Once again, the weekdays have flown on by and the weekend is here. And for your weekending needs, we’ve put together a list of exciting things to do in and around Perth this weekend. From soirees to relaxing markets and plenty more.
1. Be awe-inspired at this festival of light and sound
Spanning six weeks across June and July this year, Lightscape is set to transform Kings Park and Botanic Gardens/Kaarta Koomba into a winter wonderland of light, colour, and sound. The breathtaking, interactive experience is bound to leave you awe-inspired as you journey along a 1.8-kilometre trail in an after-dark setting through the park grounds, all whilst gazing upon 100,000 tiny, twinkling illuminations. Read all about Lightscape here.
2. Experience a Euro winter at this school holiday festival
After the thumping succuss of the inaugural festival in 2022, Schools Out will once again enliven the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre this July. The mega space will be transformed into a winter wonderland of sorts, complete with a massive ice rink, snow slides, and even ‘snow’ which will magically fall from the ‘skies’, amongst the plentiful offerings. Find out all the details about Schools Out Winter Fest here.
3. Rock out at this epic Pink Floyd tribute concert
Australian Rock Collective (ARC) will be delivering a tribute tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) – arguably the most successful concept album of all time. ARC isn’t just any ordinary band either, made up of four Aussie rock legends; Darren Middleton of Powderfinger, Mark Wilson of Jet, Davey Lane of You Am I, and Kram of Spiderbait. Find out more about ACR’s The Dark Side Of The Moon tour here.
4. Immerse yourself in NAIDOC Week
National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is a national celebration held across the first week of July each year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. No matter your age, it’s never too late to start learning about their rich culture and recognising the importance of the land on which we reside. Check out our list of five events that you and/or the kids can participate in this NAIDOC Week.
5. Get your truffle on at Freo’s Truffle Extravaganza
From Friday 7 until Sunday 9 July the Fremantle Markets will host their annual Truffle Extravaganza in collaboration with Great Southern Truffles, following the Manjimup Truffle and Wine Festival. As you wander through the historic markets you’ll discover and array of stalls where sampling is by no means off limits, as well as the opportunity to learn how to incorporate truffles into your own cooking at home. Plus, the market’s eateries usually get in on the action with special menu items during the Extravaganza. Read all about the Truffle Extravaganza here!
6. Get all merry at a Christmas In July event
‘Tis the season to pretend that we’re in the Northern Hemisphere for a white Christmas…although replace ‘white’ with ‘very wet’ and we’ve got ourselves a winner. Christmas in July celebrations are rampant around the nation and Perth is no exception – check out our list of the best Christmas In July events around Perth this month.
7. Catch the last of this beloved Freo cafe before it shuts shop
Beloved Fremantle cafe, Duck Duck Bruce is set to close their doors for good this July. Duck Duck Bruce will sadly be forced out of their Collie Street outpost after a seven-year residency, and owners, Charlie, Woody, and Sean shared the saddening news a mere two weeks ago. Find out all the details about the closure here.
8. Explore a world of dinosaurs in Kings Park
During this weekend at Kings Park, step back in time 66 million years and come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs at Dino Fest! Discover the Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus, Carnotaurus, and plenty of other cute baby dinos and a whopping 30-plus other creatures. The 45-minute dinosaur encounter includes kids’ activities and a Dino Trail, and you can always make a day out of it and park up a picnic too in the May Drive Parklands.
9. Immerse yourself in the world’s largest public sculpture project
Wild About Babies is a free exhibition that shines a light on endangered animals, and aims to raise awareness about the growing, widespread issue. Roam the Perth Cultural Centre and outdoor precinct of the WA Museum Boola Bardip and discover a great eastern lowlands gorilla – a mother and universal protector – along with 20 life-sized baby animal sculptures. Read more regarding Wild About Babies here.
10. Welcome in the winter at the Scarborough Sunset Markets
Every Saturday evening from 13 May until the end of winter, you’ll be able to wander up the Scarborough Esplanade, which will be filled with a lengthy selection of food trucks and artisanal market stalls. Watch the sunset over the ocean while you browse the goodies on offer, all while sat next to a fire pit during those chilly evenings where a marshmallow over a flame is an absolute must. Find out more details about the Scarborough Sunset Markets Winter Edition here.
11. Have a go on the new mountain bike trails in Fremantle
Booyeembara Park in Freo’s east is now home to 400-metre trails for both intermediate and experienced track-goers, along with a pump track for those that are still finding their feet as riders. Power down advanced features like drops, tabletops, shark fins, and a wooden wall ride on the black trail, or make your way around the blue trail with its large tabletops, hip jumps, berms, and rollers. Read all about the Booyeembara Park Mountain Bike Trails here.
12. Gaze upon fine works of art at PICA’s Hatched
From now until Sunday 23 July at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) in Northbridge, join the gallery as it presents a new generation of artistic voices in its flagship annual exhibition Hatched: National Graduate Show. Now in its 32nd year, Hatched is showcasing the work of 26 graduates from 21 art schools, with many a different medium to discover through the PICA’s gallery maze.
13. Have a gander around the Perth City Farm Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 8am to 12pm, head over to City Farm for the Perth City Farm Farmers Market. Expect farm fresh and organic products straight from the producer to you. Held outside in the green gardens, you’ll be able to connect with your groceries on another level, while engaging in conversation about sustainable food stuffs. There’s a cafe and nursery on site to for a bite to eat and a gander. Find everything from spray-free fresh fruit and vege, local honey and olive oils, to homemade soaps, eco-friendly beauty products and niche little gifts.
14. Roam around this poppin’ farmer’s market
The Local Farmers Market at Honeywood Estate is reoccurs every Sunday 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.