You know summer is coming when the first of WA’s outdoor festivals begin. There are so many on offer, it’s mind-blowing to say the least! Grab your friends, family, water and sunscreen and get across to one (or all!) of these amazing events happening in the next fortnight. Plus, many of them are free, so what are you waiting for?
Margaret River Gourmet Escape
Nov 16 - 19
The world’s most celebrated chefs and culinary superstars roll in to Western Australia for the sixth Margaret River Gourmet Escape, which kicks off tonight. It’s not too late to get down south and join in the beach bbqs, forest feasts and long table lunches or rub shoulders with your favourite food and wine royalty at the Gourmet Village.
WA Beer Week
Nov 16 – 25
Ten days of events and activities in tribute to your favourite brew. Need we say more? The programme for the 16th annual WA Beer Week includes 65 events in and around Perth, showcasing more local beers than you ever knew existed. There are beer-gustations, brewing masterclasses, ping-pong tournaments (with beer), family picnic days and more. Find out more here.
RTRFM Big 40
Nov 19
Scoop Special – get 2 for 1 tickets
RTRFM has been supporting WA musicians for 40 years and their big bash for this milestone is set to be a blast. Taking place this Sunday at Perth Concert Hall, there’ll be four-stages, performances from Abbe May, Rick Steele, WAYJO and more, finishing up with an epic AV projection from the WA music archives.To access the ticket offer, click here and select two tickets, add the promo code RTRBIG40 and the discount will be applied at the checkout.
Rottofest
Nov 17 – 19
Our very own island paradise becomes a huge bucket of laughs this weekend with more than 40 stand-up sets by comedians including Arj Barker, Rhys Nicholson and Frenchy for Rottofest. There’s a pool party, crap music rave party and loads more fun on offer. Special late night ferries are available to make a day trip out of the Saturday. 5 Tips for Rottofest.
<a href="https://scoop.com.au/perth-wa/guides/arts-events/perth/events/listing/lotterywest-festival-films-2016/Lotterywest Film Season
Nov 27 – Feb 25
One of Perth’s most enjoyable outdoor cinema experiences, get over to UWA’s Somerville Auditorium or ECU Joondalup Pines for the start of Perth Festival’s Lotterywest Films. The program begins with French film Faces Places, followed with USA film, Good Time. Arrive early for a picnic and glass of wine.
Eco Fashion Week Australia
Nov 23 – 27
An eclectic new festival that’s already touring Australia and will arrive in Fremantle next week. It features numerous runway shows, exhibitions, workshops and more with a focus on organic, handmade, local and re/up cycled fair-trade fashion. View full program here.
Pridefest – Pride Parade
Oct 27 – Nov 25
Free Event
Countdown is on to WA’s most colourful celebration – Pride Parade 2017. Northbridge will come to life with a spectacular rainbow sea to celebrate the LGBTIQ community. Dress up and join thousands of people on the streets of the city and show your support for all love in Perth and WA. Make a night of it at the Official Pride Parade After Party.
Merge Festival
Nov 18
Free Event
This massive all-ages festival will fill the heart of Melville Civic Centre this weekend. Bring the family along to enjoy an array of arts, culture and entertainment, plus some of Perth’s finest food trucks. Try your hand at hip-hop, swing dancing and circus skills, get the ultimate novelty family picture in a historic photo booth or chill at the bar to the sounds of talented local performers and DJs. Get the full programme here.
2017 Light Up Leederville Carnival
Dec 3
Free Event
Head across to Leederville for what organisers are saying will be the suburb’s biggest street party ever. The carnival features seven stages with fashion shows and entertainment, vintage markets, alfresco bars at your favourite venues and more. Bring a torch or glow-stick to be part of the light celebrations at 7.30pm.
Vic Park Summer Street Party
Nov 19
Free Event
Be one of the 50,000 people expected to descend upon Vic Park’s main strip for this village-style party. All gigs need a great soundtrack and this one’s tone will be set with an eclectic mix from jazz to indi-rock, Bollywood, big bands and DJs. Enjoy all the festival necessities; food trucks, pop-up bars, and street entertainers, plus a wildlife exhibit and face painting for the kids
Donnybrook Food and Wine Festival
Nov 25
Free Event
The home of apples is showing off its other great attributes - wonderful olive oils, cheese, avocados and cherries and superb wines from the Geographe Region. The family will love this day of entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more just a couple of hours drive from Perth. It gets better, Donnybrook is also one of the best playgrounds in the south-west!