Perth Events and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Perth, Western Australia - WA, Australia)

Perth is very much a city of culture, with plenty to offer the avid festival-goer. Many annual events of great note are staged in the city, such as the Fremantle Sardine Festival each January, the Claisebrook Carnival in April and the Gay Pride March in November.

Rather stealing the limelight each February and March is the renowned Perth International Arts Festival, which was first staged in 1953 by the University of Western Australia and is now actually the country's longest-running cultural event. Visitors at this time of the year can expect crowds of thousands coming to see theatrical performances, open-air concerts, visual arts, artist and writer's talks, and more.

At the end of September or the beginning of October, the Perth Royal Show is the big event in town, being hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia and pulling in crowds of more than half a million. The show takes place at the Claremont Showgrounds and has been held here since the turn of the 20th century, with today's incarnation including agricultural competitions, sheepdog trials, fairground rides and various demonstrations, as well as the evening Peters and Brownes Fireworks Spectacular.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• 26th January - Australia Day
• 1st Monday in March - Labour Day (WA)
• Good Friday / Easter Monday March / April - Easter
• 25th April - Anzac Day
• 2nd Monday in June - Queen's birthday
• 1st Monday in August - Bank Holiday
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day

Perth Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Perth Cup - 1st January, premier horse race
• Australia Day Lotto Skyworks - 26th January, an outstanding Australia Day celebration with a variety of entertainment, including water displays and an air show
• Perth International Arts Festival - January / February, this event lasts several weeks and offers a wide variety of entertainment including drama, music, dance and film events

February

• Heineken Classic - international golf tournament
• Festival of Perth - February / March, this three-week attraction offers a wide choice of top-class entertainment including concerts, dance and theatre-related events

March

• Rottnest Festival - a weekend full of entertainment for the whole family on Rottnest Island
• Sculpture by the Sea - first three weeks each March, based around Cottesloe Beach since 2005, with just under 100 sculptures enjoying the Indian Ocean as a backdrop. More than 200,000 people regularly attend this event

April

• Claisebrook Carnival - an exciting carnival held at Claisebrook Cove, East Perth

June

• West Week - early June, a celebration of Western Australia's foundation, with historical re-enactments, arts and crafts, concerts and sports-related events
• Burswood Wine and Food Festival - mid-June, for wine and food lovers, this is one of Western Australia's top food and wine gatherings, offering over 130 exhibits

August

• Balingup Carnival and Medieval Fayre - Balingup town (roughly one hour from the city) offers a fun day for all the family when it turns back the clock and changes into a medieval village

September

• Kings Park and Botanic Garden Wildflower Festival - September / October, a wealth of flowers are displayed as part of the overall celebrations
• Spring in the Valley - September / October, a weekend event championing the Swan Valley produce, featuring wine and food tastings
• Perth Royal Show - late September / early October, this show attracts crowds of people. This was originally just an agricultural show, but it now also includes sideshows, wood cutting, sheep shearing and general entertainment

October

• Artrage Festival - early October, Perth's alternative arts fest features three weeks of excitement, with creative art exhibits and theatre
• Lilac Hill Park - October / November, an annual international summer cricket match held at Caversham
• Swan View Districts Agricultural and Arts Show - second Saturday in October, an enjoyable agricultural show with a wide range of activities and displays, including sheep dog trials

October

• International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things - a host of arts-themed activities highly suitable for all the family, including theatrical performances, puppet shows, film screenings, storytelling, workshops and interactive 'play times'

November

• Perth Gay Pride March - early November, a month-long extravaganza featuring gay and lesbian arts events, with street parties, fun and games
• Festival Fremantle - a ten-day carnival first held more than 100 years ago and coming with endless activities for all ages, including Jazz in the Park, the Black Box Theatre, the Children's Fiesta and the Street Parade
• Midland Folk Festival - a two-day event featuring fun activities and great entertainment

December

• RAC Channel Seven Christmas Pageant - a spectacular annual Yuletide parade
• Shakespeare in the Park - December and January, an outdoor event held in Kings Park