconic Busselton Jetty, this event is two days of family fun on the foreshore.
Busselton, Margaret River

Be Active Busselton Jetty swim.

IGA Taste Great Southern
Eating out in luscious surrounds is the definition of decadence. Enjoy events such as degustation dinners, farmers markets, chef demonstrations, and picnics across the region.
Great Southern

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
The state's biggest country music festival is set among tranquil bushland, waterholes and riverbanks, with class headline acts such as
John Williamson and fringe events.
Boyup Brook, South West

Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim
Swimmers brave the 19.7km of open water between Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island, to raise money for various charities. Get involved and enjoy the crazy celebrations in the aftermath of the race.
Rottnest Island, Perth

Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim.

St Jerome's Laneway Festival
Catering to alternative-music lovers, international and local acts perform at Esplanade Park and surrounding laneways for one of the summer's best music festivals.
Fremantle, Perth

Perth International Arts Festival
The biggest festival on Perth's arts calendar takes place over three weeks, in the city and Great Southern. Featuring some of the world's best performers and entertainers, many of the events are free.
Perth and Great Southern

Katanning Harmony Festival
A day of fun as Katanning's community of 40-plus cultures come together to celebrate diversity and harmony, with entertainment, food, art, and games.
Katanning, Great Southern

Multicultural Night Under the Stars
Also celebrating diversity and community, this non-profit event includes performances from across the globe, from Chinese drumming
to the Maori Haka. Try international food from a wide range of stalls.
Bunbury, South West

Augusta River Festival
The whole family will love this weekend event by the stunning Blackwood River, with plenty of workshops, parades, performances and activities for all ages. Watch a boat made of cans defy the odds, and marvel at the fireworks finale.
Margaret River

Perth International Arts Festival.

MARCH

Leeuwin Estate Concert Series
Enjoy the picturesque setting of Leeuwin Estate Winery as you sip fine wines and watch some of the world's best musicians take to the stage against a majestic backdrop of karri forest.
Margaret River

Avon Valley Vintage Festival
Nostalgic? Grab your pocket money and take the short drive from Perth to Avon Valley, to peruse antiques, vintage clothing, bikes and cars.
Northam, Avon Valley

PorongUrup Wine Festival
One of the longest-running festivals in the South West – don't miss the fine-wine tastings, live music, illusions, performances, helicopter flights and the great grape stomp.
Great Southern

The Leeuwin Estate Concert Series has featured the likes of Bryan Ferry from Roxy Music (photography Eva Rinaldi).

Make Smoking History Wagin Woolorama
WA's largest regional agricultural show features machinery displays, livestock competitions, rodeo, photography and art exhibitions, and entertainment, highlighting the skills and ethics of the region's farming community.
Wagin, Great Southern

Donnybrook Apple Festival
Known as the Apple Capital, Donnybrook celebrates its famous orchard produce with an Easter festival. Enjoy art exhibitions, stalls, fashion parades and, of course, delicacies like fresh apple pie.
Donnybrook, South West

Eat Drink Perth
Between March and April, the city explodes with a wide range of events to test your tastebuds – from twilight hawker markets and wine tastings, to master classes and decadent degustations in pop-up establishments.
Perth City

Sculpture by the Sea
Cottesloe Beach becomes an art gallery, featuring wondrous sculptures by international artists, scattered along the sand, grass and groyne. Appreciate the stunning setting as you enjoy the artworks; the sunset coast is a marvel in itself.
Perth City

Sculpture by the Sea.

Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest
While it shows off Mandurah's beautiful foreshore, this event is all about seafood. If you're not a crab fan, hot beef rolls and gourmet German sausages are on the menu.
Mandurah, Peel

Nannup Music Festival
Set along the Blackwood River, this historic timber town puts on a charming weekend of stalls, performers, and fun activities.
Nannup, South West

Quit Forest Rally
Adrenalin will be pumping as first-time racecar drivers and road experts take the sharp turns of Busselton's rally course. Get up close to the
high-speed exhilaration.
Margaret River

Geraldton Gold Cup
Hosted by one of the oldest established race clubs in WA, this thoroughbred race has been won by many legendary horses. Enjoy the ocean breeze, and try your luck.
Coral Coast

LiveLighter Harvey Harvest Festival
Immerse yourself in the greenery of Snell Park gardens, to watch artisans such as the chefs from Harvey Fresh demonstrate their innovative dishes.
Harvey, South West

Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest.

