May is an interesting month. It’s where we all start to have that terrifying realisation that the year is slipping by a little (okay, a lot) faster than we’d like. Plus, with the cooler weather setting in, the days feel shorter too—which all generally just leaves us feeling like we don’t have enough time to get out and enjoy everything.
But don’t let yourself slip into hibernation just yet. There are plenty of awesome things to do in Perth this month, from foodie feasts, to live music and art—you’ll find plenty of reasons to step out of the house in May.
Here’s what’s on in Perth this month—hand picked by us.
Chaos Hour At QT Perth
All Month (Excluding Sundays)
SANTINI BAR AT QT PERTH
Gin is the thing to be drinking right now, and that’s been made pretty clear by the good folk at QT Perth, who bring us Chaos Hour. Their take on the much-loved happy hour, Chaos Hour can be taken whenever you like and showcases their incredible collab gin made by Four Pillars. And—get this—it’s only $30 for two mini gin cocktails and a neat tasting of the special gin itself.
Little Creature’s Little Home Brewers Competition
All Month
At Home
Little Creatures is back to throw down another epic challenge for all the home brewers out there. With help from a few handy online master classes taught by their talented brewers, you can get started on crafting your own special brew at home. And if your home brew takes out top prize, you’ll have the opportunity to get it brewed at scale and launched at Little Creatures’ Oktoberfest celebrations. Now that’s some serious bragging rights. Get all the info here.
Honey Month
All Month
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
“If everything is honey, and I am what I eat, I must be made of honey, and life is very sweet.” This iconic quote from our favourite childhood bear, Winnie the Pooh, sums up our feelings about the fact it’s honey month. That’s right, May is honey month, and there’s a whole bunch of events happening to celebrate it. From beekeeping classes to honey dessert tastings, there’s a little something for all the sweet tooths out there.
Perth Comedy Festival
1—16 May
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
They say laughter is the best medicine, and with the impending winter blues approaching a tad faster than we’d like, we’re all ready for a big dose of funny. Thankfully the Perth Comedy Festival is back for another year, bringing the very best side-splitting, drink-spitting jokes going around to venues across Perth until Sunday 16 May. While a couple of shows had to be postponed due to COVID, there’s still a heck of a lot of fun going on here.
Perth Garden Festival
6—9 May
LANGLEY PARK
Rejoice, plant and outdoor design lovers, this massive event spanning over four days includes the most beautiful garden exhibitions, high tea, gin masterclasses and wait for it… a huge plant market, for all you plant mamas and papas out there wishing to expand your family.
The Pickle District After Dark Roving Art Crawl
7 May
WEST PERTH
Attention art connoisseurs, painters, pottery fanatics, and booze-lovers alike: this event is bound to knock your socks off. Introducing The Pickle District After Dark Roving Art Crawl, a one-night tour that invites you to cruise through the coolest art Perth has to offer while enjoying banging eats and drinks—think burgers from Twin Peaks and wines from Cherubino and you're on the right track. Including art sculptures and light displays, you won’t want to miss this.
Mother's Day
9 May
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Treat mum to something nice with a fancy lunch, brunch or high tea. No matter what mum's into, we’ve got you covered. Check out this list of where to take mum for the best Mother’s Day ever and prepare to claim favourite child status.
Nothing Compares To The Music Of Prince
15 May
HBF STADIUM
This May, the Perth Symphony Orchestra is bringing us the iconic music from the one and only Prince, who played his last live show ever right here in Perth before he passed away. With incredible vocalists and instrumentalists geared up to deliver all the stuff you know and love from one of the world’s most missed artists, it’s the tribute we all need.
Bindaring Sale
16 May
CLAREMONT SHOWGROUNDS
This epic preloved fashion sale only happens once a year, so we suggest you head down to the Claremont Showgrounds between 9am and 3pm on 16 May to grab yourself a serious bargain. This is the place to go if you like to look oh-so-chic, but you’re also on a budget (aren’t we all). Plus, all profits from the sale go to charity so you can feel even better about your sustainable buys.
