The big events happening around Perth and Western Australia in 2025

Perth continues to go from strength to strength when it comes to large scale events, encouraging visitors from all over to plan trips to our little corner of the world.

Whether your one of those folks, or just a local curious as to what’s coming up in Perth and Western Australia this year, here’s a (constantly-updating) list of the biggest and best:

FEBRUARY

FRINGE WORLD (January 17-February 16)

Returning to Perth for an action-packed month from now until February 16, there’s literally hundreds of shows offering something for everyone including comedy, music and musicals, circus and much more.

Perth Festival (February 7)

Perth Festival is back to light up the city from February 7 to March 2, 2025. With over 100 events (including 64 free experiences), the festival brings a bold, vibrant program filled with art, music, dance, and immersive experiences. Under the fresh direction of Artistic Director Anna Reece, this year’s festival celebrates the stories that shape us, inviting all Perth locals and visitors to join in the magic of our West Coast Best Coast. Check out some of the highlights here, and the full program here.

Kylie (Feb 15)

Australia’s undisputed queen of pop, Kylie, returns to Perth for a massive show the day after Valentine’s Day (Galentine’s party anyone?), celebrating the triumphant release of her latest album, Tension II. The show is currently at capacity but keep an eye on the Ticketek website, as there is often a small amount of tickets released last-minute.

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival @ Wellington Square (February 16)

Tote-bag wielding Doc Martens-wearers won’t want to miss this one; Laneway Festival is back with a killer lineup featuring queen brat herself, Charli XCX, plus BICEP, Clairo, Barry Can’t Swim and many more. It takes over Wellington Square on Sunday 16 February.

Rottnest Channel Swim (February 22)

Now in its 34th year, the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim will be held on Saturday 22 February with over 2,600 participants from around the world registered for the famous 19.7km swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island.

Nannup Music Festival (February 28-March 3)

The eclectic Nannup Music Festival has been running since 1990, taking on the legacy of the South West Folk Festival, another community organised event that ran until 1987. As well as a diverse range of live music, there are plenty of fun street performers, free kids activities and delicious food vendors to make it a fun weekend for the whole family.

MARCH

New Order (March 5)

UK synth-pop legends New Order are coming to Perth this March! The tour will see the band perform their biggest hits over their four-decade, 10-album career, including the likes of Blue Monday, Temptation and Bizarre Love Triangle.

Fatboy Slim @ Langley Park (March 14)

Get ready to Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat when legendary dance music pioneer Fatboy Slim makes a triumphant return to Perth, playing an absolutely massive show at Langley Park on Friday 14 March. “Like the crazy drunk uncle who turns up every Xmas I’m coming back to my Aussie fam once again. Expect the usual inappropriate behaviour and interpretational dancing…” ​Tickets here.

Port to Pub (March 15)

The Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub swim is an open water swimming event with two races are swum over two distances from Leighton Beach in Fremantle to beautiful Rottnest Island in Western Australia – a direct 19.7km crossing open to solos, duos, and teams of four and six and a 25km ultra-marathon open to qualified solo swimmers. Registrations and more info can be found here.

Mandurah Crab Fest (March 15 + 16)

One of WA’s biggest free regional events, Mandurah Crab Fest 2025 will see the city come alive once again with exciting things to see, eat and experience, celebrating the Mandurah lifestyle with a feast for the senses. More than 100,000 people attended last year’s event, and this year’s looks no different with a stacked program of events and experiences for the whole family, including delicious food highlighting the iconic blue swimmer crab, along with headline music acts, Rogue Traders and Ricki-Lee Coulter. Find out more at crabfest.com.au.

Joondalup Festival (March 15-April 5)

From March 15 to April 5, the City of Joondalup will come alive with an eclectic mix of performances, installations, and events, headlined by the Western Australian debut of Water Dragons! From March 15 to April 5, the City of Joondalup will come alive with an eclectic mix of performances, installations, and events, headlined by the Western Australian debut of Water Dragons!

Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale (March 19-April 6)

We’ve got huge news for fantasy nerds and film fanatics alike (ourselves included): The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is coming to Perth! Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved, epic trilogy, the journey to Middle-earth will look a little different – taking on a whole new magic as a stage musical featuring live original songs and music by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony-winning composer Christopher Nightingale.

Hyperfest (March 29)

Hyper, WA’s longest running and largest alcohol-free, all-ages music festival, is celebrating its 25th birthday this year with another star-studded lineup of Australian talent. This year it’s headlined by San Cisco, Ruby Fields, Dice, South Summit and The Buoys, supported by an exciting selection of rising stars, including Playlunch, Fool Nelson, Mariae Cassandra, Increment, Ullah, Ricky Neil Jr., Daisy Park and 11;44. Since its inception in 2000, Hyper has been an iconic and important part of WA’s music scene, fostering the careers of countless artists and creating unforgettable memories for young audiences. Tickets here.

Western Derby (March 30)

West Coast will host the season’s first Derby in Round 3, which will mark the 60th time to the two teams have played each other. It’s at Optus Stadium on Sunday 30 March, more info here.

APRIL

Boorloo Heritage Festival (April 1-30)

The Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival is back for the month of April, a month long celebration of the built, cultural and natural heritage of Boorloo (Perth). The 2024 Festival was the biggest yet bringing together 72 partner organisations and 90,000 attendees to over 100 different events across the city, where visitors heard untold or little-known stories of the city through a range of experiences – from walks and talks to exhibitions, performances and open houses. The full program launches soon.

Sculpture at Bathers (April 4-21)

Sculpture at Bathers, a sculpture exhibition by the beach, returns this year to the Bathers Beach Art Precinct / Manjaree and WA Shipwrecks Museum, from April 4–21. You’ll find artist tours, workshops, exciting competitions and prizes – the perfect school holiday activity for kids and a great opportunity for family and friends to come together for an arty beach day.

Electric Island (April 5)

After a massive two-day festival at Cottesloe Beach in 2024, Electric Island (formerly Electric Gardens) returns to same location for one huge party on Saturday 5 April. Co-headlined by Hayden James and Duke Dumont, Electric Islands will blend the iconic aura of Ibiza and Bali’s beach clubs one of WA’s most iconic coastal backdrops.

Human Nature (April 5)

Global superstars Human Nature return to Perth to celebrate 20 years of the sound of Motown with their MTWN20 tour! Bringing the best from their acclaimed and awarded Las Vegas shows with their energetic productions, the group is heading across the country, performing hits from their multi-platinum albums Reach Out, Dancing In The Street and Get Ready.

York Motorcycle Festival (April 5-6)

The York Motorcycle Festival is family-friendly, and the free event that takes over Avon Terrace in York. Across the day there’ll be demonstrations, stunt shows, live music, markets, charity motorbike rides and loads more, and attendees are invited to spend the night in York to enjoy the historical township.

Karijini Experience (April 11-14)

The Karijini Experience offers a diverse and inclusive program of authentic, high-quality arts and cultural experiences. The event is designed to forge connections between people and the Homeland of the Banjima people, as well as the awe-inspiring landscape of Karijini National Park. Through a rich array of activities, the event aims to provide a genuine and immersive understanding of the region’s culture and natural beauty.

Cyndi Lauper (April 12)

Legendary pop icon Cyndi Lauper embarks on a major Australian tour this year, in what will be a bittersweet moment for fans, it will also serve as her Farewell Tour. After captivating audiences for decades with her timeless hits, Lauper is bringing her world-renowned show to RAC Arena with alt-pop icons The Veronicas joining the tour as special guests.

NRL Double Header (April 12)

NRL returns to Perth for another massive double header at Optus Stadium in April as part of the 2025 NRL Premiership season. The Cronulla Sharks take on Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in game one, before the South Sydney Rabbitohs duel North Queensland Cowboys for game two.

