Wondering where to go to catch all the action at this year’s Perth International Arts Festival? Consider this your go-to guide for the best venues and unmissable entertainment.
With a total of 64 venues across the state, there's bound to be a location near you to find a sell-out show or the best of local and international artists.
CHEVRON FESTIVAL GARDENS- PIAF 2017 CENTRAL HUB
The central hub is the Chevron Festival Gardens at Elizabeth Quay. 21 nights of international headliners, local heroes and guest DJs will take you on a magical music journey. The Festival Gardens also offer you the chance to meet Festival artists, while catching up with friends and dancing the night away.
Enjoy the best of rock, hip-hop, soul, funk, pop, electronica, chillwave and AfroCuban Jazz at the Festival's new home.
FREMANTLE
For a more laidback vibe, head to the Fremantle Arts Centre, an iconic heritage building with a rich history. William Brittelle and Aaron Roche present Soft Soft Loud this Saturday.
CITY OF PERTH
Perth City will be teaming with events at venues such as the State Theatre Centre, His Majesty's Theatre, Perth Concert Hall, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
- Eighth Blackbird- Perth Concert Hall
This four-time Grammy Award-winning sextet revels in the works of contemporary classical music composers – played with love, virtuosity and a sense of adventure. This dynamic program features contemporary gems by Muhly, Dessner, Hearne and Andres, and a world premiere by Australian composer Holly Harrison
- The Encounter- His Majesty's Theatre
Created by one of theatre's great storytellers, Simon McBurney, and performed by Richard Katz, this critically acclaimed theatre production has taken broadway and the world by storm. Draw closer to the humid depths of the rainforest with astounding use of 3D sound
- Meeting- State Theatre Centre of WA
This dynamic performance sees the compulsive choreography of Antony Hamilton combine with Alisdair Macindoe's obsessive machine-making practice. In a circle of 64 wirelessly controlled robotic percussion instruments- each tapping a pencil to create a mesmerising sound – are two dancers. Moving in perfect synchronicity, they're slaves to the fascinating rhythm of taps, clinks, clanks, rattles and whirs
UWA
Just outside the CBD, you can explore the buildings of UWA, with the Museum of Water, free yoga sessions and an array of shows at both the Octagon and Dolphin Theatres. And don't forget the iconic Sommeville outdoor cinema - it's not quite the Festival if you don't get down for at least one movie.
FREE EVENTS
If you're on a budget, there are plenty of free events throughout the entire festival for you to enjoy.
- Free concerts at UWA- Winthrop Hall Gardens
Lounge in the gardens outside Winthrop Hall while the captivating sounds of Eastwinds float through the summer air. Kicking off our PIAF 2017 Chamber Music Series, this eclectic ensemble will take you on a world-tour with their vibrant blend of cultural music. Eastwinds expertly combine impressive improvisation, fresh instrumental ideas and captivating rhythms, creating a sound that will gently ease you into the robust music on offer throughout the series
- Reading the Waves- Cottesloe Beach
Join some of Perth's local frothers, David Brophy, Elise Reitze and Patrick Watersmith, for a one-on-one surf experience as they guide you around the line-up of one of Cottesloe's most protected ecosystems and iconic surf spots – letting you in on the local knowledge of keyholes, bubbles and take-offs. It's a conversation between a surfer, the waves, and you.
- The Big Read- UWA
Seven poets, seven minutes each. This year's Big Read features established and emerging poets including Alison Whittaker, Amanda Joy, Caitlin Maling and Charlotte Guest
- Before the Siren- Fremantle Oval
Melbourne artist Lara Thoms and Perth collaborative duo Snapcat celebrate women and belonging with a large-scale public artwork with a huge party at Fremantle Oval. It's a feminist footy frenzy in the heart of Fremantle, and a timely exploration of how women gather socially, politically and recreationally across generations
DOWN SOUTH
If you're planning on venturing out of the city, Denmark and Albany are holding events in their towns, at the Denmark Civic Centre, Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany Town Hall and Vancouver Arts Centre.
- Calder Quartet- Albany Entertainment Centre
LA based Calder Quartet are in demand all over the world, collaborating across all genres from rock, classical and contemporary music to visual arts. The Calder's watertight ensemble playing and effortless balance, combined with a musical interpretation that upholds the composer's true intent, offers music lovers the chance to hear the familiar as if it were new
- Vuyani Ensemble- Denmark Civic Centre
Join this celebration of South African culture with intricate rhythms, infectious harmonies and soaring vocals. The four stunning singers cross genres of world music, from traditional South African songs to Afro-reggae, with West African and Latin influences
- Collisions- Vancouver Arts Centre
Lynette Wallworth takes you on a thought-provoking journey to the remote desert with pioneering virtual reality technology. Joined by Martu elder Nyarri Nyarri Morgan, experience the dramatic collision between his traditional world view and the cutting edge of science
Whatever your style, taste or location, there's bound to be something for you with the huge range of venue options available around the state.
