If you’re hunting for a school holiday experience that keeps kids of all ages entertained — from toddlers to tweens — the AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things in the Perth CBD is the one to lock in. Presented by Barking Gecko Arts and running from 30 September to 4 October 2025, this annual celebration of creativity, culture, performance and play is bursting with free activities, ticketed experiences from just $5 and quality programming across the Perth Cultural Centre.
We stayed the entire day and, just like last year, still only scratched the surface. There is truly something for every child — and every grown-up tagging along.
Why families love the AWESOME Festival
- Huge range for ages 0–12
- Free activities and affordable shows/events (capped at $30)
- Easy access via train, bus, walking and nearby parking
- Accessible programming with sensory options and detailed access guides
- Indoor and outdoor venues across the Perth Cultural Centre
- Space to stay all day or return multiple times
Major venues like the State Theatre Centre of WA, PICA, the Urban Orchard and the State Library come alive with colour, sound and story. There are hands-on installations, theatre, dance, music, visual art, storytelling, markets, cultural experiences and inclusive sensory sessions.
Even better? The festival champions accessibility through the Social Model of Disability. Every show or event list details around sound, lighting, interactivity, sensory elements, emotions and attention span, making it easier to choose what suits your child. There’s also a dedicated Access Guide at awesomearts.com.
Getting there and parking made easy
You can walk straight over the Roe Street pedestrian bridge from the CBD, catch the train to Perth Station, ride the Blue CAT or bus to Perth Busport. If you’re driving, park at:
- State Library Car Park (Francis Street)
- Cultural Centre Car Park (Roe Street)
5-hour parking for $9 can be claimed by validating your ticket at the AWESOME Festival Information Booth at the State Theatre Centre of WA between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. If you stay longer (like we did), you just pay the usual hourly rate after that.
The Box Office and Information Booth are located at the State Theatre Centre of WA. Staff were helpful, signage was clear and accessible pathways linked every venue.
Our Day at the Festival
We arrived in the morning and stayed into the afternoon, and honestly, it flew by — even after hours of exploring, we didn’t get to everything. Here are the shows and experiences we managed to see (and loved):
Aliwah Bardinar!
A highlight and a must-see children’s musical production. The performance tells the creation story of how the Bardinar (Western Rosella) came to have its vibrant colours. Kai (nearly 3) was absolutely mesmerised from start to finish. This lively production brings Noongar language, Australian animals, stunning costumes, puppetry, humour and original music together in the most engaging way. Adults were laughing and smiling too.
Drip Drop Play
An immersive, sensory-rich experience built around water, ice and sound. Kids make music from dripping ice, bowls of water and everyday household objects in beautifully lit spaces. Smocks are provided, but enthusiastic little ones can still end up absolutely soaked — Kai left with a drenched T-shirt, pants, socks and shoes, and even with care you should expect children to come out at least a little wet. It’s calm, magical and perfect for preschoolers and early primary children, but bring a towel, a full change of clothes and even rainsuits and gumboots like you would for wet weather play. A standout experience for younger kids.
Oddysea
A sensory journey from the beach to the deep ocean, designed with children with disability in mind but wonderful for all ages. Every child was welcomed by name, with movement, textures, sound, instruments and freedom to explore. It felt like stepping into another world, and Kai loved the ability to move and engage without restriction.
Free fun we loved (and barely dented)
Beyond the shows at the State Theatre Centre of WA, the entire precinct is alive with things to do. We wandered through installations, creative zones and performance spaces — and still missed heaps we plan to return for. Highlights include:
Messy Bears – Under 5
Little ones can explore messy art, painting, drawing and sculpting bears in a playful, creative space.
Uptown Brown – All Ages
One-man-band entertainment with vintage flair and loads of character.
Kids’ Markets
Young local creatives showcase and sell their handmade crafts.
Your AWESOME Moment – All Ages
A place to share your favourite festival memory or feeling on the ‘wishing line’ for a colourful display.
Skills & Thrills Circus Play
Drop in and play with the Yip Yip Circus crew—diablos, hula hoops and spinning plates await!
The Change Maker Tent
A welcoming space for children to explore compassion, fairness and using their voices.
Accessibility and Navigation
The Perth Cultural Centre is currently undergoing a major rejuvenation, so there are construction zones and some altered access paths. Pathways between venues remain accessible, signage is abundant and staff are on hand to help, but we suggest arriving early to allow for diversions, especially before ticketed showtimes.
Shows We’re Heading Back For
Even after a full day, we’re already planning our return for more, including:
- The Wanjoo Big Sing
A massive Noongar language singalong with Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse. - Boodja Barna: Land Creatures
An interactive session with Jayden Boundry featuring Noongar animal names.
There’s still so much more on offer across the week — and sessions are booking fast.
Practical Tips for Parents and Carers
- Bring a full change of clothes, towel and even rain suits and gumboots for Drip Drop Play.
- Pack a lunch and snacks if you’re staying all day — then treat the kids (or yourself) to the Bardinar Rainbow Pop at Chicho Gelato ($9 each) or grab a coffee and something sweet from Crumbs Patisserie in the Courtyard (the Dubai chocolate brownie and strawberry cups were calling our name).
- Free ticketed sessions like Ballet Storytime sell out — standby spots sometimes pop up at the door.
- Validate parking at the Info Booth if using the State Library or Cultural Centre carparks.
- Use the Access Guide to choose shows right for your children’s needs.
- Plan multiple days if you can. We visited last year on several days and still didn’t see everything then or now.
- Map your day around showtimes and free roaming zones — there’s always something happening between ticketed sessions.
- If you’ve booked a free session but can’t make it, please consider cancelling so another family can enjoy the experience.
Final Word
The AWESOME Festival is truly that — awesome. It’s affordable, inclusive, thoughtfully curated and overflowing with colour, story, imagination and hands-on joy. Whether you’ve got toddlers, early primary kids, sensory-seeking little ones or older children hungry for creativity, it delivers.
We stayed all day and still barely scratched the surface — and we’ll be back again this week. If you’re thinking about going, don’t hesitate. Pack a lunch, grab your tickets, let the kids lead the way and soak it all in (literally, if you’re doing Drip Drop).
Awesome International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things
30th Sept – 4th Oct 2025
Perth Cultural Centre
awesomearts.com/awesome-festival
- About the Author
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Adriana Turk is a Melbourne-born mum raising her adventurous two-year-old in Perth, her new home. A teacher with a passion for play-based learning, Adriana shares her journey through Perth Toddler Adventures, an Instagram account dedicated to budget-friendly outings, natural playgrounds, and hands-on activities for little ones. With a focus on creating magical everyday moments and connecting with Perth parents, Adriana blends her teaching expertise and love for adventure to inspire families to embrace learning through play and discovery.
