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What’s on this week in Perth

5 min read
Plateful Perth
Is anyone else struggling to believe it's already August? While 2026 seems to be flying by, there are heaps of great reasons to stop and savour the moment this week.

Judith Forrest: Out of the Ordinary Exhibition

Now – Thursday 6 August | Gallery Central

Out of the Ordinary marks the culmination of 50 years of Judith Forrest’s art practice, focussing on the everyday actions that carry deep meaning. Through sketching, she has documented the interactions between people: how they sit, wait, talk, and engage with one another, as well as their relationships with animals, including pets, and the ways they socialise together.

SkyVista Ferris Wheel

Now - 23 August | Riverside Drive Foreshore 

Take the school holidays to new heights with SkyVista, a 36 metre tall ferris wheel that's just popped up at Riverside Drive Foreshore. SkyVista offers breathtaking 360-degree views across the Swan River, the Perth city skyline, Elizabeth Quay and beyond, and transforms after dark with thousands of dazzling lights. 

Plateful Perth

Now - 31 August | Across the City

This August Perth transforms into a food lover’s paradise as Plateful Perth shakes the City out of hibernation. From cocktail flights to exclusive dining experiences and chef-led masterclasses it’s the perfect time to explore Perth’s vibrant hospitality scene.

X-Press Magazine: 41 Years on the Streets

Now – 6 September | State Library of WA

From humble beginnings as a small but plucky guide to Perth’s nightlife, X-Press Magazine has become a highly influential bible for all things music, art, fashion, food and drink in Perth. Curated by former X-Press editor Bob Gordon, the exhibition reflects on the magazine’s cultural impact and legacy. With the title now owned by local media company Vanguard Media Group, it also looks to the brand’s digital future.

Hatched: National Graduate Show 2026

Now - 4 October | PICA

Marking its 35th year, PICA is proud to present the 2026 Hatched National Graduate Show. Showcasing recent graduates from art schools across Australia, Hatched offers a national survey of emerging artistic talent, highlighting the diversity and creativity of the next generation of the country’s most promising artists, selected for their creative excellence and unique modes of expression.

Ocean Xperience

Now – 11 October | WA Museum Boola Bardip

Step into the world of National Geographic’s OceanXplorers and get ready for a hands-on ocean adventure the whole family can enjoy. Designed with families in mind, the experience invites children and adults to explore side by side. Through interactive play, storytelling, and immersive environments, visitors learn how researchers discover new species and explore some of the most remote parts of our oceans. 

Calcio Italiano

Wednesday 5 – Tuesday 11 August | Optus Stadium

See the giants of Italian football this August, when four of Italy’s fiercest football rivals leave Europe and play in Perth. AC Milan, Inter, Juventus and Palermo – among the most successful and widely supported clubs in world football – bring their legacy and pride to the pitch at Optus Stadium

Little Italy Festival

Wednesday 5 – Sunday 9 August | Optus Stadium

As part of Calcio Italiano, Stadium Park will come alive with Little Italy, a vibrant festival celebrating the best of Italian culture. Discover authentic food trucks, live entertainment, cultural showcases, family-friendly activities and more as the precinct transforms into a bustling hub of food, music and community.

Sydney Dance Company: Engine

Wednesday 5 - Saturday 8 August | State Theatre Centre

Engine unites three extraordinary choreographers—Rafael Bonachela, Fran Diaz, and Melanie Lane—for an exhilarating performance that promises bold, fearless dance.

Watercolour Society of WA - 46th Annual Awards Exhibition

Thursday 6 - Sunday 9 August | Perth City Farm

Immerse yourself in the world of watercolour at the Watercolour Society of WA's 46th Annual Awards Exhibition. Enjoy live painting demos, chat with talented artists, and get hands-on at the interactive ‘Try Me’ table — perfect for curious creatives of all ages.

Chess Club

Thursday 6 August | Lawson Flats

Start the month the best way possible with Lawson Flats' Chess Club. Members, guests, all are welcome. Learn to play, take it seriously, or watch with a negroni in hand.

Live Drawing Workshop with Bryan Woltjen

Saturday 8 August | City of Perth Library

Join Southside Life Drawing host, freelance Theatrical Designer and WAAPA Head of Design Bryan Woltjen, assisted by a professional life drawing model, as he guides you through the process of figurative drawing with a focus on applied illustration practice. Light refreshments and all materials provided.

Melbourne Storm v Manly Waringah Sea Eagles

Saturday 8 August | HBF Park

Can’t wait for the 2027 NRL season? Catch Melbourne Storm as they take on one of their biggest rivals, Manly Sea Eagles, at HBF Park on Saturday 8 August. Feel the electricity of a Storm home game and experience edge-of-your-seat action, big hits & unmissable moments. 

Stories from the West

Saturday 8 August | State Library of WA

Meet the shortlisted authors of the 2026 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards at a day of panel discussions, book signings and live experiences that spotlight the richness, diversity and daring of WA writing. 

Upcoming

Dive Bar

14 August | WA Museum Boola Bardip

Enjoy after-hours access to the OceanXperience exhibition at this monthly Friday night pop‑up bar. Each month brings a fresh line‑up from marine science experts to local musicians inspired by the Indian Ocean. Unwind with a refreshing drink at Perth’s most unique after‑work spot. 

Pixel Expo

15 - 16 August | Perth Convention and Exhibition

Pixel Expo brings together gaming enthusiasts, animators, developers, and industry professionals from all over the world, showcasing the latest and greatest in gaming and animation technology, featuring exhibits from top gaming and animation companies as well as up-and-coming independent developers.

Honky Tonk Friday

28 August | Perth City Farm

Back by popular demand, Honky Tonk Friday returns to kick off Barn Dance weekend in true country style. Head to Perth City Farm for an evening of bootscootin’, live music and plenty of good times.

City to Surf

30 August | Across the City

Join WA’s most iconic fun run and be part of a celebration that brings communities together, one step at a time. Register here.

Perth Boat Show

4 - 6 September | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Discover everything you love about life on the water at the 2026 Perth Boat Show, returning to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4 - 6 September. Across three action-packed days, explore the latest boats, marine technology, and on-water gear, all in one place - from family-friendly trailer boats to high-performance watercraft.

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