Perth's not only Australia's capital of cool (thanks, CNN!) but also a thriving hub of arts and culture.
If you love a good night at the theatre, and to delight your senses with the work of talented artists, here's some fantastic events to look forward to in the cultural capital of the West.
Sculpture by the Sea | 6 - 23 March
The 16th annual Sculpture by the Sea is staged on the beautiful Cottesloe Beach, making an extraordinary backdrop for this creative works. The exhibition starts at the sea wall and goes along the sand towards North Cottesloe and the surrounding grassed areas. Works by acclaimed local and international artists form an incredible sculpture park, for a truly amazing artistic experience. The exhibition is one of Perth's largest free public events, attracting an estimated 250,000 visitors to explore the art and create Perth's own version of the Italian passeggiata. More than 70 Australian and international artists are set to showcase their work across the 18-day exhibition.
Alliance Française French Film Festival | 11 March - 8 April
2020 welcomes both a new decade and the sparkling 31st edition of the Alliance Française French Film Festival, once again unveiling a thrilling selection of contemporary French cinema, guaranteed to captivate and stimulate audiences around the country. Artistic Director Philippe Platel has spent the past 12 months reviewing hundreds of films in order to select the superlative array of 49 features and documentaries, along with 2 thrilling television shows, that form this year's programme. The festival screens at Palace Cinemas Raine Square (Perth City), Cinema Paradiso (Northbridge), Luna Palace Cinemas Windsor (Nedlands) and Luna on SX (Fremantle).
Adventure Travel Film Festival | 20 - 22 March
This celebration of adventure travel films from around the world will screen 29 independent travel films over three days right in the heart of Fremantle, from March 20 - 22. These raw, honest and inspiring films are made by the adventurers themselves, capturing the essence of travel and self-discovery. A smorgasbord of DIY travel, the Adventure Travel Film Festival will leave you breathless and uplifted.
War Horse | 24 March - 12 April
War Horse, the unforgettable and internationally acclaimed theatrical event from the National Theatre of Great Britain, will play the Crown Theatre Perth from 24 March to 12 April. This remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship tells the story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping horses to life on stage.
Revealed Art Market | 3 - 4 April
This year's 2020 Revealed WA Aboriginal Art Market will be the biggest yet, expanding to run over two days due to overwhelming popularity, from 3 - 4 April at the Fremantle Arts Centre. Revealed is the only market bringing together WA's 25 remote and regional Aboriginal art centres and independent Aboriginal artists in one place to sell their artworks, with 100% of profits from Revealed sales going back to the artists and art centres. Head to Fremantle to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Aboriginal artistic practice all over WA!
Fremantle International Street Arts Festival | 10 - 13 April
Another awesome Fremantle festival, the Fremantle International Street Arts Festival will transform Freo into a world stage from 10 - 13 April. Each year over the Easter long weekend, the streets of Fremantle become an open-air theatre of the amazing, weird and wacky, while Fremantle's famous alfresco dining levels up with pop-up bars and eateries extending into the streets. Head to Numbat Pitch to catch Fremantle's finest buskers, and watch out for Erth's Dinosaurs roaming the streets. Perth's own globetrotting best worst DJ Tomás Ford will be throwing down for a huge street party at the Crap Music Rave Party - request any song you want, as long as it's terrible!
Perth Comedy Festival | 20 April - 17 May
This year's Perth Comedy Festival brings together some of the world's biggest names alongside homegrown comedy stars in a month-long laughfest! You'll find shows at The Regal Theatre (Subiaco), Astor Theatre and Lounge (Mt Lawley), Comedy Lounge (Perth City), State Theatre Centre of WA (Northbridge) and Rock Rover (Fremantle). Acts include the "King of Live Comedy", Jason Byrne, UK comedy legend Jamali Maddix, and many more. Check out the star-studded lineup here.
The Moro Spanish Film Festival | 29 April - 17 May
The 23rd Moro Spanish Film Festival returns from 29 April - 17 May, with a flick of the flamenco heel and toothpicks for our pinchos to celebrate cinema with a curated program from Spain and Latin America. Screened exclusively at Palace Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge, the full program will be announced Wednesday 1 April with tickets going on sale the same day.
Armadale Arts Festival | 1 - 17 May
The Armadale Arts Festival is a creative program of live music, urban art, dance, literature and arts and crafts, all showcasing the incredible talent coming from the Armadale region, held from 1 to 17 May. The 2020 program will be released soon, so keep an eye on armadaleartsfestival.com.au, and while you're in town, check out our great list of things to do in Armadale.
Moondyne Festival | 3 May
Go back in time on 3 May with Toodyay's colonial Moondyne Festival celebrating the life of the infamous bushranger, Moondyne Joe. The Festival is jam packed with exciting activities throughout the day in the main street of Toodyay, Colonial Village, St Stephens Church grounds, Duidgee Park & Stirling Park. Enjoy music, live poetry readings, street performers, miniature railway rides and more. Toodyay is situated inland in the picturesque Avon Valley region, only 80km North/East of Perth, and with its heritage architecture and gorgeous nature reserves make it well worth staying a while - check out the Toodyay Visitor Centre for more.
