The final week of April didn’t really turn up the sunshine remnants of autumn, which quite possibly means that the rains and chill factor are here to stay. But nonetheless, there’s plenty of different things to do in Perth this May, so get out there and make the most of the half decent weather while it lasts. From Broadway musicals and markets to gourmet festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this May in Perth.
1. Noongar Storytime
Every Thursday throughout the entire year, excluding school holidays, AH Bracks Library in Melville will host Noongar Storytime with Rickeeta Walley from 10:15am. Suitable for ages two through to five year olds, this free weekly program introduces simple Noongar language, engaging children’s imaginations by using traditional storytelling and creative play, with no bookings required.
2. Come From Away
Based on the incredible real-life events in the wake of the September 11, Come From Away is a captivating musical about the unity and kindness in adversity displayed on the remote town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada. Having enjoyed months of standing ovations in the eastern states and universal acclaim, the Broadway musical, Come From Away will finally be make its way to Perth from Saturday 6 until Sunday 28 May at Crown Theatre in Burswood. Find out more about Come From Away in Perth here.
3. High Voltage
Come Sunday 7 May between 1pm and 6pm, the free and homegrown celebration, High Voltage will host a slew of notable names in the music world, amongst a diverse line-up of more than 50 performances and events across the beaut afternoon across the port city of Fremantle. Find more details about High Voltage here.
4. Groovin’ The Moo
On Saturday 6 May, Hay Park in Bunbury will once again come alive with the annual Groovin’ The Moo music festival. 26 headline artists will take to the stages across the paddock, along with 16 up-and-coming Western Australian acts, dubbed ‘Fresh Produce’. It’s the place to be if you’re feeling like running into friends and foes from yesteryear amongst the youth of Perth. Find out more and nab tickets here.
5. Bickley Harvest Festival
Now in its 24th year, the Bickley Harvest Festival will celebrate the region’s finest wine, cider, spirits, produce, food, scenery, and attractions across Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May. From grounds tours, workshops, and tastings to one-off menus, and attractions with a side of live music, fairs, and workshops; there’s no better time to head out to the Perth Hills. Find out more about the Bickley Harvest Festival here.
6. Mother’s Day
Not all heroes wear capes, and mums are no exception. Although any old time and day is a fabulous occasion to treat your mother, motherly figure or yourself, Sunday 14 May is the official twenty-four-hour period to celebrate all that they are and do for you/us and the world. From high teas and luxe lunches to wellness experiences, there are plenty of ways to delight mum over the ceremonious weekend. Check out our full list of Mother’s Day ideas in Perth here.
7. Turnover at Lynott’s Lounge
On Saturday 20 May from 7:30pm, American rock band Turnover will take to the stage at intimate live music venue, Lynott’s Lounge in Northbridge. Formed in 2009, the band produce hits that get you right in the heart strings, namely: Dizzy On The Comedown, I Would Hate You If I Could, Cutting My Fingers Off, and Humming. They don’t usually make appearances in Perth, so see them while you can!
8. Fremantle
Fremantle is a one-stop-shop and more boasting a sensational drinking and dining scene, specialty shops galore, and plentiful live music; not to mention its maritime history and colonial architecture-lined streets. From charming cafes and impressive bars to famed markets and museums; Fremantle has got the lot. Take a look at our list of the best things to do in Fremantle while you’re visiting the seaside locale.
9. Bogan Literature
There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the glorious summit that is Rooftop Movies in Northbridge – Bogan Literature. Atop the six storey building on Northbridge’s busy Roe Street, high above the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle with sweeping views of Perth City, the space will be transformed into an open-air Rooftop Theatre where the world premiere of Bogan Literature: Pride & Prejudice will go down. Find out more about the production here.
10. Pixar Putt Mini-Golf
Disney’s Pixar-themed putt-putt course has extended their 2023 season in Perth with even more characters and a new-and-improved course at the RAC Arena. You will be met by perennial favourites Buzz and Woody before tackling either the nine-hole half-course or the full 18-hole level. It’s going to be an adventure no matter your age; with a pop-up bar for adult-only nights! Find out more about Pixar-Putt mini-golf here.
11. Solouk at The Stables
On Sunday 7 May 3pm to late, head to The Stables bar in Perth City for a one-of-a-kind musical journey where mysticism meets soulful rhythms; and ethnic & tribal-infused dance music. Solouk and special guest Serge Proshe are set to transport you into a world of soulful frequencies as the line-up of talented DJs take to the stage. Witness a special performance by Gypsy Goddess, thumping bass from Void Soundsystem, live percussion, and delicious bites from The Stables.
12. Autumn Colours
There’s nothing like taking a stroll and snapping photos of the reds, yellows, and more. Here in Perth, there are a few spots that really put on a show when it comes to the season change. Check out our favourite spots where you can bask amongst hues of red, yellow and orange around Perth.
13. Paint & Sip at The Bassendean Hotel
On Tuesday 2 and Thursday 11 May, The Bassendean Hotel will host Pinot & Painting for a series of special workshops. The signature step-by-step art class includes all the necessary supplies and materials needed to create a stunning piece of art to take home. So, mark your calendars, gather some friends, and get ready to unleash your inner artist at the recently refurbished Bassendean Hotel.
