It’s festival time in Perth this month, so whether your passion is food, drink, film or the arts, you’ll find plenty to fill your day in the capital of Western Australia. Here’s what’s on in Perth this March.
Perth International Arts Festival
A huge range of events from classical and contemporary music to circus, dance and a writers’ festival.
Where: Museums, theatres, parks and public buildings across the city
When: 13 February – 7 March (films are being screened until 12 April)
How much: Varies from event to event
Photo courtesy of Perth International Arts Festival
Eat Drink Perth Festival
When Perth celebrates its multiculturalism, it does it with food and drink. The festival is now in its 11th year and you’ll find events happening all over the city. Last year there were over 60 events over the 5 week period and it’s expected to be even bigger this year.
On Friday evenings between 4.30pm and 9pm head down to Forrest Place on Murray Street Mall and sample food from around the world at the Twilight Hawkers Market.
In the run up to the official start you will find numerous food festivals and markets around the city where you can sample a truly global selection of delicious dishes.
Where: Malls, markets and restaurants across the city
When: 18 March – 24 April
How much: Varies from event to event
Perth Japan Festival
Between 11am and 8pm, you’ll find demonstrations of karate and judo as well as sushi and udon making. There will also be a celebration of music, dance, anime and a chance to sample Japanese food and drink.
Where: Forrest Place, Murray Street Mall
When: Saturday 7 March
How much: Free
Photo courtesy of Perth Japan Festival
Araluen Chilli Festival
The Carolina Reaper. The Naga Viper. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. They may sound like WWE wrestlers, but in reality they’re far more vicious. Pit yourself against the world’s hottest chillies at Australia’s largest chilli festival. And if you prefer a less life threatening taste experience, you’ll find around 95 stalls selling chilli-infused sauces, chocolates and beer.
Where: Esplanade Reserve, Fremantle
When: 10am until 5pm, Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March
How much: $20 for adults, children are free when accompanied by an adult
Best of British Festival
Just in case you’re suffering a few pangs of homesickness, the Best of British Festival will make you feel right at home. Tuck into British food and drink and enjoy the tribute bands playing British music. Over 18s only.
Where: HBF Arena, Joondalup
When: Saturday 17 March
How much: $33.50 presale
Photo courtesy of HBF Arena
Rottnest Festival of Sail
It’s a 9.15am start on the Saturday for a weekend of racing to raise funds for the Rottnest Foundation. There’s a photographic competition too.
Where: Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, Hobbs Place, Perth
When: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March
How much: Free event, $30 for presentation, dinner (fish and chips or hamburger) plus a live band
Moonlight Cinema
From Birdman to Blade Runner, Focus to Fifty Shades of Grey, movies are better beneath the stars. Gates open at 6pm, March showings begin at 7pm. You can buy food and non-alcoholic drinks on site, but as the venue is unlicensed you’ll need to bring your own tinnies. Don’t forget to bring a blanket too.
Where: Kings Park, Synergy Parkland
When: Nightly until March 29
How much: Adult prices are $17, Concessions $14, Child/Senior $12.50 and Gold Grass $35
Sculpture by the Sea
Now in its 11th year, Sculpture by the Sea transforms Cottesloe Beach into the world’s biggest outdoor sculpture exhibition. You’ll find exhibits on the beach, and also on the sea wall and the grassy areas around it.
Running in tandem with events outdoors is a smaller indoor exhibition at the Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club. It’s also free and is a great place to browse and buy pieces of sculpture by emerging artists. There’s a free Tactile Tour designed to introduce visitors with disability to contemporary art, and a guide from the Art Gallery of Western Australia will ensure you don’t miss the more accessible pieces.
This is a big event. An estimated 215,000 people are expected to attend so it may be worth planning your visit carefully. And if you’re really keen, they’re looking for volunteers to help at the exhibition.
There will be a free shuttle bus running form Cottesloe Train Station for the duration of the exhibition as parking is likely to be difficult.
Where: Cottesloe Beach
When: Friday 6 March to Monday 23 March
How much: Free
Photo courtesy of Sculpture by the Sea
Perth Arena
The arena is the city’s biggest venue and it’s where you’ll find international acts including:
Billy Connolly, 10 and 11 March
Kylie Minogue, 14 March
Rod Stewart, 21 March
(And Ed Sheeran’s playing in April).
Photo courtesy of Perth Arena Website
Staying fit in Perth this March
You’ll find loads of classes across Perth, all in the fresh air. And better still, every one of the classes below is free! Here’s what’s on this month in Perth:
Park Run
A weekly 5km run around Heirisson Island or Claisebrook Cove starting at 8am each Saturday. It’s free and anyone can turn up.
Tai-Chi
Northbridge Piazza with teacher Sam Sujatna at 9am each Sunday morning. Also free.
Cross-Fit
6.30am each Tuesday morning at Northbridge Piazza.
Vinyasa Yoga
Each Wednesday evening at 6pm in Northbridge Piazza with coach Laura Carroll.
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