Everyone is welcome. Your guide to free experiences at Perth Festival!
Broadening minds and exciting the senses – this year’s Festival brings an incredible mix of international and local artistic talent to the people of Boorloo. From reinvigorating East Perth Power Station with Casa Musica to an all-new dance hub by Perth Moves, some of the Festival’s best experiences don’t have to break the bank.
Here's 6 events you can catch for free!
1. Karla Bidi (Fire Trail)
This is your invitation to Perth Festival.
Inspired by the Noongar tradition of lighting fires to greet and guide visitors, we're illuminating the night sky at 11 sites along the Derbarl Yerrigan. Each beacon is a campfire, a glowing symbol of welcome, warmth, safety and inclusivity. Sit under the sky by the beautiful riverbank and witness these captivating beacons as they welcome you to join us and be part of something truly extraordinary.
See them light up the night from afar or journey down to the water’s edge and immerse yourself in a unique blend of light sculptures and soundscapes designed specifically for this place.
No tickets, no theatre seats, just light stretching from the hills to the sea, welcoming you to Perth Festival 2025.
Dates 7 Feb – 2 Mar | Mon – Sun after dark until late
2. Casa Musica
Celebrate the sounds of music from across the diverse Indian Ocean rim and beyond. Casa Musica invites visitors to unwind in a vibrant celebration of music, food and cultures. Every Wednesday to Sunday in the late afternoon kick back to free music, get up and dance or indulge in some tasty food and drink.
Opening with a selection of First Nation DJs from the Lubly Dae Collective, the roster keeps growing with an eclectic hip-hop and pop set from Iconyx followed by the soulful melodies from recent ARIA Award winner Emily Wurramara.
Explore the sounds of the Arab world with Berlin-based label Habibi Funk and experience Italy’s diverse musical heritage with an Italian line-up headlined by Kavisha & The Continentals.
This piazza style party is a rare chance to see some of the world’s best musicians, for free!
Dates 7 Feb – 2 Mar | Wed – Sun 5 – 8pm
3. Perth Moves: The Hub
All abilities, all styles, all fun! This Festival dance hub means movement, music, connection and community. Returning bigger and better Perth Moves by STRUT Dance is taking over Forrest Place and everyone is welcome to join a class or see a show.
For the first time ever experience the world premiere of Manifest by renowned Moroccan-Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkao, or join All The Queens Men for the LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club and groove alongside fabulous and fabulous-at-heart LGBTIQ+ elders and allies.
No tickets or experience needed, just enthusiasm!
Date: 15 – 20 Feb, various times
4. Indian Ocean Sounds
Get lost in a Scarborough sunset soundtracked by the euphoric rhythms of South Africa’s The Joy, joined by the melodic African, Indian, Malagasy and European fusion of Réunion Island’s Lindigo.
These two spectacular acts will close out a final festival Saturday with free music and energetic vibes. Bring a picnic or grab a bite from one of the many eateries on The Esplanade and settle in for a magical west coast sunset flecked with harmonies, soul and traditional dance.
P.S. You can also see The Joy at Casa Musica on Sun 2 Mar
Date Sat 1 Mar 6.30pm
5. Backstories
Explore the extraordinary as you kick back for an evening of storytelling in Stirling Civic Gardens.
This Perth Festival edition of Centre for Stories’ beloved Backstories will open more than just the garden gate, as untold tales from City of Sterling locals are shared with anyone willing to listen.
Hear what you haven’t before and be serenaded by the experimental jazz sounds of GunFu at this free neighbourhood Festival event.
Date Sat 15 Feb 5.30pm
6. Up Late at The Embassy
Sample the cocktails, hit the dancefloor and strike up a chat with creative sparks from all walks of life. It’s our artist club at The Embassy, Perth Town Hall, with a little bit of surprise and delight, where punters and performers can rub shoulders into the wee hours.
Our late-night artist club is also the home for Scratch Night. Two nights, six performers, 15 minutes, infinite ideas. See the unconventional side of the Festival in a special late-night underground variety show.
Date 14 Feb – 2 Mar | Fri – Sun 10pm – 1am