Jamba Nyinayi Festival (April 18-20)

Returning to Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) in April 2025, Jamba Nyinayi Festival is owned and created by Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) owners the Baiyungu people, and invites people of all cultures, communities and nationalities to come together in a celebration of connection and culture. The program focusing on delivering intimate and meaningful cultural and spiritual experiences – through music, dance, storytelling and workshops – with station stays from April 17-21 and new camping experiences on offer.

Fremantle International Street Arts Festival (April 18-21)

The historic streets of Fremantle will once again burst to life over the Easter long weekend as performers transform the city into a world stage. In a nod to Fremantle’s beloved busking history, the streets of are transformed into an open-air theatre of the amazing, weird and wacky, while Fremantle’s famous alfresco dining steps up a notch, with pop-up bars and eateries extending into the streets. More info here.

Perth Comedy Festival (April 24-May 21)

In just a few short years Perth Comedy Festival has established itself as a marquee event on the Perth entertainment calendar, and it’s back bigger than ever this April and May! Treat yourself to some amazing nights of food, drinks and laughs at some of Perth’s best venues, catching comedians from around the globe. You’ve got over 60 shows to choose from at beloved Perth venues like The Astor Theatre, The Rechabite, The Regal Theatre in Subiaco and Freo.Social.

MAY

Gracie Abrams (May 16 + 17)

GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams brings her highly anticipated The Secret of Us Tour down under, including two special nights at RAC Arena. Fast becoming a powerhouse in the international music scene with over seven billion streams globally, her triumphant first visit to Australia in January 2024 saw fans line the streets and six concerts selling out in mere minutes upon going on sale.

Margaret River Pro (May 17-27)

The Western Australia Margaret River Pro is one of only two Australian events on the World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour (CT), and every year sees the world’s best surfers arrive in town for 10 days of intense south west surfing. The 2025 event will once again be positioned as the mid-season decider, meaning we get to see the world’s best surfers put everything on the line at Surfer’s Point or The Box to advance to second half of the world tour.

HBF Run for a Reason (May 25)

HBF Run for a Reason is back again this year, and expected to host over 35,000 participants in the heart of Perth while raising over $1 million for health charities. As far as large-scale charity events in Perth go, we don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that HBF’s Run for a Reason is the biggest fitness fundraising event in town.

JUNE

Socceroos FIFA World Cup Qualifier (June 5)

Perth will host Australian men’s soccer team the Socceroos when they take on Japan as part of their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign. The match will be Australia’s final home fixture in the Round Three Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Qualifiers – Road To 26 Qualification campaign, and could be crucial in Socceroos’ chances of progressing to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

State of Origin Game II (June 18)

Game II of this year’s National Rugby League (NRL) State of Origin series will be held at Optus Stadium on Wednesday 18 June. One of the country’s biggest annual sporting events, last time Perth hosted a State of Origin game in 2022 it was a sellout with almost 60,000 rugby fans packing into the stadium.

JULY

Revelation Perth International Film Festival (July 2-13)

Over the past 27 years, the Revelation Perth International Film Festival (Rev) has continued to grow into one of this country’s most beloved and respected independent film fests. From humble beginnings as an underground film festival in the basement of the Greenwich Club in Perth, Rev is now recognised as one of the world’s most distinctive film festivals happening annually right here in Perth!

Good Food & Wine Show (July 18-20)

Australia’s longest-running food and wine show, the Good Food & Wine Show, is returning to Perth for its 24th year! Head to the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre for three delicious days of good food, good wine and great times. With over 200 exhibitors showcasing the best of Australia’s culinary scene from artisanal goods to fine wines and spirits, this event promises to be a feast for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike.

