What's on in Perth this weekend for families

🎉 Discover what's on in Perth for families this weekend and school holiday

When it comes to what's on in Perth for families, this vibrant city in Western Australia offers many family-friendly, cultural, artistic, and sporting events.

Perth offers many kids and family events each weekend and school holidays, whether at one of the city’s famous museums, concerts, festivals, art galleries, fairs and markets - Perth has something for everyone in your family!

This guide explores some of the most popular family events in Perth. Join us as we dive into what's on in Perth for families this weekend and during the school holidays.

The best Perth Museums for kids & families:

Visiting a museum is a popular family activity during weekends and school holidays. Some of the best Perth museums to visit with kids and the whole family include:

• WA Museum Boola Bardip is a state-of-the-art museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of Western Australia, with many fascinating local and international travelling exhibitions. 

• WA Maritime Museum is all about the maritime history of Western Australia, with exhibits on shipwrecks, navigation and the fishing industry. 

• The Museum of Perth is dedicated to Perth’s history, architecture, culture and people. 

• Army Museum Of Western Australia showcases the history of the Australian Army in Western Australia, including military equipment, uniforms, medals, tanks and more memorabilia. 

• The Nostalgia Box Museum is a unique museum dedicated to video games and gaming culture, including vintage video game consoles, arcade machines and modern game exhibits. 

Science Museum in Perth:

When asked, “Is there a science museum in Perth?” the answer is yes! Scitech is the best science museum in Perth that offers:

• six interactive galleries,

• a planetarium,

• new, large-scale, fascinating exhibitions and

• school holiday events and activities for families and school-aged kids.

Popular Family Events and Concerts in Perth

Each year, Perth hosts a line-up of fantastic family events and concerts. Some of the popular family-friendly events in 2023 include:

• Disney 100: The Concert at Riverside Theatre

• The Wiggles Concert at RAC Arena 

• Disney Princess Concert at Riverside Theatre

• Winnie the Pooh The Musical at Regal Theatre

• West Australian Symphony Orchestra with EChO Kids' Concerts at Perth Concert Hall

• Cirque du Soleil at RAC Arena 

• Western Australia Youth Orchestras (WAYO) Concerts.

Where are Concerts held in Perth?

Perth boasts several indoor and outdoor world-class venues for every kind of event. including:

• Optus Stadium is an iconic venue for large concerts from famous local and international musicians to sporting events in Perth.

• RAC Arena is known for hosting many concerts by both local and international artists and sporting events.

• HBF Park is not just a stadium for major sporting events in Perth. It also hosts live concerts and community events.

• Perth Concert Hall is a versatile venue that's home to everything from classical music to rock concerts and family shows.

• Astor Theatre Perth is well-known for hosting many concerts, from classical music to pop, rock, jazz, rock-and-roll, comedy shows, and film screenings. 

• Riverside Theatre at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) is a major venue for hosting large concerts, conferences and major events.

• Regal Theatre in Subiaco is one of Perth's major performing arts venues.

The best family-friendly Perth festivals

Perth offers many family-friendly festivals all year round, including music, cultural and other festivals. Here's a curated list of the top Perth festivals that are perfect for families:

Keep in mind that dates vary from year to year, so check each festival’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Discover the top Perth music festivals

Perth music festivals offer many genres to enjoy, from pop and rock to jazz and folk music. Some of the best live music events and electrifying performances at some of Perth's best festivals include:

• Fringe World Festival

• Perth Festival

• Nannup Music Festival 

• Fairbridge Festival

• WA Day Festival

• Perth Royal Show

• Blues at Bridgetown Festival

• Perth International Jazz Festival 

• Darlington Arts Festival

• East Fremantle's George Street Festival

Discover family-friendly cultural festival in Perth

If wondering what cultural festivals Perth has that the whole family can enjoy, Perth boasts an array of family-friendly cultural festivals. Here are some of the best for you:

• Perth Festival takes place in February - March each year and celebrates Perth's arts, culture, and spirit.

• Fringe World Festival is in January-February and showcases a unique blend of performances and arts. Fringe Kids! is part of the Fringe World Festival that offers a series of fun kid-friendly comedy shows, a circus and more outdoor activities for all ages.

• Nannup Music Festival takes place during the Labour Day long weekend in March and presents a blend of various musical genres, workshops, and fun activities for all ages.

• Fairbridge Festival usually takes place in April and features a variety of music, workshops, and various activities suitable for all ages.

• Fremantle International Street Arts Festival takes place in April and features performers from around the world, like acrobats, comedians, and musicians. It’s a family-friendly event in Parth.

• Perth Royal Show is in September, offering agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and other activities for all ages.

• Darlington Arts Festival takes place in November and offers artistic exhibits, performances, and workshops that are suitable for all ages.

