South West Development Commission

Major Events

Keep an eye out for these popular events

Southbound - January

One of Western Australia's biggest music festivals, Southbound is held in Busselton in early January and combines music, arts and camping. It is attended by up to 20,000 music fans each year, more than half of whom camp at the festival grounds. More info

City of Bunbury Australia Day Celebrations and Fireworks Spectacular - January

The City of Bunbury's Australia Day Celebrations reflect the very essence of what it means to be an Australian: freedom, lifestyle, community, culture and heritage. With a fundraising breakfast, fun run, awards ceremonies, market stalls, sideshow alley, youth zone, family concert and massive fireworks display, there is something to interest everyone. More info

WA Circus Festival - January

Roll up to Karridale for three days of circus, comedy and cabaret fun. Every year, the circus festival comes to town, complete with theatre shows from around the world, as well as music, food and stalls - not to mention a flying trapeze! More info

Be Active Busselton Jetty Swim - February

The iconic Busselton Jetty is the centre piece for this popular ocean swim. The annual contest sees more than 1500 people swim around the 3.6 kilometre wooden pier each year. The event is part of a weekend of entertainment, activities and family-friendly fun. More info

Donnybrook Food and Wine Fest - February

Savour local flavours at the Donnybrook Food and Wine Fest. This free-entry, family-friendly event showcases locally produced food and wine. In previous years, attractions have also included grape stomping, vintage car displays and live music. More info

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival - February

For more than 20 years, country music fans have been heading to Boyup Brook for some of country music's biggest names, the West Australian Country Music Awards plus the Ute & Truck Muster. More info

Multicultural Night Under the Stars - March

Travel the globe in just three hours when you attend the Multicultural Night Under the Stars in Bunbury. Each year, on the Saturday of the March long weekend, the free family event entertains with international dance, music and food. More info

Harvey Harvest Festival - March

Experience the atmosphere of Italy at the Harvey Harvest Festival. A celebration of Harvey's cultural history and farming roots, the festival offers a feast for the senses with arts, culture, food, wine and markets. More info

City of Bunbury Viva Bunbury! - March

Viva Bunbury! is a free Latin street party incorporating live music, dance, food and entertainment and is run in the heart of Bunbury's CBD. Part of the South West Autumn Racing Carnival, the event offers residents and visitors all the colour and atmosphere of Latin music and culture. More info

Nannup Music Festival - March

On the Western Australian Labour Day long weekend, the town of Nannup comes alive with performers from around Australia and across the world. Set in the heart of the South West's jarrah forest, beside the Blackwood River, it features folk and world music, poetry, dance and street theatre. More info

South West Autumn Racing Carnival - March

The Bunbury Carnaval is more than just racing, with music concerts and a street fiesta packed into nine fun-filled days. The $130,000 XXXX Gold Bunbury Cup forms the highlight of the Bunbury Carnaval and is hailed as the South West's biggest one-day party. More info

Telstra Drug Aware Pro - March

Expect big names and world-class surfing action at the Telstra Drug Aware Pro. The annual Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) event has in the past attracted surfing legends like Kelly Slater and Taj Burrow.
More info

Donnybrook Apple Festival - March

Held every two years over the Easter weekend, the event includes a ball where a group of entrants compete for the title of Apple Ambassador. It has been running for more than 50 years. More info

Busselton Half Ironman Triathlon - May

Hundreds of people from around Australia and overseas compete in the annual Busselton Half Ironman Triathlon. The swim leg of the race is around the iconic Busselton Jetty in the protected waters of Geographe Bay. More info

Groovin the Moo - May

Thousands rock out at Groovin the Moo, a regional music festival which attracts top Australian and international acts to Bunbury. The inaugural event in 2010 was headlined by Silverchair and Vampire Weekend. More info

Balingup Medieval Festival - August

Filled with atmosphere, colour and excitement, the Balingup Medieval Festival is a fine food and wine "affayre" held on the fourth weekend in August every year. Visitors are invited to dress in medieval costume, attend the feast, participate in the parade and browse the stalls. More info

CinéfestOZ - August

A favourite among film fans, CinéfestOZ showcases Australian and French movies over five days in August each year. Through feature film premieres and a highly anticipated film selection, the Busselton-based film festival draws a diverse audience and attracts filmmakers and actors from throughout Australia. More info

The Funtabulous Bunbury Kidsfest - October

Kidsfest is an interactive and fun celebration of the imagination and creative spirit of children aged two to 12 years. Housed in a purpose-built, weather-proof marquee village, the festival operates under a 'one low entry fee and the fun is free' principle, so it's a cost-effective school holiday solution for families from all over the State. More info

Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival - October

The diversity of the beautiful Dardanup and Ferguson Valley areas goes on show during October's Dardanup Bull & Barrel Festival. Wine tasting, music, an art exhibition and a sprinting competition are among its highlights. More info

Margaret River Gourmet Escape - November

The Margaret River Gourmet Escape ignited culinary senses when it was held for the first time in November 2012. The high-profile event featured an exciting line-up of celebrity chefs. More info

Anaconda Adventure Race - November

Adventure fans head to Augusta in November each year to put themselves to the test in a highly anticipated leg of the Anaconda Adventure Race National Series, the premier adventure racing series in Australia. About 1600 people run, swim, paddle and mountain bike their way through a challenging course that takes them from ruggedly beautiful coastal areas to breathtaking inland forest. More info

Blues at Bridgetown - November

Western Australia's original blues festival has been held annually on the second weekend in November since 1993. The program showcases an all-embracing and diverse range of blues music acts at various venues around the town. More info

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival - December

Every year in December Manjimup hosts the Cherry Harmony Festival to celebrate the start of the cherry season. Visitors can expect to be treated to live entertainment, cherry stalls, wood chopping, wine tasting, a bucking bull, dunking tank and a cherry pip spitting competition. More info