What’s on around Perth this week

Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s happening around Perth this week.

And for more fun and things to do around town, don’t forget to check out:

• September school holidays guide
• Perth’s best bottomless brunches
• Perth’s best quiz nights
• Food news wrap
• Perth’s best weekly meal specials
• Perth’s best happy hours

ON-GOING

Lights Alive @ Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo is staying up late for Lights Alive! Kicking off this Saturday and running until October 20, Perth Zoo stays open until 7.30pm, with the lights flicking on at 4pm with a dazzling light trail to explore. There’s also live acoustic music on the oak lawn, roving entertainment and more, and don’t forget you can do all this with your Perth Zoo Free Pass.

Indian Ocean Craft Triennial @ Various

Following its 2021 debut, the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA) makes its much-anticipated return to Western Australia this month, with 32 lead artists activating the WA community across over 70 exhibitions to the theme of, ‘Codes in Parallel’. It runs for three months, with an ‘international’ exhibition at its heart from six Indian countries – India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa, including First Nations Australians and Australians of diverse heritages. There will also be a community-led component – presenting a further 60+ exhibitions and activating more than 300 artists from Esperance to Broome! Get all the details at indianoceancrafttriennial.com.

Empress Josephine’s Garden @ WA Maritime Museum

Making its global debut, Empress Joséphine’s Garden is a modern, immersive large-screen digital experience exploring the little-known story of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte’s garden in Paris! Discover how it was filled with flora and fauna from around the globe including black swans, kangaroos, emus, and hundreds of exotic plants from WA at this new exhibition at the WA Maritime Museum. It kicks off this Saturday and runs through til February next year – more info/tickets here.

Hatched @ PICA

PICA’s Hatched: National Graduate Show 2024 presents a dynamic selection of emerging artists recently graduated from art schools across Australia, taking over the stunning surrounds of PICA until October 13. Nominated by their teachers and selected by a panel of nationally acclaimed artists and curators, Hatched represents the diverse and compelling practices of the next generation of artistic voices – more info here.

The Revival House @ Como Theatre

The Revival House is dedicated to bringing the Como Theatre back to its cinematic roots by screening movies exclusively from 16mm or 35mm film prints! Catch a mix of cult faves, Academy Award-winners, cinema classics, kids jams and more on the big screen in the beautiful surrounds of the art deco Como Theatre. Check out their upcoming program here.

TIME • RONE @ AGWA

TIME • RONE is AGWA’s spectacular exhibition, taking over Centenary Galleries, which have been fully opened for the first time in almost 20 years, allowing for an immersive experience the likes of which Perth has never seen. Along with the exhibition proper (running until February 2025), there is also exclusive long table dining events, after dark sessions and hidden bar to explore – get all the details and book your visit here.

To The Moon @ WA Museum Boola Bardip

Visitors can jump aboard a virtual trip to the Moon at the captivating new space exhibition, To The Moon, combining lunar art, culturally significant stories and scientific objects to create a multiform display. The exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to learn about space exploration, how it has shaped popular culture, and what the future of space exploration could look like. Find out more and grab tickets here, it’s on until October 7.

THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER

EverNow @ Various (Thur-Sun)

EverNow makes its much-anticipated return to Perth this weekend with International sky theatre masters Groupe F presenting their Australian-exclusive spectacular by the shores of the Derbarl Yerrigan along with loads more over four spectacular days. All of the events are free, find out more via evernow.com.au.

Thrifty Thursdays @ FOMO Freo

FOMO Freo is upping the ante with Thrifty Thursdays! A huuuuuuge selection of FOMO’s tastiest vendors are serving up wallet-friendly hawker-style specials for lunch and dinner every week. Think $15 laksa from Yin Yang, $10 curry and rice from Mumbai Rocks, $25 nasi campur and Bintang from Suku and loads more.

CBD Pizza Club @ COPIA

COPIA is launching a new Pizza Club in the CBD, featuring woodfired pizzas in their cosy courtyard every Thursday and Friday from 4.30pm. There’ll be a weekly rotating menu of gourmet pizzas and COPIA’s famed extensive wine list to enjoy. Check their Insta for what’s coming up on the menu each week.

