The 7 Best Festivals in Perth

With sunshine guaranteed most days of the year, there aren’t many places better to plan a festival than Perth, Australia.  From century old arts celebrations to delicious wine samplings, the city and surrounding areas come alive with people, animals, food and music throughout the year.  Whatever your taste, and whenever you’re in town, there will surely be something for you to jump right into.

7. Doggies Day Out

Have you ever thought, why does everything always have to be about us humans?  Well the organizer of this day festival held in the name of our furry four-legged friends certainly did, and so Doggies Day Out was born.  Into its fourth year this October, the event held at Whitman Park in the Northeast of the city, is a bonanza of doggie treats, accessories and fun for the family with face painting and bouncy castles.  Proceeds from the event go to a great cause and support the RSPCA WA charity.

6. Fremantle Seafood Festival

Held as part of the wider Fremantle Festival in the southern hemisphere springtime, the day event takes place on the Fremantle boardwalk in the southern region of Perth.  Things to do include taking in live cooking shows, learning about the history of the Fremantle – including the Blessing of the Fleet – and its delicious oceanic offerings, and most importantly, stuffing yourself with some truly world class seafood while the sun glints off the shimmering waters close by.  The festival runs from 10am to 6pm, with a fireworks show closing it out after the sun sets.

5. Rottofest

Still in its relative infancy Rottofest was started in 2009 and aims to promote the best up-and-coming and recently established names in Australian film, comedy and music.  Held on several stages among the idyllic surroundings of Rottnest Island off the coast of Perth, you can cycle between shows, perhaps via the beach.  The festival usually takes place in late September from Friday to Sunday.  There are no vehicles on the island and crowds aren’t overwhelming, giving Rottofest a relaxed and unique atmosphere.

4. Perth International Arts Festival

First kicked off in 1953 by the University of Western Australia, Perth Festival is Australia’s longest established arts festival, and runs annually between February and March.  Events are held at multiple venues throughout the city, from Cottesloe beach to the Festival Gardens set up in Northbridge in the city center.  The festival is growing, attracting upwards of half a million attendees each year, who can watch music, theater and spoken word performed by both grassroots artists and household names.

3. Stereosonic

If major music festivals are what you’re looking for, they don’t come much bigger than Stereosonic.  The festival is held in most of Australia’s major cities and rolls into Perth usually in late November or early December, and hosts some of the biggest names in dance music; previous acts include Tiesto, Carl Cox and Calvin Harris.  2014 marks the events fifth outing in Perth and will be held over 2 days at Claremont Showgrounds.

2. Kings Park Festival

Each September, when wildflowers are in bloom, Kings Park plays host to this fabulous annual festival.  Around half a million visitors arrive throughout the month to join the celebration of springtime and of West Australia’s rich natural flora.  Guided tours and talks educating about the history of the park and the horticultural efforts sustaining it are put on in addition to live music concerts and stunning art exhibits.  The park is worth visiting all year round, but in September it’s truly special.

1. Future Music Festival

Since 2007, this world class dance festival has visited Perth in late February or early March along its tour of Australia.  Recently held in Arena Joondalup in the northern suburb of the same name, thousands of revelers flock to the event to let loose to home-grown Djs as well as some of the biggest names in dance music.  Previous acts include Swedish House Mafia, Fatboy Slim and Steve Aoki, the festival has expanded into Asia with its growing popularity, and is an epic time if you’re in town at the time.  Try to plan ahead as tickets are snapped up quickly.