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WA Day long weekend events: what’s on in Perth for free

Staff WriterSouthern Gazette

CELEBRATED on the first Monday in June each year, Western Australia Day was celebrated as ‘Foundation Day’ up until 2011.

That holiday marked the day on June 1 in 1829, when English settlers established the Swan River colony.

But the name was changed in 2012 after law changes that recognised Aboriginal people as the original inhabitants of the land.

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“I think if you ask people what Foundation Day was all about many would probably struggle to explain it,” then Premier Colin Barnett said at the time.

“Everyone will understand Western Australia Day is about celebrating our state.”

And the State Government has organised plenty of activities to celebrate the holiday, next Monday June 5, with some running across the weekend.

These are the events which are running:

WA Day Festival, Elizabeth Quay

The WA Day festival returns to Elizabeth Quay, running from 10am on both Sunday June 4 and Monday June 5. There will be a host of international food trucks featuring tacos, bao, crepes and burgers. Those after a more sophisticated bite can indulge in a plate by some of Perth’s favourite restaurants and bars, accompanied by a glass of West Australian wine. Families can take a dive into the deep blue and immerse themselves in an underwater wonderland. There will be activities, entertainers and workshops aplenty for the kids and not to mention a tonne of giveaways.

Sunday will be a shopaholic’s delight, with Perth Makers’ Market taking residence under the Centre Stage Big Top and showcasing the wares of local artisans, while local musicians and performers entertain the crowds throughout the day.

The WA Celebrity Signature Dish cook-off will see Justin Langer (WACA Head Coach), Pete Curulli (mix94.5), Rayne Embley (Blogger) and Mark Gibson (Today Tonight, Channel 7) don the chef whites and face off in the pop-up kitchen.

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The State of the Art Free Music Festival

Running on Monday June 5, from 12pm-9pm, State of the Art will see a vast array of great WA musicians play a free concert at Elizabeth Quay.

Featuring Karnivool, Drapht, Gyroscope, Bob Evans, Tired Lion, Katy Steele, Crooked Colours, Abbe May, Pow! Negro, Rag n’ Bone, Ziggy, The Money War, Elli Schoen and The China Blue Experiment, the event is not to be missed if you’re a music lover.

Karnivool promise to bring the noise. Photo: Getty
Camera IconKarnivool promise to bring the noise. Photo: Getty Credit: Supplied/Redferns via Getty Images

Cathedral Square CommUnity Puzzle

Add your own piece to the giant WA Day CommUnity Puzzle at Cathedral Square. Design your puzzle piece with guidance from WA artists and enjoy activities for the whole family. Visit the Cathedral Square Lawn from 11am on Monday June 5 to participate. More information can be found here.

Fremantle activities

Make your way to the Esplanade Fremantle on Monday June 5 for an exciting program of entertainment, music, workshops, activities, and food. Perth Makers Market will be there for the day.

You can discover more about our marine environment with the WA Maritime Museum, participate in an African drumming workshop, or just kick back and enjoy the atmosphere.

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Bell Tower Open Day

The Bell Tower will throw open its doors to the people of Western Australian. Entry will be free from 10am until 3.30pm on Monday June 5.

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The Marina, Mindarie

From 12pm until 4pm on Sunday June 4, there will be kids activities including glitter tattoos, balloon twister, face painting, a colouring-in competition and a Moana and Pirate appearance.

Pinjarra Festival

Running from 10am until 3pm on June 3-4, the Pinjarra Festival at Edenvale Homestead, will feature a terrific selection of live music, circus performances, laser tag, vintage cars and machinery exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations.

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Winter Street Party, Mandurah

Mandurah’s Tuckey Street will come alive from 4pm until 8pm on Sunday June 5, with gourmet food, entertainment, music, Bollywood dance demonstrations, drumming circles, suitcase markets, pop-up shops and roaring fired.

Act – Belong – Commit  WA Day

Get to Wilson Park, in Kent Street, Wilson, from 11am until 3pm on Monday June 5 for a family fun day. WA Day acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional owners of this land, early European settlers, and the many people from all over the world who call Western Australia home. Entry is free and highlights include blacksmith demonstrations, rock climbing wall, giant kite display, terrarium workshop, live music and great food and drink.

WA Day at Sorrento Quay Boardwalk

Head to beautiful Sorrento Quay boardwalk between 10am and 3pm on Sunday for a celebration of our beautiful state. There will be live entertainment, free face painting, an animal farm of Western Australian animals and a large Community Canvas Aboriginal art workshop that everybody is encouraged to contribute to.

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