Australia Day 2021 in Perth will look and feel a little different from what we are used to, however, The City of Perth’s Australia Day Festival has you covered with FREE activities and entertainment for the whole family across five days from Friday 22 to Tuesday 26 January.

The festival kicks off Friday night with one of our favourite summertime events, Perth’s biggest street food market, the Twilight Hawkers Market! Is there a better way to celebrate our rich cultural diversity than treating the family to great street food from around the globe?!

The Twilight Hawkers Market is held every Friday night in Forrest Place from 4.30pm – 9.30pm until 26 March 2021.

The standout event of the Australia Day Festival has to be the Shining the Light: The Story of Us showcase, the captivating water projection at Elizabeth Quay is a must! The impressive show shines the light on the story of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people starting with the dreamtime moment of creation. Elders share their stories of courage and resilience during the time of colonisation, and then shine the light towards a brighter more inclusive future.

In addition to the water projection there are 8 digital exhibits, the Aus Day Fest Mosaic was definitely a favourite – the kids loved sharing their selfies to become part of the digital mosaic. There is 2 session each day of the festival (Friday 22 – Tuesday 26 January), session 1: 7.45pm to 8.45pm, session 2: 9pm to 10pm. The event is FREE but tickets are essential, click here to book.

An integral part of The City of Perth Australia Day Festival is taking the time to reflect on the important part played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, respect their contributions, educate our children and learn from the past. From an art gallery and storytelling to traditional dancing and workshops there’s something for everyone;

Moorditj Bridyas – Solid Bosses, Council House
10 Nov – 29 January, Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm

Yagan Square Nyumbi, Yagan Square
Fridays | 8 January – 16 April | 5:30pm

Ngangk Wirdiny: Birak Bonar, Perth Cultural Centre
Sunday 24 January | 4pm to 7.30pm

Sunset Sounds, JH Abrahams Reserve
Sunday 24 January | 5pm to 8pm

Birak Concert, Supreme Court Gardens
Tuesday 26 January | 2pm to 6.30pm

The City of Perth Australia Day Festival features non-stop fun and entertainment for the kids from live music, water pistols and amusement rides to colour and movement;

Water Pistol Park, Yagan Square
Saturday 23 January | 10am to 5pm

Afternoon Delights, Northbridge Piazza
Saturday 23 January | 2pm to 8pm

AWESOME at Cathedral Square, Cnr St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street
23 and 24 January | 11am – 3pm

Family Concert, Forrest Place
Sunday 24 January | 10am to 5pm

Lotterywest Carnival, Langley Park
Tuesday 26 January | 10am to 5pm | Tickets essential

Lotterywest Water Playground, Langley Park
Tuesday 26 January | 10am to 5pm | Tickets essential

And we think no trip to the City is complete this summer without the FRINGE WORLD experience! Ticket prices are great value, there are food trucks, outdoor bars and free plenty of entertainment – my kids can’t get enough of the Mermaids at The Woodside Pleasure Garden, the ferris wheel is a lot of fun as well.

The City of Perth FRINGE WORLD Power Hour at Yagan Square is always a pleaser too!

There is no better place to spend Australia Day than in the City of Perth, not only will can you enjoy the Lotterywest Carnival & Water Playground, Birak Concert and Shining the Light water projection, there will also be Motocross and BMX riders showing off their skills at Langley Park from 11am, Skydivers landing in Forrest Place at 2pm, Australia Day Markets in Forrest Place from 4.30pm and a Big Aussie BBQ taking over Hay Street from 3pm!

There is plenty more happening around the City this Australia Day, we’ve downloaded the Australia Day Festival Guide online and can’t wait to celebrate with the City of Perth! Oh and don’t forget there is 3 hours of free parking at all City of Perth Carparks on weekends and public holidays.

Please remember, before attending any of The City of Perth’s Australia Day Festival events ensure you have the SafeWA App downloaded on your mobile device to check-in for contact tracing.

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About Kellie Elliott

Kellie Elliott is a stay at home mum of 4 she enjoys adventuring around Perth with her children and sharing her journeys and experiences on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures.