If last month’s highlights focused on finding comfort in the cold months, this month Perth is slowly moving out of hibernation – as we enter Djilba, the season of conception, chilly mornings become warm days and we transition outdoors.
It’s the perfect time for a quick staycation, especially with the final weeks of truffle season providing ample opportunity to head south and sample some of our state’s most revered produce. If you’re after something a little closer to the CBD, waterfall hikes are at their most stunning in Djilba, with rushing currents from July rains swelling waterways in the Perth Hills and the Swan Valley – we’ve put together a list of some of our top stops we’d explore during this transitional time, with the further we move into Djilba providing the added benefit of gorgeous wildflower trails.
Read below for our August event highlights, or head to our events guide for a full list of the 260+ events running across the city this month.
Plateful Perth
August 1 – 31
The fourth annual Plateful Perth is set to return this month, with 80 venues in the City of Perth hosting 90 events and offerings of food, drink and accommodation from some of the city’s top chefs, restaurants, venues and hotels.
Categories like Premium Plates, Sip Sessions and Gourmet Getaways make up the program, with the Bargain Bites events featuring 20 affordable food and drink offers for example, targeting City workers and students with a new dining experience starting under $15.
Plateful is where Perth’s best-known venues and best-kept secrets are showcased – whether you’re trying something new or returning to an old favourite, every venue is putting their best food forward for the festivities. You’ll walk away with a new experience that you’ll remember way past August.
WA Comedy Week
August 4 – 9
Now in its fifth year, WA Comedy Week shines a spotlight on the best homegrown talent across all its funny forms — stand-up, sketch, improv, musical, theatrical, and heaps more.
Whether you’re a big-time comedy fan, after a good laugh and a drink with friends, or the perfect date night, there’s something for everyone. Venues include Lums Wine Bar, Bark Subiaco, McNally’s Irish Pub and more, with the major highlight being WA Comedy All-Stars, where the best of the west will join forces at Subiaco Arts Centre.
Calcio Italiano
August 5, 8 & 11
For the first time, Italy’s football giants – AC Milan, Inter, Juventus and Palermo – are coming to Perth.
While the World Cup hype may be over, there’s no shortage of football fun at Optus Stadium and HBF Park. Over three matches, four of the football world’s most successful and widely-supported clubs duel it out in Perth, bringing with them all the pride, history and rivalry that makes them so popular.
This includes the Milano Derby, where AC Milan faces off against Inter Milan, and the Derby D’Italia, where Inter Milan lines up on Juventus FC. This showcase is not only a WA-first, but an Australian-first, with Perth positioned as the exclusive hub for top-tier European football and drawing fans from across the country.
There’s open training sessions, fan parties, a football showcase at WA Museum, and of course, the Little Italy Festival outside Optus. This is a rare celebration you won’t want to miss.
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Spectacular
August 27 – October 4
Kicking off in the last week of August, this smash-hit is set to touch town in Perth after rave reviews across the UK.
Whether you’re a fan of the film or simply love a spectacular night out, Come Alive! reimagines the iconic film soundtrack as you’ve never experienced it before: live, loud, and complete with jaw-dropping acrobatic artistry and gravity-defying aerial acts.
Pitching their circus tent in East Perth’s Ozone Reserve for over a month of performances, this will be one we’ll be wanting to catch at the earliest opportunity.
Perth Gin Festival
August 28 – 30
This three day gin festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for gin lovers, with over 50 of Australia’s best craft distillers in attendance, it’s the perfect opportunity to find new favourites and learn from the experts about all things gin.
This year, a range of distillers will be bringing not only their gin but also a range of other spirits, including whisky, rum, vodka and liqueurs. The bottles will be available for sale to take home.
One of the festival’s highlights we wouldn’t want to miss are the gin tasting masterclasses, which will be hosted by one of Australia’s top gin experts, Cameron Syme, Master Distiller at the Margaret River Distilling Company and Giniversity. These classes provide an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding and appreciation of gin, as well as to learn more about the specific distilling techniques used by the distiller.
