Make the Most of Perth When These Sporting and Cultural Events Hit Western Australia in 2026

Summer is the best time of year to visit Boorloo/Perth thanks to clear skies, warm days and refreshing swims at the city’s glorious beaches. If you need another excuse to visit, the 2026 calendar might just seal the deal. A series of major events will take over the city and surrounds across January and February: check out high-octane rugby at HBF Park, a historic AFL showdown under lights at Optus Stadium, and month-long arts and music celebrations across Perth. Plan ahead, grab your tickets and explore the city’s beaches, bars and vibrant food scene while you’re at it.

Here are the highlights to help plan your trip. 

Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG

The world’s fastest foiling catamarans, representing 13 nations, will race at speeds over 100 kph just off Bathers Beach on January 17 & 18 at the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG. Watch the action from a waterside grandstand, premium deck, or vibrant beach club. With thrilling on-water action and gourmet food, the event promises a high-octane weekend that’ll cement Perth on the international sailing map. 

Between all the adrenaline, you’ll need somewhere to unwind. Fremantle is packed with options for drinking, dining and cultural activities. Start with a stroll through Fremantle Markets, browsing fresh produce, handmade goods and live music. Or join Fremantle Tours for a street art walk, beers-and-bikes tour, or a non-alc bar crawl.

For dining, South Fremantle’s La Cabana and Madalena’s sit close together and are ideal for a post-race stop. The former serves bold Mexican flavours with Aussie twists – think pepperberry ceviche and saltbush mushroom tacos – alongside tequila cocktails and beers in a dog-friendly courtyard. At Madalena’s, order small plates of some of Perth’s best seafood, paired with organic and new-wave wines. Other great dining options include longstanding favourite Bread in Common and revered day-to-night spot Ethos Deli. And it wouldn’t be a day in Freo without visiting homegrown breweries Little Creatures and Gage Roads.

HSBC SVNS Perth

Get ready for a scrum. The iconic HSBC SVNS Perth returns to HBF Park as the fourth stop on the 2026 circuit on February 7 & 8. And after last year’s home triumph by the Australian women’s team, this two-day festival promises even bigger thrills. Enjoy non-stop rugby, live music and DJs, food stalls and festival-like fan zones. Grab your chance to see the world’s top players chasing the reimagined World Championship ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

Before the game, spend the day exploring Northbridge. The nightlife hub is just as lively by day, with a strong mix of restaurants, wine bars, independent boutiques and galleries. Catch a free exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, such as renowned ceramicist Pippin Drysdale’s retrospective Infinite Terrain, or a joyful showcase by Italian artist Paola Pivi (featuring feathered polar bears). Continue the cultural trail at Pica and the WA Museum Boola Bardip, both a short stroll away. 

From there it’s a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive to HBF Park for the Sevens. After the match, grab dinner and drinks at Edward and Ida’s or No Mafia, then round out the evening with a nightcap at vinyl-led Tokyo-style listening bar Astral Weeks, subterranean cocktail spot Lola Underground or gritty speakeasy Deadbeat, known for its inventive drinks and boilermakers.

AAMI AFL Origin 

For the first time in more than 25 years, the AFL Origin is back. Hosted at Optus Stadium for just one night on February 14, this pre-season Valentine’s Day game is set to be a match made in heaven. Some of Western Australia’s best players will face off against their Victorian rivals in a match that footy diehards have been waiting for since Victoria faced South Australia at the MCG in 1999. Expect a packed stadium, vibrant atmosphere and a historic AFL moment. 

Before watching AFL Origin, explore Victoria Park, one of Perth’s liveliest dining strips. Stop by Yip to watch the owner make zhu sheng (“bamboo”) noodles by jumping on a bamboo pole, then stick around for steaming bowls topped with char siu, beef rendang and more. Or settle in for dinner at bustling, chef-approved favourites Sedap Place and Ssam Korean Barbeque. Beer lovers should make time for Boston Brewing Co to sample house brews and hearty pub-style eats. And before kickoff, drop into Crow Books to browse new fiction, notebooks and quirky greeting cards.

Perth Festival

Perth Festival, Australia’s longest-running arts festival is back from February 6 to March 1 with more than 100 events across music, theatre, dance, film and outdoor art. The East Perth Power Station will transform again with killer live shows by Baker Boy, Max Cooper and Bleak Squad, while other highlights include Philip Glass’ The Trial in a CBD office tower; Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence; a West Australian Opera show in a secret location; and the monumental French production LACRIMA. Free family-friendly gigs, including Casa Musica and Boorloo Contemporary, will round out this city-wide celebration.

Before or after Perth Festival events, treat yourself to some of the city’s standout dining and wine spots. Balthazar offers a sophisticated Euro-inspired wine bar and dining room in the basement of an art deco building. Post, set in the old franking room of WA’s first General Post Office, serves Italian dishes like rigatoni all’Amatriciana, pork cotoletta and classic tiramisu. For wine lovers, Petition Wine Merchant is a slick enoteca where rare handcrafted bottles – from organic WA drops to Mediterranean gems – pair with charcuterie and cheese. Or, for a more relaxed tapas vibe, head to Andaluz, a hidden basement spot serving Spanish staples.

Fringe World Festival

Life’s more fun on the Fringe. This summer, FRINGE WORLD transforms Perth into a playground of comedy, cabaret, theatre and off-Broadway musicals. Choose from over 200 world premiere events 110 state premieres and indulge in smash hit performances from cabaret icon Ruben Kaye,  showbiz royalty Lady Boys of Bangkok and cue the confetti with three-time Grammy winning sensation Soweto Gospel Choir . The festival runs from January 21 to February 15 and has over 600 shows on sale now!

With Fringe lighting up the CBD and Northbridge, there’s no shortage of spots for a drink or a bite before, between, or after a show. For wine and small plates, check out Wines of While or Vincent Wine. For lively beer garden vibes, sip pints in the sunshine at The Bird or The Leadlight. Northbridge is also a hotspot for standout eats from across Asia: order chicken rice at Tak Chee House, fiery Thai dishes at S&T, and Korean favourites at Charim.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Western Australia.