Even though it might feel like we just charged our glasses to the start of 2025, it’s already February, which means we’re about to launch into festival season. Perth Festival starts this Friday. The line-up features a whopping 123 events so it can be hard to know where to start.

These are our picks of 10 Perth Festival events you won’t want to miss.

Electric Fields

The first night of the festival kicks off with an electrifying line-up of First Nations music. Headlining is Electric Fields. The duo, known for singing in sing in Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and English over electro-soul beats, represented Australia in the 2024 Eurovision contest. Also on the line-up are Boox Kid and DJ PGZ.
February 7
From $59
East Perth Power Station

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12 Last Songs

In a 12-hour performance, 30 workers take turns performing a “shift” in this live exhibition. Putting the mundanity of daily life under the microscope, 12 Last Songs examines how we spend our time. When you drop into the theatre, you might see a barista make a coffee, a nail tech touch up a manicure or a builder fix a wall.
February 15
Pay what you can ($5 minimum)
Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre

Backstories

It’s a quintessential experience to lounge about in a backyard with your mates, sharing stories as day turns to night. Run by the Centre for Stories, this event puts locals in the limelight – and into suburban backyards – asking them to share the legendary but little-known stories of their lives.
15 February
Free
Stirling Civic Gardens

Mahabharata

Move over Succession. This ancient Indian story of family rivalry is performed in two parts. Set to a soundtrack of live Indian music and told via narration and dance, part one is nearly three hours long and part two sits just over two hours. You can opt to see just one part of the story, attend one part each day, or watch both parts back-to-back. There’s also an option to add on a communal Indian feast between the two acts.
February 8 – February 16
From $49
His Majesty’s Theatre

Killa: Pindan to Plate

In 2025, we’re increasingly disconnected from our food. Artist Chad Creighton’s Perth Festival commission – created along with Emilia Galatis – Killa: Pindan to Plate addresses that concern. Projected on the walls lining a long table is film of a cattle hunt in the Kimberley by Indigenous cattlemen. On the table, you’ll find eight dishes crafted by Double Rainbow head chef Navarre Top. Expect skewers of thinly sliced beef heart and kidney, bone marrow glazed flatbread, and 24-hour slow-cooked beef ribs.
February 14 – 15 & February 21 – 22
From $230
Rechabite Hall, Northbridge

Astral Weeks Sessions

Tucked away in Chinatown, Astral Weeks is a vinyl lover’s dream. Throughout the festival it’ll play host to a string of gigs from visiting artists. The team is staying tight-lipped about the line-up so roll the dice to see who takes the stage.
February 8, 25 & 27
$38
Astral Weeks, Northbridge

Casa Musica

Throughout the festival, East Perth Power Station is coming alive with tastes and tunes from around the Indian Ocean and beyond. The free performances will feature everything from reggae to Peruvian artists Kombi-A Train, local blues singer Emily Wurramara, and rhythms from South Africa and Réunion Island.
Wednesday to Sunday evenings from February 7 – March 2
Free
East Perth Power Station

August: Osage County

This Pulitzer-winning play by Tracy Letts tells the story of a family marred by addiction, personal failure and complex relationships. The three Weston daughters return home to find their alcoholic former poet father, Beverly, missing and their mother, Violet, in the grips of an opioid addiction. Watch as tensions reach a boiling point in this darkly comic play. The production stars Caroline Brazier (Packed to the Rafters, Rake) and television director Bee Cruse.
February 27 – March 16
From $35
Heath Leger Theatre

Mervyn Street: Stolen Wages

In a special commission for Perth Festival, Gooniyandi artist Mervyn Street tells a deeply personal story. Street was born on Louisa Downs station to parents who had worked or most of their lives but never earned a wage. On behalf of his parents and other cattlemen and women like them, Street brought a successful class action against the WA government for stolen wages. He tells the story of these men and women through vivid tableaus.
February 7 – April 20
Free
Fremantle Arts Centre

The Great Kimberley Wilderness

The Kimberley is one of WA’s greatest gems – but it’s one that few get to enjoy in person. This virtual reality experience brings a digital re-creation of the epic sights and sounds of the Kimberley to the CBD. Experience a 360-degree view of the thundering King George Falls, the gorges of Purnululu National Park and the geology of the Devonian Reef.
Until April 28
$20
WA Museum

www.perthfestival.com.au
@perthfest