If you’re planning a trip to Perth in 2026, timing your visit around the Perth Festival is one of the best ways to experience the city at its most exciting, creative, and alive. Held every summer, Perth Festival is Australia’s longest-running international arts festival and transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of culture, performance, food, ideas, and outdoor entertainment.
Perth Festival is a multi-week summer festival that showcases a diverse mix of international and Australian theatre, music, dance, visual arts, film, literature, and large-scale outdoor experiences. Events take place across Perth in theatres, heritage buildings, riverside spaces, pop-up outdoor hubs, and public city locations.
- When: Thursday the 6th of February to Sunday the 1st of March 2026
- Where: In various locations across the City, including East Perth Power Station, Forrest Place (Perth Moves), Somerville Auditorium (UWA), Perth CBD Theatres and Performance Spaces and City Streets & Public Spaces
- Booking Information
- The Festivals Program
- Facebook
Lotterywest Films
Lotterywest Films is one of the most loved parts of the Perth Festival, transforming warm summer nights into a magical open-air cinema experience. Held at the iconic Somerville Auditorium at the University of Western Australia, this seasonal program features a carefully curated mix of international films, Australian cinema, documentaries, and special screenings under the stars.
All you need to do is bring a picnic blanket or hire a deckchair, pack a picnic hamper or snacks, and arrive ready to relax under the open sky.
- Where: Somerville Auditorium, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley
- Tickets
Don’t Forget all the Free Events
There are also plenty of free experiences to explore across the city. You can soak up the festival atmosphere at the East Perth Power Station precinct, enjoy high-energy outdoor performances at Perth Moves in Forrest Place, and wander through a range of free public art and light installations that transform bridges, streets, and riverfront spaces after dark.
- Free Gracie Green Exhibition at the, Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery Perth WA (Click Here)
- Free Casa Musica at the, East Perth Power Station WA (Click Here)
- Free Pascale Giorgi Pascale Giorgi, at the Goolugatup Heathcote, Derbal Yerrigan Swan House Perth WA (Click Here)
- Free Perth Moves Dance, at Forrest Place, Perth WA (Click Here)
How to Make the Most of Perth Festival
- Check where you are going, what you want to see and plan your trip.
- Check the program on the day, before arriving and book early, as some exhibitions or shows sell out
- Save money, by not only purchasing tickets to events, by also seeing the free outdoor and public experiences
- Plan festival visits around river walks, beaches, and city dining
- Use where possible public transport, most venues are easily accessible, parking can be very difficult and expensive.
- Allow extra time to explore areas, you might not otherwise visit, like the public and open spaces
