Pull out your fluffiest beanies, WA's fave winter fest, Cabin Fever, is back in all its cosy glory. Running from 18 to 27 July, this year's festival will see a string of mouth-watering events pop up down south, from Busselton to Margaret River—providing loads of opportunities to devour all the food, wine and beer your body can handle while getting nice 'n toasty with your fellow foodies.
As expected, the first program release is stacked with more goodness than ever and things are already selling out. From perfectly paired degustations and truffle-topped feasts to toastie battles, bonfires, wine walks, live music and the odd drag queen. Who said winter was for hibernating?
Pack your winter best and book a Margaret River Airbnb stat because you don’t want to miss this one.
To make life easier, we've rounded up ten of our top picks from the program just for you. Get booking.
Blazing Brews
Friday 18 July | Beerfarm, Metricup
This Cabin Fever cult classic is back for another year of blazing bonfires, brews and epic bops. Fire up for the fest ahead with a rowdy night of live music and boozy good times. Think flame-grilled feasts, smoky eats and Beerfarm's finest beers and local wines flowing all night. So, get your tickets, round up your pals, and get ready for a night of dancing under the stars.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Supplied
Pinxtos Party
Friday 18 July | Rustico at Hay Shed Hill
Pinxtos Party brings a tapas tasting adventure to Cabin fever this year. You can expect authentic small bites, Spanish beers, sangria, tempranillo and Latino-inspired beats to fill up your arvo. Get a sangria at the door, then use your food tickets to enjoy the incredible Spanish food stations set up all around you. This is a celebration of Spanish culture, serving up all the passion and all the flavour in a festive mess of fun for anyone who loves a good day-party.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Website
Bingo Loco
Saturday 19 July | Shelter Brewing Co.
Game night has gone wild at Cabin Fever this year. Forget everything you think you know about bingo. Strap yourselves in because the world’s largest bingo rave is heading to Shelter Brewing Co. That means confetti cannons, dance-offs & big energy dancers, epic music and a ridiculously funny comedian for ultimate-party mode. You’ll get a flashing glow baton when you rock up, plus prizes to be won, including a trip for two (with flights and accommodation). Get out your best bingo texta and head to Shelter for the wildest of all bingo nights.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Supplied
East Meets West – Chow’s Table x Eagle Bay Brewing Co
Saturday 19 July | Eagle Bay Brewing Co.
You better believe Mal Chow will be whipping up a not-be-missed roaming feast at Cabin Fever this year. Joining head chef Josh De Caen in the Eagle Bay kitchen, ready your stomach for an insane lineup of Eastern-inspired cuisine with Chow's Table signature Chinese/Malay flavours. They’ve got five rounds to fight it out across a total of 10 canapés. Trust us, you won’t leave hungry. DJ Sian will keep the vibes going all night, plus all the best beers from the Eagle Bay Brewery.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Supplied
Yum Yum Cha
Sunday 20 July | Miss Chow’s Margaret River
New Margie local’s, Miss Chow’s serves up a traditional Yum Cha set menu this Cabin Fever, with bottomless tea. Indulge in a perfect winter morning of Asian-inspired cuisine and a fresh take on the classic brunch, the day beginning with a Lychee Martini on arrival. Expect all your favourite Yum Cha dishes, like dumplings, buns and spring rolls made using fresh produce from South West farms and makers. Wash it down with bottomless tea, or enjoy glasses from Edwards Wines (just next door) who will be catering to all your wine needs.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Website
Cheese Toastie Battle
Sunday 20 July | The Cabin, Busselton
By now, we hope you've heard about this one. The iconic battle is legendary and sees the best of the best fight for the title of best cheese toastie. You'll have to help the judging panel out of course by sampling each and every one in between drinks. It's a tough job, huh?
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Supplied
Butter Chicken, Beer + Burning Lights
Tuesday 22 July | Margaret River Brewhouse
Spice queen Sarina Kamini teams up with the Margaret River Beer Company to launch her brand-new cook book. Fill your evening with Sarina’s incredible butter chicken, matched with a Cabin Fever exclusive beer. Settle in and feast amongst the candle light and fire pits for max winter energy whilst MRBC Brewers and Sarina share their wisdom on all things beer and spice. There will be a beer on arrival, live music, light show by Onyx Entertainment, giveaways and a guaranteed good time.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Website
Fast Food Fancy
Wednesday 23 July | Normal Van Main Street, Margaret River
Chef Brendan Pratt (ex Vasse Felix) is doing fancy versions of your fave fast foods alongside Normal Van's Rob Webster in Margs. Rob & BP's adventurous menu is filled with eccentric ingredients and techniques that will make fast food fancy. Expect five indulgent courses (because we're fancy, remember) alongside top drops from Jingalup Wines and Normal Van cocktails. If you missed this collab in 2023, this is your chance! But there are limited seats available, so you'll have to act quick to score this next-level cheat meal.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Website
Meet the Magnums
Thursday 24 July | Eight Willow’s Retreat
Join Woodlands Wines at Eight Willows Retreat for a fireside candle-lit feast, showcasing produce from Woodlands’ garden with magnums of estate Chardonnay and Cabernet. Woodlands’ Chef Will Gaunt has created a bespoke menu featuring seasonal garden produce and paddock-to-plate Woodlands’ beef. Winemaker Sam Badger will guide you through four glasses of estate wine from 1.5L, 3L, and 6L magnums—Chardonnay, red blends ‘Clémentine’ and ‘Margaret’, and the iconic Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon. This intimate evening is all about bold flavours and big bottles! Settle in as you indulge in the three course menu and sip on four glasses of premium Woodland's wines.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Website
Wines A Drag
Friday 25 July | Bungalow Neighbourhood Social, Dunsborough
You know you're in for a fiercely good night when drag queens are involved. This festival fave is probably the sassiest cabaret wine-tasting you'll ever take. Strap yourself in for six guided tastings from three wineries, with your hosting queens and winemakers plus saucy drag performances throughout.
Image credit: Cabin Fever | Supplied
The Details:
What: Cabin Fever
When: 18 to 27 July
Where: Various locations throughout the Margaret River region
For tickets and more info, visit the website.
Until then, check out more things to do in Perth.
Image credit: Supplied