From Footy to Festivals, Surf Comps to Street Shows: Must-Catch Autumn Events in Western Australia

With its pristine beaches and otherworldly landscapes, Western Australia seems an obvious pick for a summer holiday – whether you’re staying in Perth / Boorloo or exploring more across the vast state. But it’s also well worth a visit when autumn sets in with an unmissable calendar of events: from must-see live shows to elite surfing and destination festivals.

The season sees the return of many iconic and must-see events, so we’ve put together a list of the top seven you don’t want to miss.

There’s lots to do in Australia’s sunniest capital city – even after the sun goes down. Once you’re done hitting the beach, eating a continental roll and visiting heritage sites, it’s time to explore the rest the city has to offer – and one of the best ways to experience it is through a festival or sports event.

With its mosaic of rooftop bars, speakeasies, late-night watering holes, wine bars and innovative restaurants, Perth keeps the party going well into the evening. For some laughter and humour alongside your meal and drinks, the city’s biggest annual comedy showcase returns from April 24 to May 21. This year’s Perth Comedy Festival has a line-up featuring some of Australia’s favourite comedians, including Perth’s very own Joel Creasey and Geraldine Hickey; international stars like Sara Pascoe and Ed Gamble; and up-and-coming local talent. The packed program includes stand-up, sketch, theatre, kids’ comedy and more. Not sure who to see? Book tickets to the annual Gala at the Regal Theatre, Showcase of Freo Social, or The Biggest Comedy Show On Earth, the festival’s hit late-night show at The Rechabite in Perth’s CBD.

You can’t visit Perth and not explore the streets of Fremantle / Walyalup. The artsy enclave is home to historic buildings, unconventional boutiques, innovative breweries and buskers on every corner. Wondrous, wild and wacky performances will also roam its streets over the Easter long weekend, transforming Freo into an open-air theatre. Started in 1999 to celebrate the city’s busking culture, Fremantle International Street Arts Festival has since grown to feature world-class street performers, from dizzying circus acts to thrilling fire shows and fresh musical talent. Fremantle’s famous waterfront dining will have plenty on offer too, with special pop-up bars and dining spots to enjoy. Fremantle International Street Arts Festival runs from April 18 to April 21.

If you’re a footy fanatic, then Perth has got you covered too. The AFL has announced the first 15 rounds of the year to be played at Optus Stadium, with some huge matches to look forward to. With a bronze facade that reflects WA’s one-of-a-kind geography, Optus stadium has earned a long list of awards, including Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World in the Prix Versailles 2019 international architecture awards. Elevate your game day with the rooftop experience, featuring prime position 42 metres above the turf, a venue tour or even a rooftop climb. You can also turn your footy holiday into a road trip with a regional fixture taking place in Bunbury, giving footy fans the opportunity to explore the state’s South West.

As Australia’s largest state, there’s so much more to see and do in WA outside the capital. Whether you’re renting a car and going on a road trip, or hopping on a plane to fly a bit farther out, there are endless landscapes, terrains and coastlines to see – plus a number of outstanding events to attend while you’re there.

Showcasing the region’s exceptional seafood and filled with beachside adventures, Shore Leave arrives in the coastal city of Geraldton / Jambinu at the end of April. Celebrating the maritime culture of the Midwest region, the festival’s program is filled with experiences like beach markets, marine tours, cooking workshops and pop-up food and drink events. One dining highlight? Book yourself a seat at the long table lunch on Abrolhos (North) Island – you’ll arrive on the pristine, uninhabited island via private plane, then enjoy a beachside banquet as you gaze at the turquoise waters.

The world’s top professional surfers will travel to Western Australia in May, as the prestigious Margaret River Pro returns for another year. Running for 10 days from May 17 at Surfer’s Point in Prevelly, it’s one of only three Australian events on the World Surf League’s World Championship Tour. Positioned as the mid-season decider, this nail-biting event will have the surfers battling it out to make it to the second half of the tour. You can catch all the action live (and free), visit the lively event hub to watch replays, enjoy the food trucks and browse merchandise stands, and get the chance to snap a selfie with your favourite athletes. It’s also a good excuse to explore the rest of what the Margaret River has to offer – from its standout natural beauty to the world-class wineries and restaurants dotted around the region.

Set against the stunning landscape of the East Kimberley, the Ord Valley Muster is an iconic event well worth the journey. Running for 10 days from May 16, there’ll be live music, cultural tours, public art and special dining experiences. Among this year’s major events is the El Questro full-day tour, which includes a special cultural cruise on the Chamberlain River, guided by the traditional owners of El Questro Station, the Ngarinyin people. Book a seat at the festival’s signature event: an exclusive black-tie dinner under the stars. You can also enjoy the open-air gallery at Art in the Park, and finish off with the spectacular closing concert, featuring Lime Cordiale, Thelma Plum and more.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Western Australia.