Aquaspectacular
Beach activities are a part of life in the South West, and this waterfront festival brings together some of the best for everyone to enjoy, including dragon boating, kayaking, swimming and beach volleyball.
Bunbury, South West

Gamex
The southern hemisphere's largest fishing tournament is hosted at Exmouth Game Fishing Club on the northern tip of Ningaloo Reef, home to world-class game-fishing action.
Coral Coast

Northam Two-Day Festival of Speed
Conducted by the Vintage Sports Car Club of WA, this 'round the houses' 1950s streetcar race is re-created, with historic and modern car competitions. Displays are also part of the show.
Avon Valley

Karri Valley Triathlon
Running and cycling through the towering forest then swimming the warm waters of Lake Beedelup is all the inspiration triathletes will need.
Pemberton, South West

Delirium 24-Hour Cycle Race
Riding for 24 hours cross-country isn't for the faint-hearted, but the scenery of Margaret River will make the ride easier on the soul. Open to all levels.
Cowaramup, Margaret River

APRIL

Charles Cup
Picnic under the trees at Kings Meadow Polo Ground in the glorious Swan Valley, and watch Western Australia's premier polo cup – an event with intriguing traditions spanning 100 years.
Guildford, Swan Valley

Mandurah Rotary Duck Race
This Easter Sunday event is fun for the whole family. Watch the wacky mascot race, and see bright pink and yellow rubber ducks battle it out on the Mandurah foreshore. There are also food stalls and entertainment. You may even see a dolphin in the estuary.
Mandurah, Peel

Blackwood River Chamber Festival
Set in various venues around the rolling orchards of the Blackwood Valley, musicians play chamber music dating from the 17th century to today, as guests enjoy delicious cuisine and wines to match.
Bridgetown, Blackwood River Valley

Kalamunda Show
Connect with local history and contemporary agriculture at this show, celebrating its 118th year. Features a log-chopping competition, crafts and fireworks.
Perth Hills

Balingup Small Farm Field Day
Like your food organic? Meet growers and gardeners at the Town Sports Oval, learn about sustainable farming, and try the local produce. The kids can pet adorable animals, and engage with fun workshops, getting a true sense of country life.
South West

Fairbridge Festival
Enjoy live music at this three-day family-friendly folk festival, and
camp on the bushland of Fairbridge Village, with sweeping views over
the Darling Escarpment.
Pinjarra, Peel

Dwellingup Pumpkin Festival
Where the pumpkins are so big you need a forklift to carry them! Held at the local school grounds, this quirky and charming harvest festival is an event for the whole family.
Dwellingup, Peel

Drug Aware Margaret River Pro
Local and international surfing champs flock to Surfer's Point and pristine Prevelly Beach at the mouth of Margaret River for this World Surf League tour competition.
Margaret River

ANZAC Day Albany
Albany was the final departure point for the ANZAC troops before they braved the First World War. Said to have hosted the first dawn services in Australia, Albany's significance in the ANZAC story continues to inspire with respectful services every year.
Albany, Great Southern

Love Broome Expo.

MAY

Avon Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Festival
Showcasing fresh produce from the Avon Valley, as well as around WA and abroad, this weekend-long festival includes more than 80 stalls, and special gourmet food events.
Northam, Avon Valley

Killarnee Targa South West Car Rally
The ideal event for the 'wannabe' racecar driver. Test your skills on the tarmac by day, or watch the classic and modern cars battle the bends. Enjoy the social atmosphere by night.
Pemberton, Manjimup, South West

Argyle DiamOnds Ord Valley Muster
The popular East Kimberley festival is all about "the landscape, the people, the party", with more than 30 events including the Kimberley Moon Experience. Bring your party spirit and dance under the stars.
Kununurra, North West

Love Broome Expo
Businesses, industries and communities connect to reflect on their contributions to the North West region. More than 6500 visitors gather at Broome Civic Centre each year.
Broome, North West

Bickley Harvest Festival
Boutique wineries, cider houses, gourmet foods, local musicians and flowers feature in the tranquil environment of the Darling Ranges, just 35 minutes east of Perth.
Carmel, Perth Hills

Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival.

Stretch Arts Festival
Using a different theme and stretch colour every year, the people of Mandurah gather for this cultural weekend of workshops, exhibitions, performances and activities.
Mandurah, Peel

The Gibb Challenge
A 700km team cycle from Derby to the million-acre El Questro Wilderness Park. Camp along the Gibb River Road, and experience a life-changing Kimberley adventure for charity.
Derby, North West

Red Dog Festival
This two-day team relay from Dampier incorporates eight forms of travel, from running to 4WDing, through Karratha to Millstream Chichester National Park and back again. The finale celebrations are well deserved. Pilbara, North West

Pinctada Cable Beach Polo
It doesn't get much more luxurious than an international polo event on the endless golden sands of Broome's world-famous Cable Beach. Get the full VIP treatment in the marquees.
Broome, North West

SunSmart Ironman 70.3
Watch some of the world's best triathletes compete in the scenic tuart forest and on Busselton foreshore.
Busselton, Margaret River

Sunsmart Ironman 70.3.

