September school holidays: things to do in the City of Perth

City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the unique combination of events makes the City an exciting place to visit.
 
“From 24 September to 9 October, you can choose from a range of activities that includes both in/outdoor options, whatever your budget,” Mr Zempilas said.
 
“No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something to see and do in the City of Light,” he said.
 
Get tiny toes tapping to the traditional tunes of the Irish as the City hosts some of the best folk dancing in the country. The 2022 Irish Dancing National Championships is being held at the Perth Convention Centre from 27 September – 1 October. We got a glimpse of all the action at the weekend, when flash mob dancers surprised shoppers in the City malls. Check it out here.
 
We’re also proud to support the much anticipated AWESOME Festival, an international arts festival for children under the age of 12. The festival’s program includes everything from theatre, dance and hands-on activities to music, film, literature and visual arts. It’s all happening in and around the Perth Cultural Centre.
 
If your little ones (or big ones!) love LEGO®, expect to be amazed by the Jurassic World exhibition which opens at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on Saturday 24 September 2022. Created by Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught, prehistoric giants made from more than 6 million LEGO® bricks will tower over the crowds, including a life-size Brachiosaurus!
 
If sport is more your thing, the UniSport Nationals 2022 is being held from 24 -30 September at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Watch more than 5,000 of Australia’s best student-athletes compete across 26 different sports including Water Polo, Sailing and Taekwondo.
 
There’s plenty of other activities happening in the City, including the Perth Poetry Festival at Northbridge and free holiday craft at the Library or make the most of local discounts and deals for ‘Fun on a $50’. There’s a huge range of Spring specials on offer, including dining experiences, discounted tours and bonus accommodation deals.
 
But whatever you do... don't miss our beautiful parks and gardens this Spring! Come check out the native wildflowers on display at the Kings Park Festival or head to the newly renovated playground at Wellington Square, which proved hugely popular last school holidays.
 

For more ideas, check out our comprehensive list below.

Holiday Craft 
Until 2 October | All day | City of Perth Library | Free
Visit the City of Perth Library for free art and craft activities during Library opening hours. No Bookings Required. Recommended for ages 2 to 12.
 
 
2022 AWESOME International Art Festival for Bright Young Things
Until 1 October | All day | Perth Cultural Centre | Ticketed
Join princes and princesses for a Fairytale Ball, immerse yourself in a sensory forest adventure or create your own animal astronaut portrait. See the full program here. Recommended for ages 0 to 12.
 
 
2022 Irish Dancing National Championships
27 September – 1 October| Schedule of events | Perth Convention Centre | Ticketed
The Australian Irish Dancing National Championships is Australia's pinnacle national event and gateway qualifier to the World Irish Dancing Championships. The competition will feature more than a thousand dancers from across Australia.
 
 
Jurassic World by Brickman
24 September 2022 to 5 February 2023 | All day | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre | Ticketed
One of the largest LEGO® exhibitions to visit Perth, see more than 15 dinosaurs created by Ryan' The Brickman' McNaught. Begin your adventure by walking through the iconic Jurassic World gates, then venture to the baby dinosaur enclosure, where you’ll find a life-size Brachiosaurus!
 
 
UniSport Nationals 2022
24 -30 September | All day |University of Western Australia | Ticketed
See more than 5,000 student athletes from across the country compete across 26 different sports. More details are here.
 
 
2022 Perth Poetry Festival
30 September – 8 October | All day | Multiple venues in Northbridge | Free and ticketed
The Perth Poetry Festival is the only literature festival in Western Australia devoted purely to poetry and showcases the work of poets from across the state, nation and world.
 
 
Everlasting Kings Park Festival
16-30 September | All day | Kings Park | Free (some ticketed events)
Immerse yourself in the best Spring has to offer, with dozens of activities available at Kings Park for the annual Everlasting Kings Park Festival. You can sign up for painting classes, guided walks, horticulture workshops and floral art – or just simply go for a stroll and take in the pink fields of everlastings amongst thousands of Western Australia’s famous wildflowers currently in full bloom.
 
 

And while you’re there…

  
Rio Tinto Naturescape, Kings Park
All day | Kings Park | Free
Connect with nature, brave new heights, wade in the Paperbark Waterhole or get caught in a web at Naturescape in Kings Park. While you’re there, check out other free nature-based activities.
 
 
Dinosaurs of Patagonia, WA Museum Boola Bardip
Until Sunday 23 October | All day | WA Museum Boola Bardip | Ticketed
These school holidays are your last chance to experience this exhibition where you’ll travel through the deserts of Patagonia and get a glimpse of dinosaurs, skeletons, ancient fossils and 3D animations.
 
 
WA Museum Boola Bardip
All day | WA Museum Boola Bardip | Free entry until 10 October 2022 (exclusions apply)
There’s always loads to explore at Boola Bardip! Take yourself on a self-guided tour.
Bookings are essential. Click here to select your date.
 
Scitech
28 September - 5 October | Various times | Scitech, City West Centre | Ticketed
Workshops are available throughout the school holidays for kids of all ages. Become a DNA code cracker, grow germs on a slice of bread or learn more about viruses.

Issued by: Sarah Best, Media and Communications Lead, media@cityofperth.wa.gov.au, 0456 562 274.