Nikki Glaser (July 25)

US comedian Nikki Glaser brings her wildly successful Alive and Unwell tour to Australia this July, including a stopover at Perth HPC on July 25. For nearly two decades of sold-out tours, and as the host of three hit podcasts, Nikki Glaser has honed her shockingly honest, no-holds barred style, solidifying herself as one of the funniest voices in comedy today. 

AUGUST

Paul Kelly (August 26)

Paul Kelly is set to undertake his biggest show in Australia and New Zealand to date, and he’s bringing it to RAC Arena! Kelly’s new album, titled Fever Longing Still, is his first album of new original material since 2018’s Nature. Led by singles Taught By Experts and Houndstooth Dress, it’s an album driven by a band in peak form – who fans can witness live onstage next year. Kelly will be joined by special guest Jason Isbell the 400 Unit and Fanny Lumsden.

Chevron City to Surf (August 31)

Western Australia’s largest and most iconic community event, the Chevron City to Surf for Activ is back in Perth on Sunday 27 August. Walk, run or roll on either the 4km or 12km course, with both options suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The 4km course starts from McLean Park in Floreat, and the 12km course will begin on St Georges Terrace in the Perth CBD. Both courses finish on City Beach Oval, which will be transformed into a family-friendly precinct with activities, entertainment and much, much more!

SEPTEMBER

Tyler, The Creator (September 4 + 5)

Tyler, The Creator will be embarking on a world tour in support of his seventh album, CHROMAKOPIA, released in 2024. Kicking off on February 4 in the US, Tyler’s tour will come to Australia in August and September, which was originally scheduled to wrap up on September 4, but the celebrated rapper/producer has announced a second show the following night.

The Perth Royal Show (September 27-October 4)

Perth’s fave September school holiday day out, The Royal Show, will be back in 2025. Expect a cavalcade of fun including rides, live entertainment, food, fireworks and of course, showbags. As always, the show will continue showcasing the connection between city and country, with plenty of agricultural activations, live animals, fairground attractions and more, a feature of proceedings since way back when it started in 1834!

OCTOBER

Bledisloe Cup (October 4)

The 2019 Bledisloe Cup match holds the record for the highest attendance for a sporting event at Optus Stadium, and the reason we know that is because it’ll be back at the stadium this year on October 4 – the only match of the Bledisloe Cup to be held down under in 2025! The only bad news really is that the match will if course be our Wallabies against the all-conquering New Zealand All Blacks, who we haven’t beaten since 2020, though we did win at the 2019 Optus Stadium match before that.

NOVEMBER

Metallica (November 1)

One of the most influential and successful bands in history, Metallica rock and roll into Perth’s Optus Stadium for one night only. The show will feature Metallica performing at the end of the stadium and will include the infamous Snake Pit, extending from the front of the stage. They’ve got some strong supports in tow as well – Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.

RÜFÜS DU SOL (November 7 + 8)

RÜFÜS DU SOL are returning to Perth to play RAC Arena on Friday 7 And Saturday 8 November. “Returning to Australia and New Zealand is always a special feeling for us. This is where it all began, and there’s no better place to share tracks off Inhale / Exhale,” said the band. “We can’t wait to explore this next chapter with everyone back home and reconnect with the energy that first inspired us.” It marks their first headline show in Perth since they played to thousands of adoring fans at Langley Park in 2022 (including a fair chunk of the Perth is OK! office), though the band did headline Wildlands Festival earlier this year.

The Ashes (November 21-25)

With the 2024/25 Australian cricket summer done and dusted, we’re already turning our attention towards next summer’s much anticipated Ashes series! Getting ahead of schedule to maximise fan travel plans, Cricket Australia released the schedule for the five test series, with the opener being played at Perth Stadium from November 21-25. It’s the first time in 43 years we’ve hosted the Ashes opener, and it comes ahead of Perth hosting the opening test for the upcoming Australia versus India five test series.

We’ll keep updating this throughout the year, and for more of what’s going on around Perth head to our What’s On Calendar.