Moondyne Festival
Western Australia's famous bushranger and runaway convict, Moondyne Joe, is remembered through reenactments, colonial activities and an 1860s regiment.
Toodyay, Avon Valley

Taste of perth
Perth's foodies gather in Langley Park under tents and at pop-up bars to sample the best of Perth's top restaurants.
Perth City

Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival
Exmouth's beaches are out of this world, and just steps from Ningaloo Reef, which attracts the world's biggest (friendly) fish for a yearly visit,
along with curious humans.
Exmouth, Coral Coast

Perth Comedy Festival
International acts descend on Perth throughout autumn, displaying their smashing humour and perfect wit.
Perth

Truffle Kerfuffle Southern Forest Food Festival (photography Offshoot Creative)

JUNE

Albany Classic
Presenting a wide variety of vintage and classic cars, this motor event hums its way through the heart of Albany, past the picturesque Princess Royal Harbour.
Albany, Great Southern

State of the art Wam Festival
Multiple stages present an awesome line-up of emerging and established Western Australian musicians at free and ticketed events at Perth Cultural Centre.
Northbridge, Perth

Denmark Festival of Voice
Listen and sing along as acclaimed musicians conduct workshops, competitions, and performances across the WA Day long weekend.
Denmark, Great Southern

Truffle Kerfuffle
Hunt and gather the coveted truffle, and attend an array of foodie events alongside celebrated chefs.
Manjimup, South West

JULY

Wyndham Stars on the Bastion
Enjoy dining and entertainment as the sun sets over the Bastion Range. A rustic three-course meal and live country music will keep you entertained.
Wyndham, North West

Derby Boab Festival
Honour the mystical boab tree and throw yourself into South Kimberley lifestyle. The event includes a Mardi Gras, sporting cups, film festivals, and raucous, long-table dinners.
Derby, North West

Goldfields Kidsfest
The kids go wild for two days of exploration at Goldfields Oasis and playing fields, with a dressup theme.
Kalgoorlie, Golden Outback

NAIDOC Week
Celebrate the achievements of Aboriginals and Torres Strait
Islanders with free classes in sand art, spear throwing, dance, and jewellery-making at Yanchep National Park. Yanchep, Perth Surrounds

Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl.

AUGUST

South Midlands Polocrosse Clubs Annual Tournament
A cross between polo and lacrosse, played on horseback, Polocrosse
is a truly unique game. Spectators are welcome to grab a beverage and watch the weekend tournament unfold.
Muchea, Perth Surrounds

Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl
Celebrating Broome's history of producing South Sea pearls, the two-week festival honours the blended Indigenous, Japanese, Malaysian and Chinese cultures. With parades and performances, sculptures by the sea, floating lanterns, and long-table dinner events, Shinju Matsuri is simply fantastic. Don't miss the opening ceremony, 'waking the dragon'.
Broome, North West

Broome Cup Carnival
Beat the cold and head north to sunny Broome for the glamorous 12-week horse-racing season. Highlights include the Kimberley Cup, Ladies Day, and the XXXX Gold Broome Cup.
Broome, North West

Cinefest Oz.

Collie to donnybrook and return cycle
One of the state's premier cycling events, along a 104km course that has been running since 1925.
South West

North West Festival
The Pilbara's top music festival features popular alternative artists
and free camping over three days. Stay a little longer and explore the forest, waterfalls and colourful rocks of Karijini National Park. Port Hedland, North West

Opera Under the Stars
Experience decadence and culture as opera singers serenade you with the most romantic opera stories under the starlit sky beside lovely Cable Beach. There are many pre-show dining options close-by.
Broome, North West

Nannup Flower and Garden Festival.

CineFest Oz
Enjoy Australian and international film screenings in selected wineries, bars and galleries across the pretty coastal towns of Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River.
Margaret River Region

Avon Descent
Covering 124km in two days, competitors navigate the dangerous rapids of the Avon and Swan rivers, cheered on from the banks.
Northam, Avon Valley

Nannup Flower and Garden Festival
Stroll through the Great Hall of Flowers and captivating gardens,
and take in the vibrant perfume and colours of tulips and hyacinths.
Nannup, South West

Avon Descent.