The Gong Show @ Comedy Lounge

Welcome to The Gong Show, where comedians battle it out with their best jokes against the gong with three minutes to make you laugh or face the wrath of the gong! More info/tickets here.

FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER

Side Splitter Comedy Festival @ Memorial Hall (Fri + Sat)

The popular Side Splitter Comedy festival returns for its ninth massive year of laughter at the iconic Memorial Hall in Hamilton Hill over the next two Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll find hilarious comedy gala’s, showcases, split bills and solo show, plus a pop-up garden bar, food truck and more – get the deets here.

Sorrento Night Markets @ Seacrest Park

From 4.30-8.30pm get along to find food trucks, light up fairies, gift stalls, live music and more. It’s pet friendly so take a picnic rug and enjoy a lovely night out with the whole fam.

Bayswater Twilight Markets @ Bert Wright Park

Back by ‘Paw-Pular’ demand, the Baysie Twilight Markets are a great spot to dine in the park with your family and four legged friends with food trucks for the people, and pet treats for your pooches! 5-8pm.

SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER

Groundswell Festival @ Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach and surrounds will play home to Perth’s ultimate weekend of surf, skate, 3×3 streetball comps, BMX bowl comps and stunt demos, DJs and live music, street art, food trucks, markets, free workshops, and activities. There’s also beach volleyball, a free dodgeball arena, live music in the amphitheatre and the soul-nourishing Tipi Village. Head to groundswellfestival.org to get all the gnarly deets.

International Festival of Speed @ CARCO Racewa (Sat + Sun)

Perth’s biggest car culture event, the International Festival of Speed, returns bigger and better over two massive days this weekend, with over 30,000 expected to get along and catch the action. From thrilling drifting and burnout demonstrations to a Championship Hill Climb, Time Attack Challenge, rare and exotic car displays, family-friendly entertainment, licensed bars, and more, there’s something for everyone, including the appearance of drifting icon Mad Mike Whiddett. More info here.

Oktoberfest @ Langley Park

Inspired of course by the traditional Bavarian festival and great bier, Oktoberfest in the Gardens features colossal beer halls, authentic German food stalls, roving performers, thrill rides, sideshow alley, silent discos, and an eclectic mix of entertainment and on-stage competitions across multiple stages – more info and tickets here.

Kaleidoscope World Fashion @ Montgomery Hall

This Saturday Gnarly Nandos is styling a pre-loved runway in collaboration with Good Sammy Shops for Kaleidoscope World of Fashion (KWF), producing an annual fashion show celebrating the power of diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.

Perth International Jazz Fest Launch @ Brookfield Place

The Perth International Jazz Festival and Brookfield Place are excited to take this year’s festival launch to new heights, transforming the CBD precinct into a world-class jazz destination, featuring nine artists across nine unique venues, each transporting guests to the vibrant streets of New York City. Roam from venue to venue from 5pm until midnight, with Print Hall, W Churchill, Papi Katsu, Bob’s Bar, Grill’d and Bobeche getting into the swing of things. More info/tickets here.

Fred again.. Appreciation Night @ Jack Rabbit Slim’s

Head to Slim’s from 9pm for a huge night of No Future DJs spinning a heavy serving of Fred again.. and other alt EDM between until the wee hours. More info here.

RTRFM Social Saturdays @ Rosemount Hotel

Every Saturday in the Rosie’s backyard enjoy RTRFM’s Social Saturdays, featuring an afternoon of community connection through shared experience from 2pm.

Farmer’s Market @ Perth City Farm

The weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market at Perth City Farm is a chance to shop locally and support Perth’s growers and farmers while also saving some dollarydoos! Head down from 8am-midday.

Subi Night Markets @ Market Square

The Subi Night Market are back baby! Each Saturday Market Square comes alive with more than 40 food trucks and speciality pop-up food vendors, a well-stocked gin bar from Spirit of Little Things Gin and plenty of gems in the artisan market stalls, plus this year’s market features surprise performances that capture the essence of European street life. Get all the details here.

