From free concerts to Christmas markets, check out City of Melville’s summer events
While the festive season is traditionally known as a time of year for giving, it’s also very much a time for doing!
And if you’re on the hunt for some free and fun activities for the fam over the holiday period, the City of Melville’s stacked summer lineup of events really does have something for everyone.
From their beloved outdoor music series to Christmas markets, art classes and more, here’s a sample of what you can find in Perth’s southern suburbs this summer:
Melville Summer Music (Multiple dates)
One of Perth’s most popular live music series has returned to Saturday evenings for the next few months, taking over some of the City’s most delightful green spaces. The events are free and encourage you to bring a picnic blanket and perch up for an evening of stellar live music at sunset. This Saturday you can catch Randa And The Soul Kingdom, followed by Zukhuta on December 21. It fires back up every second Saturday from January 11, 2025 – check the rest of the schedule here.
Atwell House Arts Precinct – Christmas Bazaar (Dec 7-8)
The Atwell House Arts Precinct Christmas Bazaar is also back on this Saturday and Sunday, where you’ll be able to enjoy demonstrations and buy artworks including ceramics, paintings and prints all created by WA makers and artists. It’s a great chance to score some gifts or homewares while supporting local artists at the same time!
Life Drawing Sundays (Sunday mornings)
Every Sunday morning from now until January 5 you can also head to Atwell House from 9am-midday for Life Drawing Sundays. They’re just $25 per session, and provide a casual, untutored session featuring both short and long poses for you to work in your preferred medium and size. Remember to BYO drawing materials!
Perth Makers Market (Dec 15 + Feb 23)
Another brilliant opportunity to source some gifts while supporting local, the Perth Makers Market features over 150 stalls of one-of-a-kind, handmade treasures from local artisans. It’s a lovely day out with heaps of food options, kids activities and more while you shop. There’s a pre-Christmas market on Sunday 15 December, before it returns on February 23, 2025.
VHS Tracking with Erin Coates (Dec 11)
The fifth edition of VHS Tracking Presents is a screening of a stone cold classic, Night Of The Living Dead, at Goolugatup Heathcote on Wednesday 11 December. Inviting local artists to present a film of their selection, Erin Coates presents George A Romero’s genre defining masterpiece. Entry is free with complimentary popcorn and drinks available to purchase at the bar.
Shelter TILT Exhibition (Now-Jan 19)
TILT is Goolugatup’s annual site-responsive commission and in 2024 they’ve welcomed artists Abdul-Rahman Abdullah & Anna Louise Richardson and their exhibition, SHELTER. SHELTER envisions Goolugatup as a junction between land, sky and water, a site of refuge in the heart of the city, focusing on two endemic bird species that thrive in the contested spaces created by human proximity. The immersive experience is on now until January 19 – find out more here.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out ART PLAY | TILT Edition – a creative, sensory learning experience designed in collaboration with the exhibition to engage young creatives and little art lovers. Unpack a basket of materials and activities and work through at your own pace whilst exploring the gorgeous grounds of Goolugatup Heathcote. ART PLAY baskets cost $5 with a $10 deposit and are available from the Goolugatup Heathcote Gallery reception through the duration of the exhibit.
Sustainability & Environment Events (Various Dates)
If exploring ways to become more sustainable is one of your New Year’s resolutions, be sure to check out the wide range of DIY workshops here. From making your own coffee body scrub and plastic-free deodorant to the Kids and Babies Buy Nothing Market, there’s something for everyone wanting to reduce their impact.
Library Christmas Events (Various Dates)
If you’re feeling the festive season fun and want to get into the spirit over the next few weeks, you’ll find plenty at a few of the libraries in City of Melville. From Christmas movie nights for the family to craft sessions, Santa visits and more – head to their What’s On page and explore what’s coming up.
Head to melvillecity.com.au/things-to-do for more holiday season inspo!
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