Another long weekend is upon us, but do we know why we celebrate WA Day?
WA Day is celebrated on the first Monday of June each year to commemorate the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829.
It’s a day for us to recognize our Aboriginal history, early European settlers and those from around the world who call Australia home.
We have created a list from family fun to festivals and Sunday sessions to help plan how you want to spend your WA DAY long weekend.
FAMILY FUN
WA DAY FREMANTLE FESTIVAL
This event is to celebrate, share and value cultural diversity. This free entry family friendly event will delight adults and children, with a variety of activities, as well as musical and dance performances in and around the harbour.
Fremantle’s iconic boardwalk restaurants will be open for those working up an appetite from a fun filled day of activities.
There will be a light and pyrotechnic show to conclude the night - not one to miss!
When: Sunday, June 2, 12pm to 8pm
Where: Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour - Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160
Tickets: FREE
SOTA FESITVAL
This all age family friendly festival is perfect for the music lovers out there. A huge array of musical styles will be on display, with different areas set up to entertain each member of the family. Best of all - the festival is free!
When: Monday June 3, 12pm to 9pm
Where: Burswood Park - Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100
Tickets: FREE
SOTA CENTRE STAGE
Music lovers rejoice as there will be an epic line up of local talent. Find out when your favourite artist is playing here.
BHP ART MEETS SCIENCE AREA 10am to 7pm
- Food trucks
- WA Museum
- String symphony
BUPA PLAY IN WA AREA 10am to 7pm
- Bupa kids activation zone
- Arts and crafts
- Animal farm
- Sausage sizzle
- Food trucks
- Inflatable playground
SYNERGY EAT STREET 10am to 9pm
- Food trucks galore
- Synergy solar on the move
CHILL OUT ZONE AREA 10am to 9pm
- Food trucks
- Bean bags
- Water ski demos 10am
FUN ZONE AREA 10am to 9pm
- Kids amusements rides
- Giant swan selfie
LIVELIGHTER PINJARRA FESTIVAL
This event is perfect for a family day out, with a range of exciting offerings.
Spaced over two days, the Livelighter Pinjarra Festival will include over 100 market stalls, food trucks, vintage care displays, performers, heritage tours wine tasting shed and a
licensed area.
Children activities include free face painting, free art and craft, free laser tag, camel and pony rides, mini animal farm and amusement rides and showbags.
Tickets: FREE
Satellite events:
ST JOSEPH’S PINJARRA COUNTRY FAIR
Fun for the kids with carnival games, entertainment, chocolate wheel and cow pat lotto.
When: Saturday, June 1, 9am to 8pm
Where: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School - 40 George Street, Pinjarra WA 6208
ALCOA PINJARRA WA DAY CONCERT
Featuring some of WA’s best musical talent, Pinjarra will come alive for their first free Alcoa concert.
When: Saturday, June 1, 4pm to 8.30pm
Where: Edenvale Homestead - 1 George Street, Pinjarra WA 6208
ALCOA AND PINJARRA ROTARY ART EXHIBITION AND SALE
This art exhibition has remained a highlight in Pinjarra’s event calendar which has provided the opportunity for artists to showcase their work.
When: Saturday June 1st until Monday June 3rd 10am to 4pm
Where: Pinjarra Civic Centre - 1915 Pinjarra Road, Pinjarra WA 6208
CARNIVAL FEVER
Perfect day to take the kids out, this event is jam packed with entertainment and activities all day. As a bonus, all rides and entertainment are included in the ticket price - so the kids can enjoy the rides as many times as they like.
There will also be a meet and greet with the Cookie Monster and Elmo, as well as free face painting, a petting zoo, carnival games, food trucks and X5 Parkour Academy.
When: Saturday, June 1, until Monday, June 3rd, 10am to 5pm
Where: Cannington Showgrounds - Cnr Station Street/Albany Highway, Cannington WA 6987
Tickets from $25
MUSIC FESTIVALS
THE DROP FESTIVAL
This picturesque location is bringing together WA musical talent for an epic festival. Headlining this festival is the Sydney born siblings, Angus and Julia Stone, who are international superstars. This event is all-ages, with a restricted licensed area. There will also be a variety of food operators to keep your hunger at bay.
When: Saturday June 1 st 3pm to 10pm
Where: Barnard Park Busselton WA 6280
Tickets from $91
SUNDAY SESSIONS
SNACK WA DAY LONG WEEKEND
This free 18+ event is bringing Perth’s best DJs together for one incredible day. Filled with festival rides, glitter station and a massive silent disco, what's not to love?
After working up an appetite on the dancefloor, Snack has you covered with food trucks including: Hawt Dawg, Fish Boss, Gary’s Diner cheeseburgers, The Melt Hub and The Sweet Box Cart.
It wouldn’t be a Sunday session without drinks - and Red Bull, Smirnoff Vodka and Captain Morgan’s are all coming to the party.
When: Sunday June 2, 12pm to 10pm
Where: Burswood Park - Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100
Tickets: FREE
SWISH WA DAY EVE
Sunday will basically be your second chance at Saturday night this weekend, so brush off the deju vu and head into Northbridge!
Coconut Grove comprises of three levels including a garden bar, diner and roof top bar - and all are ready to light up.
Choose from the extensive beer list or get the bartender to shake you up an impressive cocktail. Resident DJ’s and special guests will be playing HOUSE/RNB/HIPHOP/PARTY.
When: Sunday June 2, 5pm to 12am
Where: Coconut Grove – 161 James Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Tickets from $10
BLOCK PARTY LEEDERVILLE 2.0
A variety of Block Party regulars will be covering the five stages across The Garden, The Blue Flamingo, Babushka, Bill’s Bar and Bite and The Tiny Club.
Make sure to hit up the drink and eat specials on the night.
When: Sunday June 2, 6pm to 12am
Where: Leederville Complex – 724 Newcastle Street, Leederville WA 6007
Tickets from $25
THE NIGHT MARKET
This special event is a once off Sunday soiree with Elise Keddie headlining. Dance and drink in this double story venue with three permanent bars and an outdoor beer garden.
$10 cocktail specials all night long and $25 bottle specials from 4pm to 7pm.
When: Sunday, June 2, 4pm to 12am
Where: Market Grounds – 10 Telethon Avenue, Perth WA 6000
Tickets: FREE
CAKE WA DAY LONG WEEKEND
With three separate rooms dedicated to Hip Hop, Rnb, Trap, Dancehall, Afro Beats and Reggaeton, there is music for everyone to enjoy.
When: Sunday, June 2, 4pm to 12am
Where: The Court – 50 Beaufort Street, Perth WA 6000
Tickets from $20
Main picture credit: @thewanderfullylost