While summer is officially over, we’re not ready to say goodbye to the festival season yet. Just as well, the music festivals are continuing on for those of us displaying a bit of Autumn denial. Bluesfest Perth, Electric Island, and the Seasons Summer Finale are all due to happen later this week. Now you’ve got your music fix, time to sort out the schedule for the rest of the family. And how can we miss the first western derby of the year?
Here’s what’s on this week in Perth:
Friday, March 31st
Kalamunda Show
The traditional annual community event, the Kalamunda Show, is now in its 122nd year. Over the two-day show, catch musical acts like the Darling Range Wind Ensemble Band and Stevedore’s Jazz Band, and see the eco fairies and balloon twisters wandering around the showgrounds. The ever-popular wood-chopping competition will be happening throughout the day, too, and Old MacDonald’s Farm will be there, ready for the little ones to cuddle up to some cute animals.
Grab some fairy floss or fresh doughnuts while you wander around and peruse the stalls selling flowers, craft supplies, jewellery, and show bags — a post-show must.
Saturday, April 1st
OZ Comic Con
Calling all Superman, Spiderman, and Batman lovers: everyone’s favourite comic book convention, Oz Comic Con, is returning to Perth after a five-year hiatus. It’s back bigger and better than ever, promising a drawing competition, the scribble wall, and a parade. But, the highlight of the weekend is the Perth Championship of Cosplay, where the winner will be crowned the ‘Australian Champion of Cosplay’.
It wouldn’t be a comic con without meeting notable guests. This year, Alexander Calvert (Supernatural), Brian Beacock (Digimon Tamers and Sailor Moon Eternal), Julian Richings (Man of Steel and X-Men: The Last Stand), and Keiynan Lonsdale (The Flash), will be there.
Bluesfest Perth
Enjoy an evening of tuneful blues and roots music among the lush gardens and blooming jacaranda trees at Nikola Estate. Bluesfest Perth is bringing some of the biggest names in the genre to town, including the four-time Grammy winners The Doobie Brothers, American rock band Counting Crows, Australian singer and songwriter John Butler, and two-time ARIA-award winner Jessica Mauboy.
Watch along from the lawn, or splurge on the ‘VIP blues-best platform’ package for an even better experience in an exclusive VIP area with a grazing table and private amenities. Preface the concert with the ultimate of indulgences, the ‘VIP blues feast long table lunch’, which you can add to the VIP experience with the ‘VIP best of both’ package.
Seasons Summer Finale
Send off the warm weather with Seasons Summer Finale at Perth’s biggest beer garden, The Camfield. Settle in for the afternoon with a woodfired pizza and a pint, and slowly ease into the party. The venue will be decked out with everything Seasons is known for, like multiple stages, a silent disco, karaoke, and a photo booth.
Sunday, April 2nd
Fremantle Dockers vs West Coast Eagles
It’s that time of the year when the state splits down the middle, and football is all anyone can talk about — the Western Derby. The 56th iteration of the beloved local match kicks off at 3:20 pm at Optus Stadium and, should you miss out on game day tickets, can be seen on screens at pubs and sports bars around Perth. Now’s the time to prepare your team colours and gear up to claim the bragging rights until they meet again.
Electric Island
Three years in the making, the most nostalgic dance party, Electric Island, will head to the shores of Cottesloe Beach. Bask in the last of the sun’s rays whilst dancing to tunes from dance floor heavy-hitters who have a collective 70+ years in the music industry. English electronic music duo Basement Jaxx will headline the party, which starts with sets from Roger Sanchez, Dr Packer, Mark Knight, and Yorp DJs.
Absolutely Livid Festival
Perth’s laneways are no stranger to music festivals, the latest — Absolutely Livid Festival — popping up in Scarborough. It’ll be a full day and night of music, including sets by Sprinter (who just recently sold out Indian Ocean Hotel), Ghost Care, No Charisma, Fool Nelson, and more. Get down early to fit in a swim and a meal at El Grotto beforehand.
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Lead image: Sam Aronov
