Thought the outdoor events would slow down now that the days are shorter and the weather cooler? Think again.
This week, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the fine autumn weather with two beachside festivals, an outdoor yoga class, and a dog-friendly afternoon at one of Perth’s favourite bar courtyards on the calendar. Early adopters of winter’s indoor lifestyle still have a lot to do, too, with not one but two whisky-sampling events and an indulgent Sunday lunch.
Here’s your guide to what’s on this week in Perth:
Tuesday, April 25th
ANZAC Day
Rise before the sun to pay your respects to our fallen soldiers at one of the many ANZAC Day ceremonies being held around Perth. There are the traditional dawn services at Kings Park and the Fremantle War Memorial, plenty of smaller suburban memorials, and a new sunset service on ANZAC Day Eve.
You can find our comprehensive guide to all the services and events here.
Thursday, April 27th
Scarborough Sunset Markets
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this Thursday is the very last of the Scarborough Sunset Markets for the season. The food trucks and market stalls will be going into hibernation until May, when they’ll resurface for a spin-off Saturday afternoon winter series. So, get yourself down for one last Thursday night bubbly-based pizza and sunset-backed DJ set in the amphitheatre. The fun starts at 5:00 pm and runs until well after sunset.
Candlelight Jazz & Soul
There’s nothing more romantic than date night at an intimate concert by the soft glow of candlelight. Close your eyes and float away to the soulful sounds of the Howie Morgan Trio covering jazz and soul icons Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, and more for Candlelight Jazz & Soul at Perth Concert Hall. The trio are known around Perth for their lilting acoustic music which, when applied to the likes of Valerie and Rehab, makes for a playlist of hits as you’ve never heard them before.
Weeknight Whiskies Ft. Starward Whisky
The only thing better than a smooth yet complex whisky is a free smooth yet complex whisky. Pop downstairs to Foxtrot Unicorn on Thursday, and the latter will be yours. The bar is teaming up with Melbourne-based Starward Whisky for a free tasting of its range, poured by brand ambassador Matty Follent. He’s there to answer any questions you might have, and he’ll even let you try some of the brand’s rarer and limited releases. After the tasting, stick around and buy one of the Starward cocktail specials and a famed Foxtrot Unicorn jaffle.
Friday, April 28th
LOOP Nightclub Launch
Perth loves a new venue; the latest hits Joondalup this Friday night. Around the corner from Lakeside Joondalup, LOOP Nightclub promises to be ‘Perth’s answer to the London cult grime scene’. Decked out with WA’s only photon laser light and thousands of LED lights, this multi-stage nightclub isn’t mucking around. Head down from 9:00 pm on opening night for sets from Mike De Wet, Jaida Rose, and Rovy Rush, or on Saturday night for the first of the resident boiler room sets from bbyviccy.
Sorrento Night Market
All of our favourite weeknight markets are in the process of winding down, with the Sorrento Night Market also going into hibernation for winter after this week’s event. Head to Seacrest Park Community Sporting Facility from 4:30 pm for one last hurrah. Get there early to beat the lines at Baolicious and Master Panda, and enjoy the free live music from 5:30 pm. There’s even complimentary face painting for the kids from 5:00 pm onwards.
Nat’s What I Reckon: Yeah Righto
Australia’s favourite, sweary comedian is in Perth for the weekend, hosting two stand-up shows at the Astor Theatre. Nat’s What I Reckon shot to fame for his disdain towards jar sauce and, since, has amassed more than 4 million online fans and viewers. His hilarious social commentary and good-natured banter have won people’s hearts worldwide, and he’s bringing that sarcastic brand of comedy to life on his Australia-wide tour.
Stephen K Amos: Before And Laughter
Fresh from London’s West End, Stephen K Amos brings his signature wit and charm to Perth’s Regal Theatre for the Perth Comedy Festival. The award-winning writer, actor, and comedian is well-loved in Perth, returning every few years to sell out audiences. Join him as he muses about the extraordinary events of the past few years, putting a comedic spin on one of the strangest periods in recent history.
Saturday, April 29th
Wedding UpMarket
Planning a wedding can be a daunting prospect. Take some of the anxiety and guesswork out of the process with a trip to this weekend’s free Wedding UpMarket at UWA. Wander through more than 50 stalls to find some fun ideas for hens and bucks parties (champagne and charcoal drawing, perhaps?), discover dress, ring, and accessory designers, and speak to different venues and celebrants. Stalls will be set up from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Yoga In The Park
Start your Saturday right with some sun salutations and downward dogs in Hyde Park. Blooming Happy Yoga is running a ‘pay what you feel’ Vinyasa class under the trees at the corner of Willam and Glendower Streets, open to anyone of any age and skill level. There’s no need to pre-book, just bring your mat and arrive for a 9:00 am start. After the one-hour class, head across to Chu Bakery for a coffee and one of their impeccably put-together pastries.
By The C
Make the most of being beachside while the weather is still hovering in the high 20s, and get yourself a ticket to By The C in Hillarys. The festival is a celebration of rock music, headlined by none other than iconic Australian band Icehouse (‘Great Southern Land’ and ‘Hey Little Girl’). They’re joined on the bill by Perth stars Birds of Tokyo and Eskimo Joe, who’ll take to the stage as the sun sets over the ocean.
The Whisky Show
Get your winter bar cart sorted after a session at The Whisky List’s The Whisky Show. There are over 60 whiskies up for the tasting over each three-hour session at The Mecure Perth, hailing from Australia, America, Scotland, and the world. Take your free tasting glass — handed out on arrival, along with a bag of snacks and water — and visit distilleries like Lawrenny and The GlenDronach for a tipple, then pay the old and rare whiskies pop-up bar a visit. Remember, you can purchase anything you try on the day to add to your collection at home.
Sunday, April 30th
Pooch-a-palooza
Pop your pooch’s harness on and pop down to Henry Summer for a dog-centric one-day festival this Sunday. From midday, the courtyard will be home to a DJ, a dog photo booth, and market stalls, all to be enjoyed in the sunshine with a cocktail and a puppuccino in hand or paw. It’s free entry, but donations are welcome at the door, all to go to dog charities at the end of the event.
WAAPA Open Day
Ever wondered what it takes to be on the big screen? WAAPA, one of Australia’s leading acting and musical theatre conservatories, is opening their doors for one day and taking people behind the scenes of its operation. Head down between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to see students in rehearsals, classes, and short concerts and wander the design, costume, and prop displays. There’s also the chance to discuss course options and auditions with faculty members, should the performing arts be something you want to pursue further.
Sunday Lunch
Forget the roast beef and gravy; Republic of Fremantle’s Sunday Lunch series is as far from as you can get. Kicking off this weekend, the series will showcase the freshest and most unique ingredients to hit the kitchen that week in a share-style menu curated by head chef Emily Jones. There’s no knowing what to expect on the set menu each week, so go in with an open mind and an empty stomach.
RTRFM’s In The Pines 2023: 30 Years Of Pines
Celebrate a monumental milestone with Perth’s premier community radio station at RTRFM’s In The Pines 2023. It’s the music festival’s 30th anniversary, so they’re calling in the big guns. 20 Perth artists and ten DJs will be playing across three stages at UWA’s Sommerville Auditorium, including old favourites Drea, Kill Devil Hills, and the Love Junkies. Fuel up for a big afternoon of dancing with a Hoodburger or some Big Slice pizza, then grab an Otherside Beer and make your way to the dance zone.
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Lead image: supplied
