Summer Festivities: Brought to You by The Southwest

Whether you’re a Christmas light chaser, a New Year’s Eve festival goer, or someone who just likes to tag along to local events, this curated guide will have something to suit everyone’s down south holiday needs.

If you’re all about Christmas festivities, we highly recommend the following events for you to check out this December!

Happs Christmas Concert, Dunsborough - 17th Dec 2022 5.30pm - 9.00pm

If you love beautiful music, picnics on the grass, and all-round good vibes, Happs Christmas Concert is for you. This event is great for bringing your picnic rug and enjoying an evening of holiday tunes, whilst watching the sun set behind the gorgeous amphitheatre at Happs Winery. The music for the evening is brought to you by a piano quintet of some of Perth’s finest musicians, featuring their classical repertoire and of course, your favourite Christmas songs.

Doors open at 5.30pm and music begins at 7.00pm. Make sure you try some of the delicious wines or enjoy a slice of Peace Pizza from the food van!

Please note that this is a ticketed event that allows BYO food, but not alcohol.

Mandurah Christmas Canal Cruises - 1st Dec 2022 - 7th Jan 2023, every evening

There is nothing more festive than a mesmerising display of Christmas lights! The Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise is a must do for the whole family. With vibrant, sparkling colours reflecting across the waters of the canal, this cruise will have even the adults feeling giddy with wonder.

You can choose from a range of tour options to suit your needs, but make sure you book in fast – these cruises are selling out quickly!

Cove Christmas Markets in Dunsborough - 23rd Dec 2022 8am - 2pm

Whether you are someone who loves to peruse local artisanal products, or perhaps you’ve left Christmas gifting to the very last minute, the Cove Christmas Markets are a great place for the whole family to visit this festive season.

An array of stalls from local makers and creators and a beautiful atmosphere, full of Christmas cheer, will have you feeling merry and bright just in time for Christmas day.

New Year’s Eve can sometimes be all hype and no hurrah, but we have found some events that we think will be worth your while.

The River New Year’s Eve Party with GLAM FUNK Live, Margaret River - Dec 31st 2022 from 8.00pm

For those of us who like to bring in the new year with a bang, The River will be the place for you. Any Margaret River frequent flyer most likely would have visited The River Hotel. This fan favourite venue will be providing all the festive feels this New Year’s Eve, with live Disco, pop and soul classics from GLAM FUNK live and DJ Cuppa T pumping out the perfect good time soundtrack.

If this sounds like the NYE for you, make sure you get your tickets soon, because this event is sure to be a sell-out.

Fireworks on Mandurah Foreshore - 31st Dec 2022 9pm

For something more family friendly, you can’t go wrong with fireworks on the Mandurah foreshore. Nothing gets you in the mood to celebrate the end of one year, and the beginning of another, quite like fireworks. The best viewing spots for this light show are the Eastern Foreshore, Stingray point (under the fig tree), Henry Sutton Grove, and the Mandurah Bridge pedestrian walkway.

This event is free for you to attend, but please note that it is smoke and alcohol free.

Lunar New Year Jazz in the Vineyard - 27th January 2023 2:00pm - 5:00pm

If you are looking for a different kind of new year, Passel Estate in Cowaramup will be hosting Lunar New Year! This stunning venue will be filled with live jazz music, delicious Chinese style dumplings from Má Là, and of course the delightful wine from Passel Estate. What more could you want?

Bring along your picnic rug and loved ones to celebrate the new Chinese year of the Rabbit in style.

Please note this is an 18+ event due to service of alcohol, strictly no BYO or pets.

If you are simply looking for some fun events or activities to fill in your holiday itinerary, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the southwest, but to help inspire you, we have put together our top 3 picks for the summer.

The Festival of Busselton - Dec 31st 2022 to Jan 31st 2023

This festival has become synonymous with summertime in the southwest, with events and activities taking place throughout the month of January. For over 50 years, this family-focused festival, situated on the Busselton Foreshore, has provided fantastic activities for the perfect holiday experience.

Some of the notable events here include; Carnival rides, free outdoor cinemas, Busselton’s biggest water fight, the southwest’s biggest sandcastle competition, pirate dress-up day, a dog's day out, and the Petticoat Lane twilight markets.

To learn more about this fun filled festival, click here!

Aravina Estate’s “14 Days of Summer Festival” - 27th 2022 Dec - 15th Jan 2023

Why not get your friends and family together to celebrate summer at Aravina Estate’s ‘14 Days of Summer Festival’? With live music each day, an Aperol Bar, flowing craft beer on tap, sunset concerts, and helicopter joy rides, what more could you want from a summer season event! With fresh oysters up for grabs, outdoor picnic tables, a fenced playground for the kids and sweeping views over Aravina’s vineyard, this festival is an absolute must for a summer down south. And the best part? It’s free to enter!

Karnidale Lunar Circus - 13th and 14th Jan 2023

This will be a special 2 days of international and national circus shows, cabaret, live music, DJs, bars, and market stalls in Karridale. With 5 big top tents, the famous Dr Reg Bolton Cabaret bar, and the amphitheatre stage, this event will celebrate some of the finest circus acts and performers from around the world. With something to please all the family members, Karnidale Lunar Circus is not to be missed. Make sure to get your tickets soon!

We look forward to seeing you down south this summer season! Make sure to plan your stay and book ahead where possible to avoid missing out on any of these fabulous events.

See the calendar below for all our recommended events at a glance!