Looking to have a true cultural experience while you’re in Perth and see more than the typical museums and bars? Then add some of the following festivals to your travel calendar! After all, what better way to get a feel for a city’s vibe than to join some of the region’s most happening events? Whether you’re into contemporary music, traditional dance performances, international foods or even fundraisers, Perth’s lively festivals will make your time there unforgettable.

Perth Festival

Since its inception in 1953, the annual Perth Festival has grown dramatically and now attracts the best local and international artists. What started as a show put together by students of the University of Western Australia quickly turned into a celebration of the arts and culture attended by over 500,000 people every year.

Held from 8 February to 3 March 2019, the coming year’s edition will be jam-packed with unforgettable shows including acrobatic performances by the Nouveau Cirque du Vietnam, Mozart’s The Magic Flute by the Komische Oper Berlin and Orbital’s original rave tunes. Tickets for individual performances start at around AUD 40 but can also be bought in packages if you want a better deal.

King’s Park Festival

Every year in September, the King’s Park Festival welcomes thousands of guests from Australia and abroad to Perth’s world-famous botanical gardens. Now, before you decide to skip it because gardening isn’t your thing, bear with us for a moment.

Apart from showcasing the endless varieties of beautiful wildflowers native to Western Australia, King’s Park Festival also features several musical performances every day ranging from classic to contemporary, serves delicious foods, offers fun, interesting and educational activities for young and old or just makes for the perfect spot to kick back for a leisurely picnic in the midst of countless flowers. And best of all, you can attend most parts of the festival for free!

Telstra Perth Fashion Festival

For all the fashion victims out there, the Telstra Perth Fashion Festival held every year in early September is a must. Here, top designers and young talents show their best work. Get ready to explore some of Australia’s leading brands as well as emerging trends brought about by the most promising names in the industry. Tickets start at around AUD 50 and can include admission to runway shows, workshops and much more depending on how many of the five days you want to attend.

Perth Royal Show

Hosted since 1834, the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia’s Royal Show quickly developed from a cattle show to a community event anticipated by thousands of guests every year. During the last week of September, the Royal Show offers over a hundred hours of entertainment every day, serves delicious food and provides great activities for guests of every age.

Performances include music, comedy and performing arts as well as introductions to a variety of crafts. Every wanted to know the secrets of a skilled blacksmith or learn how food gets from the farm to your plate? Then you’re in the right place at the Perth Royal Show! Adult tickets are AUD 30 on-site, but if you book online in advance you can get a discount.

The Annual Telethon Fundraiser

Okay, we know a telethon sounds lame but hear us through. Keen to make a difference during your trip, all while having a good time? Then why not reserve some time to stop by at the Telethon hosted annually in late October to raise money to support the medical and social welfare of children and funding research into kids’ diseases in Western Australia.

During the event, non-stop performances by some of Australia’s most famous TV-star and other performing artists will keep you entertained for 26 hours (yes, you read that right), while those manning the phones take pledges for donations. Don’t have time to watch the whole thing? Then only come for the opening and closing shows (AUD 28 each), the highlight of the Telethon.

If you paid attention, you’ll have noticed that most of these events take place in September or October. That’s because these months are one of the best times to visit Perth. Of course, that also means it can get pretty busy. So, if you want to book a cool hostel in Perth and secure tickets to the festivals and events above, start planning now and book ahead!