10 of WA's best winter festivals

Why hibernate when there's still so much going on right across the state over the winter months?

Cool takes on a new meaning when it comes to winter in WA. From June to August, the state has a line-up of exciting festivals, from toastie gastronomic experiences in the South West to concerts under boabs in the far north. Whether your next road trip is about embracing a cosy escape down south or heading north to chase the sun, there's a festival to suit all moods.

So crawl out from under the doona and make sure your next road trip adventure includes one of these festivals.

1. Cabin Fever

Dates: 18-27 July 2025 Location: The Margaret River region

A bad case of cabin fever? Not in this state. Cabin Fever, the much-loved South West festival is back and bigger than ever, hosting 40 events throughout Busselton and the Margaret River region across ten days.

Prepare for a sensory overload with various bespoke food and drink experiences suited to all budgets. See who’ll win the Cheese Toastie Battle, join a Cuban fiesta at Hayshed Hill's Rustico Rum-Ba, or dance in the confetti rain Bingo Loco-the world's largest bingo rave.

Beerfarm in Metricup will be hosting an epic bonfire and for budding artists and white wine lovers, you can combine your two passions to create a ceramic work of art at Clay and Chardonnay in Busselton.

2. Derby Boab Festival

Dates: 3-20 July 2025 Location: Broome

Still going strong after 62 years, the Derby Boab Festival celebrates all things local in this unique coastal town.

Join the Long Table Dinner and dine under a blanket of shimmering Kimberley stars. Other headline events at this year's festival include Derby Cup Race Day, a country music concert, and a parade of colourful floats. On 11 July don't miss the Mowanjum Festival held at the Mowanjum Art Centre.

3. Balingup Medieval Carnivale

Dates: 23-24 August 2025 Location: Balingup

Dust off your jousting stick, channel your best Middle Ages style, and head for the fiefdom of Balingup for the annual Balingup Medieval Carnivale. Now in its 30th year, this celebration of all things medieval features music, dance, and (friendly) demonstrations of medieval combat.

The highlight of this two-day festival is the grand parade and the 'burning of the dragon' on Saturday night. You'll also be able to browse more than 100 stalls packed with local produce and other local wares throughout the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to dress to suit the theme.

4. Shinju Matsuri

Dates: 23 August – 7 September 2025 Location: Broome

The long-running Shinju Matsuri festival showcases Broome's eclectic heritage with an exciting schedule of gourmet dining experiences and cultural events across the town.

Head to the beachside festival hub for a range of events throughout the festival, including the Shinju Opening Ball on Saturday 23rd.

Pull up a chair on iconic Cable Beach for a magical Sunset Long Table Dinner. Famed as one of the state's most sought-out dining experiences, the event's multi-course menu spotlights local ingredients and seasonal produce, all curated by the festival's headline chef. As well as catching a famous Cable Beach sunset, you can enjoy twilight performances by local artists.

See the waters off Gantheaume Beach (1km east of Gantheaume Point) dotted with shimmering lights at Floating Lantern or savour the best of Broome's street eats under the stars at the Chinatown Feast along Short Street.

5. CinefestOz Film Festival

Dates: 30 August – 7 September 2025 Location: Busselton and the Margaret River region

One of the country's most anticipated film festivals, CinefestOZ presents the best of Australian cinema, merging screenings with the region’s spectacular scenery, along with guest appearances by industry veterans. Who needs a candy bar when you have all the good food and wine from the South West on offer?

Also on the table is Australia's largest film prize, with film finalists competing for $100,000.

6. Taste of the Kimberley

Dates: 15–17 August 2025 Location: Kununurra

This delicious event returns for another year, shining a light on the people and produce of the East Kimberley.

Taste of the Kimberley brings together local WA chefs to showcase the incredible diversity of fresh produce from across the region.

Don’t miss the FEASTival, where chefs will take on the challenge of creating a sausage that embodies the essence of the East Kimberley. Suit up for the long table banquet Harvest Dinner, or explore the region on the Ord Valley Farm and Food Tour.

7. Nannup Flower and Garden Festival

Dates: 8 – 17 August 2025 Location: Nannup

During August, this charming town is awash with colour during the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival with a huge number of horticultural events and displays.

At Open Gardens you can explore local gardens showcasing a variety of native plants and trees in beautifully landscaped surrounds.

Visit the town hall for a floral exhibition from a line-up of WA’s floral artists. Open studios featuring local artists from the South West will also inspire, making Nannup one kaleidoscope of colour.

8. Gascoyne Food Festival

Dates: July-August 2025 Location: Gascoyne region

Make sure to pack the stretchy pants for one of Australia’s biggest culinary events. The Gascoyne Food Festival champions local produce and talent in a series of one-of-a-kind regional events. Satisfy your appetite in incredible locations, from the shores of Exmouth to the foothills of Mount Augustus.

Reserve a spot at the table for the much-loved long table dinner event - Under Gascoyne Skies. Held near the banks of the Gascoyne River, the festoon-lit dining experience presents a three-course menu by one of the state's top chefs.

Head to Exmouth for the Whalebone Hoe-Down, an outback extravaganza set on the beautiful Ningaloo coast. It’s a rip-roaring night of fresh local produce and great brews at Exmouth’s Whalebone Brewery.

9. Fridgetown Fest

Dates: June-August 2025 Location: Bridgetown

This winter festival last’s as long winter itself so there’s plenty of time to plan a visit and join in the chilly festivities.

The rolling program of events includes karaoke nights, foodie feasts, live music art and craft workshops, exhibitions, markets and a whole lot more.

The self-appointed “winter capital of WA” does pack a punch when it comes to crisp, wintry temperatures so pack some extra woollies.

10. Maritime Festival

Dates: 1-31 July 2025 Location: Albany

Head to Albany this July as the port city turns on a month-long festival that celebrates all things nautical.

The diverse program of events includes maritime-themed art exhibitions, seafood cooking classes, fresh produce markets, street food, live music and much more.

There will be plenty for young seafarers to do as well, with treasure hunts, sea shanty singalongs and maritime movies.