Roving Dinner With Cape Mentelle
18 May
The Old Synagogue
The Old Synagogue is bringing together each of their quality venues for this epic evening with Cape Mentelle. Get set to float from venue to venue tasting through Cape Mentelle's exquisite drops while nibbling on the 'gog's finest eats. You'll start in The Arbor's beautiful grass area for some whites with canapes, then head to the rooftop for a delish soy cured salmon bite. After that, you'll hop over to Mr Chapple's rooftop for delish slow cooked beef brisket with crushed potatos and two warming reds. Finally for dessert, you'll end at L'Chaim with a comforting spiced apple and rhubarb crumble. Book you spot here.
Australian Heritage Festival
Until 19 May
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Celebrate Australia’s rich history at the Australian Heritage Festival throughout the month of May. With events teaching us about all the different cultures that make up our society, expect very insightful and educational guided tours, dance workshops, and countless exhibitions.
Howard Park And Mon Tout Wine Dinner
20 May
The Reveley
Old-school and more modern minimal intervention wines combine for this four-course wine dinner at The Revely. You'll join Howard Park and Mon Tout winemaker Richard Burch for a journey through sustainable wine making while enjoying four perfectly paired dishes developed by Executive Chef Ben Keal and his talented team to highlight the unique complexities of each wine. Book you seat here.
Darkfield Presents COMA And FLIGHT
20 May Onwards
PERTH CULTURAL CENTRE, NORTHBRIDGE
Darkfield, the guys responsible for those terrifying shipping container experiences at Fringe, is back at it; bringing two of their creepy container experiences—COMA and FLIGHT—back to Perth this May and June. Find out more about the experiences here.
Chicken And Beer Festival
21—23 May
SUBIACO
After having to postpone last month due to the COVID lockdown, Perth's first ever Chicken and Beer Festival lands this May. With four awesome sessions over the weekend, all of which are family and pet friendly, you can stroll around the beautiful parklands while feasting on every sort of chicken your heart desires and knocking back a few frothies. If you're keen to get in on the clucking good times at Subiaco Market Square, grab your tickets while you still can.
Palace Social Club And Voyage With Set Mo
22 May
CENTENARY Warehouse AT CLAREMONT SHOWGROUNDS
Palace Social Club was another event originally supposed to go ahead last month but was sadly rescheduled due to the snap lockdown. They’re still serving up good times, though, with Set Mo and other DJs bringing max vibes across two stages. Also keep an eye out for the Aperol Spritz Bar, glam station and a whole lot more. Scoop up tickets here.
Blue Soiree With Beyond Blue
22 May
HARBOURSIDE FREO
This is the definition of a good night with a good cause. Harbourside Freo is hosting the Blue Soiree, in partnership with Beyond Blue to raise awareness for mental health. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, a delectable five-course meal, and some great tunes too so what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets here.
Perth Health, Wellness And Fitness Expo
23 May
PERTH CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
Now’s the time for the fitspo people to shine. Or, those of you who just want to live a healthier life, but aren’t sure where to start. This expo will have you learning all about cooking for a healthy body and mind, plus expert advice all day long to have you looking and feeling your very best. P.S. it’s free—you just need to register.
Planet Street Pop-Up
27 May
PLANET STREET CAR PARK, CARLISLE
Head down to the Planet Street Pop-Up for some really darn good market stalls. With fresh fruit and veg on sale from the local stalls, beautiful homemade products, and gorgeous live music, there’s a little something for us all here.
Sausage Fest
27 May
BELGIAN BEER CAFE, NOrthbridge
Two hours of unlimited snags? Yep, it’s an Aussie dream come true, and honestly, what better way to spend your Thursday night than chilling in the courtyard to live music, enjoying some delicious snags and washing it down with bottomless beer to match.
The Italian Aperativo
28 May
WA ITALIAN CLUB, West Perth
If vino and Italian bites are more up your alley, then head to The Italian Aperativo. For just $25 per ticket, spend two hours enjoying a complimentary drink, fine Castelli wines, an open buffet of all the best foods Italy has to offer, and live music. Bellissimo!
Winter Village
28 May Onwards
Ice Cream Factory, Northbridge
From Friday 28 May the temperature will be dialed right down at Perth’s iconic Ice Cream Factory event space as it's transformed into a frosty winter wonderland complete with daily snow showers, an outdoor ice skating rink, private igloos and plenty of comfort food and alpine-appropriate drinks. Scope out all the details here.
If that's not enough, here are more fun things to do in Perth.
Image credit: Supplied (Winter Village)