2026 is the year you should visit Albany

By: Lisa Cook 

While an artificial surf reef, the town’s own version of Jacob’s Ladder and new mountain bike trails are already putting this southern coastal destination firmly on the map, it’s the year-long calendar of events that truly makes 2026 unmissable.

Next year, Albany will host WA's first bicentenary, marking 200 years since it became the state’s first established town. But the story of this place stretches back tens of thousands of years longer, and Albany 2026 has been designed as both a reflection and a celebration, honouring the world’s oldest living culture while looking ahead to a shared future.

Led by the City of Albany and the local community, the program brings together powerful arts, storytelling and cultural experiences across the year. Light, in particular, plays a central role, with illuminated landscapes, panoramic projections and spectacular drone shows transforming the town’s coastline, parks and historic sites.

Autumn highlights worth planning your trip around

A cluster of major events in March and April as part of Albany 2026 makes this an ideal time to head south.

First Lights Kinjarling | 6–8 March, 6.30–8.30pm 
Over three nights, ancient Menang stories will be brought to life through breathtaking drone light choreography and immersive sound at ANZAC Peace Park, illuminating the night sky in a moving cultural experience.

Taste Great Southern | 5–8 March 
A long weekend celebrating the region’s incredible food and wine, with experiences ranging from canapés and cocktails overlooking the ocean to guided hiking and gourmet dining in the Porongurups.

Lighting the Sound | 13–15, 20–22 and 27–29 March (from sunset) 
The world’s largest outdoor light installation will transform Albany’s coastline and landmarks over three spectacular weekends, created by world-renowned Finnish light artist Kari Kola.

Sculpture at Binalup | 10–19 April 
An outdoor exhibition at iconic Binalup/Middleton Beach, featuring large-scale works placed along the sand and foreshore, inviting visitors to connect with Menang Noongar Country through art and landscape.

Benang Koodarm: Tomorrow’s Dream | 18 April 
Held at Albany's Historic Whaling Station, this free outdoor community event brings together Noongar culture, storytelling, music and performance under the stars in the Amphitheatre.

Throughout the year, locals and visitors are invited to listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully and connect with the landscapes, stories and people that shape this historic place in WA.

Albany 2026 will officially close with a community-led celebration, ‘Carrying the Fire’, on 14 November, a fitting finale to a year of shared stories, culture and connection.

View the full event program on the Albany 2026 website and start planning your Albany road trip.

Banner image credit: Astrid Volzke