14. Loop Nightclub
LOOP is the brand-spanking new nightclub opening in Joondalup on Friday 28 April from 9pm ’til late. The new venue is said to be Perth’s answer to the rising London cult grime scene and offers a buzzing multi-stage club. LOOP touts an underground essence, serving UK garage and house amidst boiler room sets and monthly resident DJs.
15. Perth Comedy Festival
More than 65 hilarious new shows will roll into town for the 2023 Perth Comedy Festival from Monday 24 April through to Sunday 21 May, in one of the biggest line-ups of live stand-up the city has seen in recent years. International heavyweights and comedy festival favourites including David O’Doherty (IRE), Dylan Moran (UK), Danny Bhoy (SCO), Daniel Sloss (SCO), Ismo (FI), Jason Leong (MY), Kumarsutra (SG), S
16. Instagrammable Cafes
No doubt there’s heaps of coffee spots in Perth. While some excel for coffee connoisseurs with a focus on the speed beans, they lack in aesthetics – which is more than A-okay for some guzzlers. But others may be looking for the whole shabang – the visuals, if you will. And blessed be, Perth has a number of Instagrammable cafes where you can snap and sip amongst the likes of old-world charm or green gardens. Check out the full list here!
17. The Local Farmers Market Honeywood
The Local Farmers Market at Honeywood Estate is reoccurs every Sunday in May from 8am until 12pm for a day where you can explore all that local farmers, producers and manufacturers have to offer, with the addition of baked goods, coffee, crafty goods and entertainment. The Honeywood locale provides a great opportunity to take a scenic route out to the nearby Perth Hills too – out in that luscious greenery and pristine country air. Find it on the oval next to The Honeywood Primary School on Litoria Drive in Wandi.
18. Sorrento Night Market
Every Friday in May from 4:30pm until 8pm, head over to Seacrest Park for the Sorrento Night Market. The arvo and evening will see a heap of food trucks, gift stalls, and live music to ease you into the weekend just nicely. There’ll be LED Fairies to keep the kids occupied from 6pm until 7pm, while the live music is up and playing all day long. Pack a picnic rug and enjoy the evening, market breeze.
19. Vegan Artisan Market
On Sunday 7 May from 9am until 12pm, mosey on over to Mahogany Creek Hall for the Vegan Artisan Market. Here, you can find conscious handmade items which might just come in handy for Mother’s Day, like earrings, clothing, dog accessories, and candles. Crowd favourite food stalls will be on site too, such as Faux Sho Vegan Pantry, Cucina Lab, ANUKA Artisan Chocolate, as well as a good old fashioned sausage sizzle, to name a few vendors.
20. Western Australian Road Trips
Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s recently carried out a mammoth study, Secret Road Trip Hotspots that analysed over 38,000 Trip Advisor attractions to reveal a final list of 141 nature-based spots in Australia. And they’ve revealed the best places to visit to avoid the crowds and inspire different road trip and destination planning. Find out which 10 Western Australian road trip hotspots are on the list here.
21. Volare Aperitivo Bar
‘Volare’ means ‘to fly’ in Latin, and that’s just about how you’ll be feeling after biting into Volare’s delightful fare and sipping on a few fine drops. The Maylands day-to-late joint is your quintessential neighbourhood wine bar and eatery paying homage to coastal cities of Europe, with Sardinia, Marseille, Amalfi, and Valencia in mind. Check out Volare here.
22. Pulse Festival at AGWA
Between 28 April and 20 August 2023, the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) will see the return of their annual, and 31st The Western Australian Pulse festival. The Pulse program for 2023 is an avant-garde youth festival and provides a platform to showcase the state’s young talent across all creative forms. For the first time, WA’s talented young creatives are invited to take over the State Art Gallery too. As well as celebrating young artists through the exhibition, the program also features all forms of art and culture, including music, design, fashion, writing, and performing arts.
23. The Ellington Jazz Club at Yagan Square
Every Friday evening throughout May, The Ellington will host their Sundowner Concert Series at Yagan Square in Perth’s city centre. And better yet, they’re going to be completely free of charge! The open-air concerts boast a versatile line-up, featuring James Flynn, Milford Street Shakers, Catherine Summers, and Gemma Luxton to end the month on a high note. Find out more about the Sundowner Concert Series here!
24. First Lights Drone Show
Presented by Fremantle Biennale, First Lights is a sweeping work of art that will utilise almost 200 drones, programmed with specialist 3D animation techniques, all while in synchronisation and collaboration with musicians and composers to create a cinematic soundscape to accompany the captivating visuals. Each First Lights show is set to be led by Traditional Owners and Aboriginal artists, portraying a site-specific story that tells ancient knowledge, living stories and the history of each location. Find out more about First Lights here.
25. Finally, just have a good sob
A good cry is healthy, so they say. And while some may choose to well up in the comfort (or confines) of their home, it’s entirely possible that being out and about could be exactly what you need, therapeutic perhaps. We’ve put together a list of six sobbing spots in and around Perth where you can overflow with sadness, or heck even joy. Check out the full list here.