Pull out your fluffiest beanies, WA's fave winter fest, Cabin Fever, is back in all its cosy glory. Running from 14 to 23 July, this year's festival will 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.
Fast Food Fancy
Wednesday 19 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. Just think duck nuggies and offal in ways you've never seen served across five indulgent courses (because we're fancy, remember) alongside top drops from Tait Wines and Jingalup Wines. There's only 35 seats available, so you'll have to act quick to score this next-level cheat meal.
Wines A Drag
Friday 21 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 wine tasting you'll ever take. Strap yourself in for six guided tastings with your hosting queens and winemakers plus saucy drag performances throughout.
Coastal Collabs
Friday 21 July | Lagoon, Yallingup
Scott Bridger (Bib + Tucker) is teaming up with Ben Jacob (Lagoon) for a food-filled coastal celebration. Your ticket will get you an evening of non-stop roaming seafood canapes and a drink on arrival to get things started.
Blazing Brews
Friday 14 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.
Whiskey, Burgers And Blues
Sunday 16 July | Bayside Burger Bar, Dunsborough
I mean, the name says it all. A tasting flight of award-winning whiskeys (many of which are from right here in WA), southern-style sliders and background blues to set the vibe, with plenty of highballs and cocktails to purchase too.
Street Eats By Chow's Table
Saturday 22 July | Chow's Table
You better believe Mal Chow will be whipping up a not-be-missed roaming feast at Cabin Fever this year. Ready your stomach for an insane lineup of Chinese Malay street eat stations before washing it down with a few House Of Cards wines or local craft beers and hitting the d-floor.
Yum Cha Brunch At Flametree
Sunday 16 July | Flametree Wines, Dunsborough
Bites from Little Hand Dumplings, a glass of something special from Flametree Wine, a toasty fire and live music—this casual and super cosy yum cha brunch is the ideal way to ease into your Sunday.
Cheese Toastie Battle
Sunday 16 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?
Rhum Burgandy Cocktail Masterclass
Monday 17 July | Rhum Burgandy, Margaret River
Whether you want to sharpen your bartending skills or just need an excuse to smash a few good cocktails, Marg's fave mixologist, Billy Phillips, is just the guy you need to talk to. He's hosting the ultimate cocktail masterclass that'll see you shake, stir and drink three delicious cocktails.
Lagerhaus
Saturday 22 July | Eagle Bay Brewing Co, Eagle Bay
The booze legends from Besk in West Leederville are road tripping down to Eagle Bay Brewing Co for a big night of lager and house music. And they're bringing a hectic lineup of universally loved beers and a well loved RTRFM DJ along with them. If you're not vibing the lager, don't stress, they've packed a few natural wines as well and there'll also be some tasty share plates up for purchase too.
The Details:
What: Cabin Fever
When: 14 to 23 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