The 7 Best Things To Do In Perth This June
Winter is here and the itty-bitty bikinis have been replaced with scarves and mittens. Okay, so it never really gets THAT cold in Perth, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get into the winter spirit, right?
[listicle]WA gets its very own day
Here’s a quick history lesson: Formerly known as Foundation Day, WA Day commemorates the first free settlers completing their voyage aboard the Parmelia with Captain Stirling to the Swan River Colony on 1 June 1829. Now WA Day is celebrated every year on the first Monday of June with free events and festivities held all over the state.
This year on June 6, celebrations will be held at the new swanky Elizabeth Quay waterfront and at Esplanade Park in Fremantle with events and activities spanning music, food, culture, arts, sports and community. Regional Western Australians are also catered for with special events being held in Mandurah, Albany, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Port Headland. You can be certain that there will be a massive fireworks display going off at the end of the night in true-blue WA fashion.
An all WA line-up
A music event that has the likes of Jebadiah, San Cisco and Koi Child playing – and it’s free? Count me in. The fifth annual SOTA music festival, presented by Celebrate WA, has returned with a stellar all-WA line-up showcasing the best and brightest in Western Australian talent.
For the first time, SOTA will be held on WA Day on 6 June at Elizabeth Quay on the banks of the Swan River. Along with live music sets, there will also be activities including pop-up performances and workshops. Come celebrate WA’s local artists and bask in the local pride.
Photo: Jebediah
Get your jazz hands ready
The Perth International Jazz Festival returns for a swinging weekend from June 3–5. The festival program is a smooth blend of local, national and international artists, quartets and orchestras held in various venues across the city. The headline performances take place on Saturday and Sunday at Brookfield Place featuring Melbourne soul outfit Hiatus Kaiyote and the Grammy-nominated YellowJackets. Your jazz hands will be going in no time.
To market, to market
The Perth Upmarket is back again on June 26 at UWA’s stunning Winthrop Hall. The Upmarket is the event on the market calendar with over 150 stallholders selling crafts, jewellery and all things design-related. Come along, browse the handcrafted wares, pick up gifts for friends and family and throw in a present for yourself while you’re at it.
It’s the perfect opportunity to chat one-on-one with these incredibly talented local artists and to learn about their processes. And if that’s not enough, there’s also the Suitcase Rummage, running as part of the Fremantle Heritage Festival on June 4, where you can bargain, swap and haggle for hidden treasures buried deep within battered suitcases. Better get rummaging.
Photo: Zozoandfro/Instagram
Jonesin’ for some Indiana
I can guarantee that as you read this, you will have the Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme song running through your head – am I right? Imagine how spectacular it would be to hear the iconic soundtrack by the legendary composer John Williams (also responsible for the Star Wars, Jaws and E.T. film scores among others), being played by the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO).
Well, now’s your chance to find out because WASO will be presenting Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark for two epic shows on June 15 and 16 at the Riverside Theatre. Don your best Indiana Jones-inspired outfit and don’t forget to crack your whip!
A pop culture party
Noticing plenty of dressed-up, fantasy-inspired characters out on the streets? It can only mean one thing: Supanova. Supernova is an expo for pop culture geeks, freaks and fiends and it’s hitting Perth from June 24–26 at the Perth Exhibition Centre. ‘Supa-star’ guests include James Marsters (a.k.a Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer); the cast from Charmed (yes, Shannon Doherty is going to be there) as well as the delectable Travis Fimmel from Vikings. Get into the Cosplay spirit and come dressed up as your favourite character.
Photo: Supanova
Making the most of winter
Everyone, this may be the closest we come to experiencing a white winter in Australia. Fremantle’s Winter Festival will be returning from June 24 to July 17 with the Fremantle Esplanade being transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland complete with an ice-skating rink and falling “snow”. Enjoy all of the spellbinding winter festivities and entertainment over some tasty treats and hot beverages – and don’t forget to rug up in your warmest gear before tackling the ice.
Photo: Winter Festival
[/listicle](Lead image: Perth Upmarket/Facebook)
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