Celebrate Perth International Jazz Festival in the city

Jen Bowden27 Oct '223 min read

Big Band WAAPA

Perth International Jazz festival is back and this year it’s celebrating a milestone. The renowned music event will celebrate its 10th anniversary with ten days of shows at venues stretching from Perth to Busselton. It’s way too hard to choose our favourites from this extensive line up, but we can recommend some of the top spots in the City of Perth for food and drink near the festival venues.

The Rechabite

224 William Street, Northbridge

Playing host to the opening night of this jazz extravaganza, The Rechabite is one of the main festival venues this year. Opening Night will feature Vanessa Perica with the ANJO Big Band headlining the biggest jazz birthday party you’ve ever seen.

Though the Rechabite serves up its own delicious menu and extensive drinks list, if you’d prefer to see what else the city has to offer then you really are spoiled for choice. Francoforte Spaghetti Bar’s small but delicious menu is perfect for an intimate pre-show Italian, while Varsity Bar just up the road on Aberdeen Street has a more relaxed vibe if burgers and beer are more your thing.

Ellington Jazz Club

191 Beaufort Street, Perth

The Ellington is a jazz institution, renowned for its intimate space and relaxed vibe. Check out their super cool list of events including ARIA award-winning singer Grace Knight and a couple of groovy jam sessions open to anyone with the likes of Tal Cohen and Tessie Overmyer Quartet.

Though it serves its own delicious pizza, there are also a whole host of places to eat and drink in the area. The Moon Cafe just a block or two over is a Perth favourite, offering a wide-ranging menu of food and drinks. If world cuisine is more your thing, then arrive a bit early and enjoy choosing from the multitude of restaurants offering Italian to Japanese and everything in between.

Grace Knight

State Library of Western Australia/Northbridge Piazza

25 Francis Street

The Cultural Centre will be alive as it always is during festival time with music, exhibitions and as much jazz as you can shake a drum stick at. Snap Shot is a free exhibition of West Australian music photography at the State Library, or if you prefer your culture al fresco then head to the Northbridge Piazza on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October to catch some Jazz on Film.

The choice of food and drink in the area is pretty astounding with Yagan Square nearby and restaurants bordering either side of the train line. If you want something a little bit slick but still a crowd pleaser then Old Faithful serves up some quality American-style BBQ with portion sizes that’ll have your clothes straining at the seams. If you’re a fan of a cocktail or two then Wolf Lane is a quirky little spot tucked down off the beaten path offering an eye-opening list of delicious drinks.

Forrest Place

Perth CBD

Right at the heart of Perth CBD, the huge stage at Forrest Place is a great spot to catch a gig among the high rises. Saturday 5 November is the day to do it as you can catch 5 Bands, including the WAAPA Big Band and WAYJO, for free from 12 noon.

If you’re looking for food and drink with an equally spectacular view, then The Aviary on William Street is the perfect spot for a sundowner before you catch a show. Just around the corner you’ve also got The Globe and The Royal two of Perth’s best gastropubs with huge outdoor areas, mouth-watering menus and a drinks list as long and extravagant as a trumpet solo.

Big Band Dan Kirk in Bones

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Celebrate Perth International Jazz Festival in the city