April gets off to a strong start with two of the city’s biggest free events running simultaneously across the Easter long weekend, and barely lets up from there. Here’s what’s on this month.
Whiteman Park Children’s Forest
Tucked within Whiteman Park, the Children’s Forest is a family-friendly trail designed for curious little explorers (and the grown-ups tagging along). Winding through native bushland, the walk is dotted with hidden sculptures and tiny fairy doors, encouraging kids to slow down, look more closely, and spot what they can along the way.
With autumn in full swing, now is the perfect time to visit the Children’s Forest without the worry of the summer heat. Pack a picnic, take your time, and let the kids lead the way.
Fremantle International Street Arts Festival
Now in its 26th year, the Fremantle International Street Arts Festival runs this full Easter long weekend across Fremantle’s streets, laneways, and waterfront. More than 160 free, family-friendly performances bring together artists from Australia, the UK, France, China, Japan, Spain, the USA, and Chile: water-based acrobats at the fishing boat harbour, circus performers above the laneways, and comedians catching café audiences mid-coffee.
Where: Fremantle
When: Easter Long Weekend — Friday, April 3rd to Monday, April 6th
Chase the Sun Long Weekender
Running over the Easter weekend, Hotel Rottnest is hosting four days of live music just steps from the water on our favourite island paradise. DJs run Friday and Monday, the Wild Flower Band plays Saturday, and the Ragdoll Band takes over Sunday.
Entry is free all weekend, with no bookings required.
Where: Hotel Rottnest
When: Easter Long Weekend — Friday, April 3rd to Monday, April 6th
More information.
Good Friday lunch at Isola Bar e Cibo
This Good Friday, Isola Bar e Cibo is hosting a shared Italian feast. It’s a generous share-style feast that’ll include house-made focaccia, Fremantle octopus, Abrolhos scallops, Cervantes rock lobster bruschetta, calamari, and fresh Caprese. It’s pasta for mains — ricotta and spinach cannelloni and blue swimmer crab taglierini — and you’ll finish with an Italian dessert board.
Where: Isola Bar e Cibo
When: Friday, April 3rd
Tickets can be purchased here.
State Buildings Heritage Tours
The State Buildings — home to the city’s General Post Office, Treasury, and Titles Office for more than 150 years — are running guided heritage tours throughout April. The 45-minute walk, run by the COMO The Treasury Concierge team, takes in Cathedral Square and wraps up at Edicole with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
Tours run on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:00 pm and are priced at $35.00 per person.
Where: State Buildings
Bookings can be made here.
No More Blank Walls Mural Festival
South Perth becomes an open-air gallery this month as the No More Blank Walls Mural Festival brings local, national, and international street artists — including Irish muralist Aches — to paint live across South Perth, Manning, Karawara, and Kensington. The murals go up in real time, so the trail evolves across the nine days.
The wider program includes artist talks, hands-on workshops, guided tours, and Blank Walls Live — an art battle with DJs, food, and drinks. Entry to the festival is free throughout.
When: Friday, April 10th to Saturday, April 18th
French Markets at Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square gets a Gallic makeover with authentic French food, artisan goods, live music, face painting, and a photobooth filling the precinct. French-inspired outfits are encouraged — prizes go to the most creative. Free entry.
When: Saturday, April 11th (9:00 am to 3:00 pm)
Where: Cathedral Square, Perth
More information.
Scarborough Beach Weekender
Large-scale live music returns to Scarborough with the Scarborough Beach Weekender. Saturday’s lineup is led by New Zealand reggae-soul outfit L.A.B, with Corrella, Saritah, and Finn Alexander & The Forever Party rounding out the day. On Sunday, Xavier Rudd headlines alongside Coterie, South Summit, Teischa, and Thornbird.
Food vendors and licensed bars run throughout, with the Sunset Lounge VIP experience stepping things up with elevated viewing and dedicated facilities.
When: Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th
Where: Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre
Tickets are available here.
Yacht Rock #7 at Hotel Rottnest
We’re heading back to the 80s as Hotel Rottnest hosts its seventh Yacht Rock — a free-entry island night with the Yacht Rock DJs and Let’s Get Yacht. For those not staying over, Rottnest Express runs a 9:00 pm late-night ferry back to the mainland. No bookings required.
When: Saturday, April 18th
Where: Hotel Rottnest
More information can be found here.
Thursday French nights at Avalon
Every Thursday, Avalon hosts a French night featuring a shared set menu centred on Mediterranean-inspired flavours, with live music to set the atmosphere. No special occasion needed; just grab your friends and family and enjoy a relaxed midweek dinner.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Avalon, Claremont
Bookings can be made here.
