These holidays see the return of the beloved AWESOME International Arts Festival, the launch of the new EverNow festival, and countless opportunities to get the kids out of the house and into the Spring sunshine.
 
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said he was particularly excited to see so many free events on offer.
 
“We know keeping kids busy day after day can quickly become a costly exercise, but I’m thrilled to report we have plenty of activities here in the City that won’t break the bank,” Mr Zempilas said.
 
“The City of Perth Library, as always, is putting on a variety of free events for children of all ages, from Dinosaur Picnics and Junk Puppets to holiday craft.
 
“Then there’s our City’s natural beauty which really shines at this time of year. Pack a picnic and visit John Oldham Park or Queens Gardens and feast amongst the adorable cygnets, ducklings and baby turtles.
 
“After mingling with the fauna, take a stroll to Kings Park to see the flora, with the Everlasting Kings Park Festival in bloom.
 
“Heading into October we’ll see the return of the popular Twilight Food Market at Forrest Place, so pop in and grab a bite before heading to the EverNow festival.
 
“There’s something for everyone on every budget in the City these school holidays.”
 
Check out the Visit Perth website for everything on offer, but here’s a few of the must-see highlights.
 
Everlasting Kings Park Festival 2023 | 15 September – 1 October | FREE
Kings Park
The free and fabulous Everlasting Kings Park Festival is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year. Enjoy a variety of workshops, tours, art displays and guided walks that celebrate WA’s incredible natural flora.
More information.
 
Holiday Craft | 26 September – 8 October | FREE
City of Perth Library, during opening hours
Join the wonderful team at the City of Perth Library for fun craft activities throughout the school holidays. Recommended for children aged two to 12. No bookings required, just make your way up to Level 4 during Library opening hours.
 
PICA Creative Hub: The Mess Hall with Sam Hughes | 26 – 30 September | FREE
PICA, 10am – 3pm daily
Join artist Samantha Hughes in The Mess Hall at PICA, a sensory play space for children under 5 to explore their senses with a range of tactile activities. This is a free event and no bookings are required.
More information.
 
Sensory Theatre: WONDERBOX | 26 – 30 September
State Theatre of WA – Middar Room, 10:30am – 1:30pm
WONDERBOX is a ticketed, 18-session show specifically designed for young audiences living with a disability. Each performance will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the children who attend and will involve them in an immersive multi-sensory exploration of the WONDERBOX, a world within a world where magic happens, and children lead the way. The program is delivered in association with AWESOME festival.
More information
 
Junk Puppets | 28 September | FREE
City of Perth Library, 10:30am – 12pm & 1pm – 2:30pm
Transform everyday junk into amazing puppets with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. This workshop will explore the basics of puppetry, how to create imaginary creatures, and the construction principles that make great puppets. Recommended for ages nine to 12. Bookings required.

AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things | 26 – 30 September
Various venues
The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things (AWESOME Festival) is Western Australia's annual premier arts event for children, families and schools. The Festival showcases a spectacular array of events including theatre, creative workshops, ballet, music, exhibitions and a whole range of free activities! AWESOME is committed to presenting high-quality, layered programming for children aged 0 – 12 and their families.
More information

The Chain Project Light Projection | 1 – 15 October | FREE
WA Museum Boola Bardip, 6pm - 7:30pm
This free to see light installation will be the final output from THE CHAIN PROJECT, an interactive digital platform that prompts participants to reflect on ideas of perseverance, hope and endurance. A design of constellations will be projected onto the old gaol wall at WA Museum Boola Bardip coinciding with the performance season of ARCHITECT OF THE INVISIBLE.
More information

Intimate Musical Conversations – Nicholas Williams | 4 October | FREE
ART Collective WA, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
A free-to-attend lunchtime performance experience for the City of Perth. The performers in this series represent some of the most engaging in WA and the "old pianos" utilised are replicas of instruments played by Mozart and Haydn, on loan from the WA Academy of Performing Arts.
More information
 
Dinosaur Picnic | 5 October | FREE
City of Perth Library, 11am – 12pm
Come on down to the Cathedral Square Lawn for a special outdoor Storytime packed with singing, stomping, reading and playing. Bring a picnic to enjoy once the children are all roared out. Recommended for babies right through to eight-year-olds. No bookings required.
More information.

EverNow | 4 – 9 October | FREE
Various City locations
Celebrate the Nyoongar season of Kambarang with a spectacular new festival right here in the City of Perth. Experience the Song Circle at the Supreme Court Gardens, Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak at Kings Park and Botanical Gardens, and the Fire Gardens at Government House Gardens. All events are accessible and free to attend.
More information.
 
WA Honk Fest | 7 October | FREE
Perth City Farm, 8:30am – 1:30pm
Perth Cultural Centre & PICA Bar, 2pm – 8pm
WA Honk Fest is a three day, free to attend community street band busking festival following the model of "HonkOz" which has been held annually in Wollongong since 2015. The Festival is an outdoor spectacle featuring community bands.
More information
 
ENDS
 
Issued by: Rachel Cary, media@cityofperth.wa.gov.au