SEPTEMBER

Perth Kilt Run
Don a kilt and raise money for charity while traversing the picturesque parklands of Minnawarra Park and Sanctuary Lake. Highland festivities ensue after the race, with hearty food – including traditional Scottish haggis – and ales.
Armadale, Perth Hills

Telstra Perth Fashion Festival
Join Perth's fashionistas to experience a line-up of world-class runway shows, free public events and high-fashion lunches at a range of boutique venues across the CBD.
Perth City

Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100 Mountain Bike Classic
Part of the National Cross Country Marathon, the race pits competitors against Dwellingup's bumpy terrain.
Dwellingup, Peel

KBRC Race Round
The Goldfields has a long and illustrious horse-racing culture, dating back to 1896. Experience the 'big three' for yourself – the Kalgoorlie, Boulder and Coolgardie Cups.
Golden Outback

Wave Rock Weekender
A three-day outback festival of 20 Australian and international music acts, along with movies and like-minded people, held at sculptural Wave Rock in Hyden.
Golden Outback

Chittering Wildflower Festival
Stop by the Wildflower Exhibition in Bindoon Town Hall, or follow a trail map out into the spring sunshine.
Avon Valley

IGA Perth Royal Show
Guaranteed family fun, with fairy floss, show bags and rollercoasters, plus animal petting and judging, wood chopping, exhibitions, and nightly fireworks.
Claremont Showgrounds, Perth

Hidden Treasures Bloom Festival
Showing off spring and the Great Southern region's natural beauty, this festival crosses eight shires, with colouful events and open gardens.
Great Southern

IGA Perth Royal Show (photography Kevin Utting).

OCTOBER

Fremantle Festival
Celebrating Fremantle's past and present, the festival includes an extensive list of events around the port city, kicking off with the blessing of the fleet and fireworks display at Esplanade Park.
Fremantle, Perth

Mandurah Children's Festival
Kids can run amok in the safe environment of Mandurah's Eastern foreshore, while learning at the same time. Expect fun, free dress-up competitions, workshops, and interactive playgrounds.
Mandurah, Peel

Angove Street Festival
Be a local for the day and celebrate North Perth's boutiques, artisans and eateries with live entertainment, markets and a fantastic community vibe.
North Perth

Dolphin City Festival
Held in Bunbury's iconic Koombana Bay, where more than 100 bottlenose dolphins regularly visit. Marvel at the local marine life, watch the street parade, and enjoy all the festivities.
Bunbury, South West

Dolphin City Festival.

Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show
Get your fix of all things boating at this three-day show, set on the gorgeous waterfront in Mandurah.
Mandurah, Peel

Cape to Cape MTB
Cyclists brave 220km of unpredictable terrain in this four-day race, covering forest trails and coastal soil.
Augusta to Dunsborough, Margaret River

Darlington Arts Festival
The Darling Range artistic community celebrates its creativity in a beautiful hills setting, with exhibitions and entertainment for the whole family.
Darlington, Perth Hills

Margaret River Gourmet Escape.

NOVEMBER

Pridefest
Western Australia's LGBTIQ community throws a three-week-long festival of events, culture and arts, culminating in a spectacular parade and all-day celebration along Northbridge streets.
Perth City

Margaret River Gourmet Escape
If you're a bit of a food and wine connoisseur, Margaret River is the place to be – especially during this festival, where you're spoilt for choice of culinary experiences across the region, including visits from celebrity chefs and wine experts. Events such as the gourmet barbecue on the beach, and the feast in the forest also showcase the region's natural beauty.
Margaret River

Beaufort Street Festival
Becoming Perth's most popular one-day street festival, this has it all – food, art, music, kids' events and bars scattered around hip Mount Lawley.
Perth City

Blues at Bridgetown
Surrounded by the scenic Blackwood Valley, this heritage town creates
a beautiful backdrop for top blues and roots performances, from more than 50 local and national artists.
Bridgetown, South West

Boddington Lions Rodeo.

Boddington Lions Rodeo
Western Australia's largest rodeo runs for three days, with thrilling bull rides, pony rides and jumping castles for the kids, plus live bands and food stalls.
Boddington, Peel

Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Race
Run, swim, paddle and bike along the gorgeous coastline in the world's largest off-road adventure race, a must-do for any outdoor junkie.
Augusta, Margaret River

Festival of Country Gardens, Bridgetown
The Blackwood River Valley transforms into a spring wonderland with gardens opening to the public.
Bridgetown, South West

DECEMBER

East Fremantle Festival
George Street comes alive with its own festival, featuring buskers, local food, stalls, and even a nursery.
Fremantle, Perth

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival
This unique community experience offers a taste of the Southern Forests' horticultural history, as well as the delicious Christmas cherries. Book early for the Long Table Lunch.
Manjimup, South West

SunSmart Iron Man WA Triathlon
Determined competitors get Busselton buzzing in their budgie smugglers, striving for excellence on a gruelling surfside course that attracts competitors from near and far.
Busselton, Margaret River