• Oktoberfest in the Gardens is in October, celebrating German culture with music, food, and beer. Children are welcome but need to be supervised at all times.

What are the major Sporting Events in Perth?

Perth hosts various sporting events throughout the year. Some major sporting events in Perth include:

• The Perth Cup is a horse racing event that takes place on New Year's Day, January 1st.

• Australia Cup matches take place over a season as part of the national knockout cup soccer competition.

• The Margaret River Pro is a surfing competition that takes place in April.

• Chevron City to Surf for Activ! Walk, Run or Roll is a running and walking event that is typically held in August.

• Perth Running Festival includes a marathon and half marathon, 10k and 4k events, usually held in October.

• Perth Duathlon 80k & Runningworks Festival is in October.

• Perth International is a golf tournament that takes place in October.

• Perth Roller Derby Championships take place over a season. In 2023, it’s in May - November.

Please note that the dates of these sporting events may vary from year to year.

The top Perth stadiums include:

Below are some of the top Perth stadiums to watch various family-friendly sports events, concerts and other performances. 

The best Perth markets for kids and families

The best Perth markets with family-friendly atmospheres and activities include: 

• Subiaco Markets (Subi Farmers Market Perth) is a popular market for kids and families with fresh produce, artisanal products and various food stalls. 

• Canning Vale Sunday Markets have over 220 stalls with all sorts of unique goods, from fresh produce to toys and second-hand goods.  

• Midland Markets is Perth’s second oldest farmers market, with fresh organic produce, jams, plants, pet supplies, accessories, fashion and more.

• Swan Settlers Market is one of the best kids-friendly markets in Perth, with food stalls, vintage and artisan goods, and even live music and kids’ activities.

• Perth City Farm Farmer’s Market is a popular weekly fresh produce market with a focus on organic, local and homemade goods.

Discover Perth night markets

Night markets are a unique experience; however, not all are kid-friendly. Below are the best Perth night markets to visit with kids:

• Kalamunda Markets are popular artisan markets with vendor stalls and live music, perfect for the whole family to explore. 

• Inglewood Night Markets are one of the best family-friendly markets in Perth, with food stalls and entertainment. They’re also zero waste!

Burns Beach Twilight Market offers international street food on the beach - perfect for families with kids!

Discover Perth Art Galleries with kids

Many Perth art galleries recognise the importance of engaging children, offering great collections and engaging activities and events tailored for kids. Some of our top picks for family-friendly Perth art galleries include:

• The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a free, family-friendly art gallery with a wide range of exhibitions, programs, and school holiday events. 

• The Fremantle Arts Centre houses the Art Gallery Fremantle, the largest art collection in Perth, with historical and contemporary works, photography, ceramics and more. The Art Centre also offer community and family-friendly events.

• The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery is a free University of Western Australia art gallery that offers a range of exhibitions and programs for kids.

Experience the top Children's Theatres in Perth

Perth has several theatres and performing arts centres that offer kids’ shows and family events:

• Riverside Theatre at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) is Perth's largest tiered theatre that offers live music, comedy shows, and cultural and family-friendly events.

• His Majesty's Theatre is a beautiful historical theatre that offers ballet and cabaret performances, comedy shows and more.

• Crown Theatre Perth is one of the largest theatres in Perth, offering a large variety of musicals, concerts, kids’ shows and more. 

• The Regal Theatre is an Art Deco-style theatre showing musicals, theatre and dance performances, comedy shows, and concerts.

• State Theatre Centre (State Theatre of WA) is a modern performing arts centre offering live shows, concerts, workshops and film screenings. 

Must-see Family Shows in Perth: 

Watching theatre shows or musicals are among the school holiday activities Perth offers to families. Here are some past and upcoming exciting family shows in Perth:

• Winnie the Pooh Musical

• Cirque Du Soleil - Crystal

• Disney Princess Concert

• The Wiggles Concert

• Andy's Amazing Adventures on-stage show

• and classics like The Lion King Musical, The Wizard of Oz Musical, Aladdin the Musical, The Sound of Music, and Matilda the Musical.

Top family-friendly Perth Fairs

When it comes to some of the most fun things to do in Perth for families, visiting one of the best Perth fairs is a delightful experience! Here are some not-to-be-missed events that promise great family fun:

• Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair is another fantastic Perth fair with lots of exciting rides, sideshow games, food trucks and more. It usually takes place from December to January, during the Perth school holidays.

• HyperFest is a popular youth festival tailored for teenagers and young people, with an art competition, live music, art exhibitions and more. It takes place in February.

• Fun Fair, Hillarys Boat Harbour is a super fun Perth fair with many thrilling rides, bumper cars and more. It stretches from December to late February.