The Best Festivals Lighting Up The South West In 2025/2026
From long-table feasts to surf showdowns, film premieres and vineyard gigs, there’s no such thing as a quiet season in WA’s South West. The region’s rolling hills, beaches and cellar doors play host to some of the country’s most iconic events, drawing foodies, musos and adventure-seekers all year round. So, whether you’re planning a summer road trip or a mid-winter escape, here’s every festival worth bookmarking for 2025 and 2026.
Jump to: Music Festivals
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Music Festivals
Good Day Sunshine
Image credit: Margaret River Region | Website
The team behind Here Comes The Sun bring their boutique music festival back to Margaret River with a killer lineup featuring The Teskey Brothers, Boy & Bear, Meg Mac, The Beautiful Girls, Charlie Collins, Dear Sunday, Carla Geneve and Tanya Ransom. Set against the backdrop of Gloucester Park, it’s an all-day affair made for soaking up summer skies, grazing on good food and swaying barefoot to some of the country’s best acts. Under-18s are welcome, so grab your camp chair and settle in for an unforgettable day down south.
The Details
When: Saturday 29 November 2025
Where: Gloucester Park, Margaret River
Cabin Fever Festival
Image credit: Margaret River Region | Website
When winter hits, the South West doesn’t slow down - it comes alive. Cabin Fever is ten days of wine-fuelled feasts, bonfire parties, long lunches and late-night gigs across Margaret River, Dunsborough and Busselton. From truffle dinners in hidden wineries to DJs spinning in cozy bars, it’s the perfect excuse to rug up and get amongst it.
The Details
When: July 2026
Where: Margaret River Region
Arts & Culture Festivals
CinefestOZ Film Festival
Image credit: Margaret River Region | Website
Australia’s premier destination film festival rolls out the red carpet across the South West every August. CinefestOZ celebrates local and international cinema with premieres, Q&As, and Australia’s richest film prize. Expect glamorous gala nights in Busselton, intimate screenings in Margaret River, and late-night afterparties that spill into the region’s wine bars. It’s the perfect winter escape for film lovers and culture chasers alike!
The Details
When: August 2026
Where: Busselton, Margaret River & Bunbury
Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival
Image credit: Margaret River Region | Website
Book lovers, this one’s for you. The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival turns the region into a hub of storytelling each May, drawing Australia’s best authors, journalists and poets for a weekend of conversation, creativity and inspiration. Sessions are held at the Margaret River HEART and nearby venues, surrounded by vineyards and cafés perfect for a post-panel debrief. If you’ve ever wanted to mix literature with a glass of cabernet, this is your moment.
The Details
When: Friday 01 May to Sunday 03 May 2026
Where: Margaret River HEART
Undalup Bunuru Festival
Image credit: Margaret River Region | Website
Held on the Busselton foreshore during the Noongar season of Bunuru, this vibrant cultural festival celebrates Country through dance, art, language and music. Run by the Undalup Association, it’s an immersive experience that honours Aboriginal tradition and connection to place - a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the South West’s deep cultural roots.
The Details
When: February 2026
Where: Busselton
Food & Wine Festivals
Pair’d Margaret River Region
Image credit: City of Busselton | Website
The newest (and chicest) addition to the South West’s festival calendar, Pair’d celebrates the region’s world-class wine, produce and creative spirit. Expect intimate dinners in hidden vineyards, open-air tastings, art installations and collaborations between local icons and visiting chefs. It’s four days of indulgence wrapped in that relaxed, sun-drenched Margaret River style. Come hungry and leave with a very full camera roll.
The Details
When: Thursday 20 November to Sunday 23 November 2025
Where: Various venues across the Margaret River Region
Truffle Kerfuffle
Image credit: Margaret River Region | Website
Each June, Manjimup becomes the centre of the culinary universe as chefs, growers and food lovers gather to celebrate WA’s prized black truffle. Spend the weekend hunting through misty forests, watching cooking demos, and tucking into multi-course feasts paired with local wines. It’s cozy, indulgent and deliciously earthy…everything you need from a winter escape.
The Details
When: Last weekend in June 2026
Where: Fonty’s Pool, Manjimup
Sports & Outdoor Festivals
Ironman Western Australia
Image credit: Western Australia Walking On A Dream | Website
Every December, Busselton transforms into a triathlon mecca as athletes from around the globe take on one of the most scenic Ironman courses in the world. The swim starts alongside the iconic jetty, followed by a flat coastal ride and a marathon that finishes in the heart of the foreshore crowds. Even if you’re not racing, the energy is electric, and the celebrations at the finish line are hard to beat.
The Details
When: Sunday 7 December 2025
Where: Busselton
Festival of Busselton
Image credit: City of Busselton | Website
A summer tradition stretching back more than 60 years, the Festival of Busselton is all about sun-soaked community spirit. Across January, the foreshore fills with parades, markets, concerts and fireworks, creating that nostalgic seaside vibe that defines South West summers. Bring the whole crew and stay for sunset, it’s the ultimate way to wrap up the day.
The Details
When: January 2026
Where: Busselton Foreshore
Geographe Bay Race Week
Image credit: Margaret River Region | Website
The sails are up and the champagne’s flowing as Australia’s biggest regional yachting regatta takes over Geographe Bay each February. Whether you’re part of the crew or cheering from the jetty, the atmosphere is pure summer; think sea breeze, sunsets and afterparties on the foreshore.
The Details
When: Saturday 14 February to Friday 20 February 2026
Where: Busselton
Western Australia Margaret River Pro
Image credit: Tracks Magazine | Website
Surfers Point roars to life every April when the world’s best take on the powerful Margaret River break for the WSL Championship Tour. Crowds gather along the cliff line to watch the action, with beach bars, pop-ups and music adding to the buzz. It’s a quintessential South West moment that you don’t want to miss!
The Details
When: Friday 17 April to Monday 27 April 2026
Where: Surfers Point, Prevelly
Margaret River Ultra Marathon
Image credit: Runner's Tribe | Website
Eighty kilometres of rugged coastline, forest trails and vineyard vistas make this one of Australia’s most scenic endurance events. Whether you’re running solo, in a team, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a weekend that captures the region’s wild beauty - and the post-race celebrations aren’t bad either.
The Details
When: Saturday 09 May & Sunday 10 May 2026
Where: Margaret River Region
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