Scarborough Sunset Markets @ Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre

It’s time to throw on your winter warmers because the Winter Edition of everyone’s fave coastal markets is back – every Saturday from 3-8pm! Turning the esplanade into a cosy sanctuary, you’ll find over 50 foodies and retailers, DJs, marshmallows around the firepit and more. Get all the details here.

SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER

Jazz in the Square @ Yagan Square

As part of Perth International Jazz Festival Yagan Square will be transformed into a free, family-friendly jazz fest of its own from 12-5pm, hosting some of WA’s best talent including the WA Academy of Performing Arts’ Django Ensemble and New Standards Ensemble, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) with Zero Emcee, and the Steve Hensby Band.

Leedy Art Fest @ Leederville Precinct

The inaugural Leedy Art Fest takes over the precinct this Sunday with heaps to explore, including art markets, workshops, a pre-loved book sale, kids creative play space, panel discussions, live music, DJs and much more. It’s free to attend, RSVP and get more info here.

Street Cricket for Safer Streets @ Mt Lawley

‘Street Cricket for Safer Streets’ is an open street community initiative as part of the Town Team Movement’s Streets Alive Program, presented by the North Perth Cricket Club. Head along to Alma Road this Sunday from 9am-12pm for a bit of fun with the family including street cricket games, family friendly activities and a space to share your views on streets as kid friendly places.

Guildford Vinyl Record Fair @ The Stirling Arms

Join local dealers and collectors selling a great range of new and pre-loved vinyl with free entry and free parking on site. Find some rare finds and enjoy a pub lunch and beverage while you’re at it. More info here.

Sunday Music @ Fremantle Arts Centre

Freo’s beloved free Sunday music series returns for another huge summer this Sunday, kicking off with a high energy, all-ages hip hop party hosted by Flewnt – New Wave! Free entry from 2-4pm, get all the details here.

NRL Grand Final Screening @ Various

While it might not have quite the same excitement over here as last weekend’s AFL Grand Final, we’re sure there’s plenty of you keen to get amongst the final game of the 2024 NRL Season. Most bars will be screening it, head to our list of Perth’s best sports to get some inspo.

Reclink Community Cup @ Leederville Oval

The Perth leg of the Reclink Community Cup will be held new venue Leederville Oval for its ninth year this Sunday from 12pm! It’s a head-to-head Aussie rules match between media and arts organisation personalities (Newshounds) and local musos (Bandgropers) to help fundraise funds for Reclink Australia (WA). There’s heaps of fun on the day including Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Swan Valley Animal Farm, Circus WA, mini golf, footy clinics and face painting as well as an Under 14’s Colts Grand Final as a curtain raiser. Tickets here!

Sunday Sessions @ Doubleview Bowls Club

Every Sunday arvo from 2pm head to the Doubleview bowlo for free barefoot bowls, music from Orange Ave DJs, pop-up kitchen by North54, giveaways, drink specials and more!

WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER

Teddy Bears Picnic @ Manning Park, Spearwood

Grab your favourite teddy bear for a special Teddy Bears Picnic at Manning Park! Pack a picnic blanket and get down from 9.30am-1pm for a free community event and great day out for the tiny ones (both teddy bear and human!). More info here.

COMING SOON

Telethon Family Festival @ Perth City

The fifth annual Telethon Family Festival set to bring free fun and entertainment to Perth City on Sunday 20 October from 10am-4pm, taking over RAC Arena, Wellington Street, Telethon Avenue, and Yagan Square! It’s free to attend with free public transport on the day, and you can enjoy the Lotterywest Kids Carnival, the LEGO Lounge, Telethon Community Stage, APM Charity Zone, Cinderlla silent disco in Yagan Square, Forrest Place Fun Zone, All-Abilities Sports Precinct and HEAPS more. Get all the info you need here.

Hit our EVENTS CALENDAR below to find out more of what’s happening in and around Perth.