Summer is the season of festivals, sunset markets and Sunday sessions.
The following events and festivals usually take place annually, however, some may have been postponed or cancelled for 2020 so please visit the event website for updates and dates for the upcoming season.
Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton
December | Rottnest Island and Leighton Beach, North Fremantle
More than a hundred kite boarders take to the seas for this annual race from Rottnest Island to the mainland. Making the most of the south-westerly sea breeze that freshens the coastline on steamy Perth summer days, competitors from around the world will head across to Rottnest in the morning to prepare for the race. Spend a day in sunny 'Rotto' and cheer them on their way, or head to the fabulous Leighton Beach to see them arrive. Find out more.
ATP Cup
January | RAC Arena, Perth
Watch tennis as you've never seen it before, with 24 countries competing across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney over 10 intense days, culminating in the winner-takes-all Final Eight. The ATP Cup is an annual 24-country team competition featuring AU$22 million US$15 million prize money and a maximum of 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP Rankings points. ATP is staging the event in partnership with Tennis Australia. Find out more.
Fremantle Falls Festival
January | Fremantle Oval Precinct
The Falls Festival brings a world class lineup of musicians each summer to Perth's port city. Centred on the Oval opposite Fremantle Markets, historic venues around the area will be used for supporting events. Fremantle Oval has shady trees and an old covered grandstand to protect you from the Perth summer rays, and a large outdoor beer garden promises to keep your thirst quenched. Pass outs enable you to wander around the markets, bars and restaurants of Fremantle, which buzzes even more than usual on Falls weekend. Find out more.
FRINGE World Festival
January & February | Perth CBD and Northbridge
Fringe World aims to bring a huge variety of performances and experiences, either free or at affordable prices, to involve absolutely everyone. Events cover all bases - comedy, circus, theatre, visual arts, musicals, dance and cabaret - staged in 63 venues, mostly spread around the Perth Cultural Centre, Yagan Square and Northbridge. Here you can grab a drink and bite to eat under the stars, take in a show and spot roving performers. Find out more.
Perth Festival
February & March | Various venues in and around Perth
On a bedrock of Indigenous culture, Perth Festival welcomes everyone to a glorious summer celebration of people and place. More than 250 events across theatre, music, dance, opera, film, visual arts and literature and ideas – many of them free dazzle audiences from near and far from February each year. Find out more.
St Jerome's Laneway Festival
February | Esplanade Reserve and West End, Fremantle
The Laneway is another hugely popular Perth summer music festival - one day chock full of diverse and original acts from around the world, including Australian debuts, new stars and established musicians. The festival is ideally suited to Perth's love of emerging and indie music. Food and drinks are available for purchase the festival, and pass outs let you make the most of Fremantle's Fishing Boat Harbour bars and restaurants, Bathers Beach and the laneways of the west end. Find out more.
Perth Summer Markets
November - March | Various locations
Glorious Perth summer days and balmy nights lend themselves to lazily browsing arts and crafts markets, especially in the lead-up to Christmas. Twilight food markets are a joy too over summer, bringing international food stalls for you to choose from as you watch the sun set and enjoy live music.
Bazaar Fremantle
November & December | Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
This popular annual Perth summer event is your chance to purchase unique Christmas gifts from 50 of WA's most talented creatives. Stalls selling fashion, ceramics, jewellery, artworks and stunning items for the home will be spread around the gardens of Fremantle Arts Centre. Spend Friday evening or a whole day there, enjoying food, drinks from the bar and DJ entertainment.
Joondalup Twilight Markets
November & December | Central Walk, Joondalup
On Friday evenings leading up to Christmas, Joondaup hosts evening markets to tempt shoppers looking for something a little different. Spread along Central Walk, the stalls will carry locally made items, while live music entertains you and workshops are offered for all ages.
Summer x Salt Markets
November - February | Brighton Reserve, Scarborough Beach
In the surfy salty vibe of Trigg and Scarborough, the annual Summer x Salt Markets run right through the warm months. Before or after a dip in the ocean, surround yourself with ocean-themed products from local designers, delicious food and live music. These markets focus on community and sustainability, so look out for plastic-free alternatives among the items on sale.
Twilight Hawkers Market
November - February | Forrest Place, Perth
Throughout summer, Perth CBD buzzes with life on Friday evenings, when locals relax at the end of the week, enjoy some late-night shopping and stroll through the Twilight Hawkers Market. Spread along Forrest Place, right in the heart of the activity, these stalls serve up a huge range of delicious international street food.
South Beach Sunset Market
December - February | South Beach, Fremantle
Locals look forward to December, when the South Beach Sunset Markets begin again, making the most of Perth summer weather. There are no gifts on sale here, but instead a range of food stalls set up on the foreshore with cuisine from around the world, a pop-up bar and kids' activities. Take a picnic rug and listen to live music as the sun sets over the ocean.
Perth Makers Market Pop Ups
December | Various locations
Perth Makers Market bring Christmas themed pop up markets to various locations in Perth including Perth City, Applecross and Fremantle, giving you access to beautiful hand-made wares that would otherwise be difficult to find. Indulge in Christmas shopping, with food on hand to keep you going.
Perth Summer Sunday Sessions
Sunday sessions are a tradition that come into their own during summer in Perth, when the weather heats up and outdoor venues offer cool drinks and tasty snacks. These are just some of the locations to check out on a hazy Sunday afternoon.
In Fremantle, enjoy live music in the gardens of Fremantle Arts Centre, with delicious food and drinks available in the courtyard cafe. The Norfolk Hotel is another Fremantle heritage building, where you can sit out in the courtyard or take shelter from the sun indoors.
Beachfront venues are especially popular during summer in Perth. COAST Port Beach in North Fremantle is right on the beach with plenty of room to spread out. In Cottesloe, the Ocean Beach Hotel has been a traditional Sunday session venue for many years, and has a wonderfully relaxed vibe with open windows overlooking the ocean. Cottesloe Beach Club is another great choice - a little more dressy with a large courtyard restaurant and bar at the back.
Perth rooftop bars fill up in summer, giving you a feeling of fresh air and space as you gaze over the city and Swan River. A popular venue is the Nest Rooftop Bar at The Aviary on top of the new hub on 140 William Street. Greenery, daybeds and comfy furniture make this a chilled place to while away your Sunday. Another great choice is Henry's Rooftop Bar at The Reveley on Elizabeth Quay, where you can breathe in the fresh breezes blowing across the river.
Riverside locations ideal for kicking back on a Perth summer Sunday afternoon include The Point Bar and Grill right on the Swan River in East Perth. The Left Bank on the other side of the river in East Fremantle serves lunch and dinner specials, plus discounted pints of craft beer every Sunday.