Perth Festival 2025: Awaken to an incredible summer of music, art and culture
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.
Here’s just a few of the highlights coming next year:
East Perth Power Station is reborn
For the first time in decades, the East Perth Power Station comes alive, becoming a major hub for the festival. At it, and the festival’s, epicentre will be Casa Musica. Every Wednesday to Sunday afternoon, this free event channels the energy of Europe’s bustling piazzas with performances from across the Indian Ocean rim with dance, food, and culture coming together to create a warm summer vibe.
Along with Casa Musica, every night the walls of the Power Station become the canvas for an ambitious art commission, part of an exciting new celebration of First Nations artists, Boorloo Contemporary.
And finally, after dark a hidden corner of the Power Station will transform into a ticketed Main Stage of euphoric revelry complete with experimental, electronic and live music from the likes of:
– Nils Frahm, whose hauntingly beautiful electronic compositions will leave you spellbound.
– Moktar, an Egyptian-Australian DJ and producer blending African highlife with electro-funk beats
– Röyksopp (above), this Norwegian duo are bringing a major electronic DJ set in an unforgettable industrial setting.
– Ibibio Sound Machine (below), electronic afro-funk act from London will provide the soundtrack to the best night of your life.
– Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, featuring the legendary Midnight Oil in a rare performance of his solo work alongside a selection of Oils classics.
The Embassy: Late nights, big stories, nostalgic charm
Taking over the historic Perth Town Hall, The Embassy is Perth Festival’s late-night cultural hub, featuring:
– Musical Delights: A lineup of world-class talent will have you swaying into the night, including Ali Bodycoat, Tami Neilson (below) and Camille O’Sullivan.
– Up Late and Unexpected: Fridays through Sundays, The Embassy transforms into a free late-night hotspot. Grab a drink, soak in the atmosphere, and prepare for surprise performances and artist encounters.
– A Night Out West: Celebrate the Coolbaroo Club’s legacy with an all-First Nations lineup, featuring Bumpy, the Wilarra Band, Too Lubly and more in a finale you won’t forget.
Your Summer Soundtrack: Other music program highlights
Perth Festival 2025 is packed with music to suit every taste – whether you’re into rock, electronic, classical, or global sounds, you’ll find something to love:
– International Icons: PJ Harvey kicks off her Australian tour in Kings Park, Fontaines D.C. bring their latest album, Romance, to Perth, and Portuguese fado star Mariza captivates with her stunning voice.
– Local Legends: From First Nations wonders Electric Fields to Qeerlectro pop phenoms Alter Boy, our national contingent more than holds their own over the festival’s journey.
Lotterywest Films: Cinema Under the Stars
Before the main festival even begins, Lotterywest Films sets the stage for summer with its iconic outdoor screenings. Held at UWA Somerville from November 25 right through until April next year, the program brings the best of world cinema to Perth.
Transcendent Theatre
Perth Festival has once again curated a beguiling theatre program featuring major international productions, fantastic First Nations stories and more, like:
– Mahabharata (below), visually stunning theatre spectacular performed in two parts and led by an international South Asian cast, this is a tale as old as Homer’s Odyssey or as recent as TV’s Succession. After acclaimed seasons in London and Toronto, this epic theatre show is coming exclusively to Perth.
– Is This A Room, based on whistleblower Reality Winner’s interrogation, this real-life thriller plays out word for word, following the official FBI transcript as they interrogate Winner in her apartment.
– Big Name, No Blankets, an epic rock’n’roll theatre show following the journey of iconic Australian outfit, Warumpi Band.
More Unmissable Highlights
We’ve barely scratched the surface above – Perth Festival 2025 is packed with must-see events:
– Killa: Pindan to Plate: This west Kimberley Saltwater story, invites guests to treat themselves to an opulent, very unique, very delicious long table dinner. Surrounded by a breathtaking cinematic film that transports you to the red dirt and the sea, this immersive ‘nose-to-tail’ dining experience takes you on the journey of the ‘killa’ – Kimberley cattle taken straight from the bush and shared amongst families.
– Virtual reality: Two immersive virtual reality experiences making their debut in Perth: Ultimate Safari explores the breathtaking savannahs of Tanzania and the wildlife conservation efforts there while closer to home, The Great Kimberley Wilderness showcases the untamed beauty of one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring regions in this 35-minute cinematic experience.
– Dance that Dazzles: From the icy inspiration of Larsen C all the way from Greece, to 10 electrifying performers out of Portugal in CARCAÇA, the dance program promises magic in motion from around the globe.
– Unexpected Adventures: Head to Astral Weeks for surprise guest artists talks, vinyl picks and stripped-down acoustic sets (presented by us!); try your luck with Secret Opera, an intimate performance in a mystery location; or take the mic with Orchestra-oke, backed by the Perth Symphony Orchestra!
– Community events: This year the Festival takes over Perth’s skies and riverways with Karla Bidi. It’s free to experience and will transform the Swan River I Derbarl Yerrigan into a stunning, illuminated pathway, with large beacons of light stretching from the hills to the sea.
Tickets are on sale now
Whether you’re dancing under the stars at the Power Station, soaking in the charm of The Embassy, or enjoying a film at Somerville, Perth Festival 2025 is your chance to experience art, culture, and community like never before – grab your tickets now at perthfestival.com.au.
–
Perth is OK! is proud to be a presenting partner of the 2025 Perth Festival.