This year the WA Day Festival is jam-packed with lots of family fun, exciting activities, delicious food, and free live entertainment.
The festival will be at the Optus Stadium Precinct & Burswood Park, with FREE public transport on both days.
Enjoy live entertainment at the Lotterywest Family Zone and then make your way to the Wadjuk Dreaming activation, proudly supported by Navitas.
Be sure to experience the WA Day Festival Zone and don’t miss out on the Woodside multi-cultural food alley, the BHP chill-out zone, and the biggest silent disco.
With thanks to Roy Hill, a spectacular drone light show & fireworks display will light up the sky above the Matagarup Bridge on both nights.
WA DAY FESTIVAL
Burswood Park is home of the WA Day Festival for 2023. The Festival is a family-friendly event that has something for everyone. There is fun galore for the kids with a giant silent disco, amusement rides, SciTech activities, art and crafts, and of course amazing free entertainment.
Foodies will be in heaven with Perth’s best line-up of international cuisine food trucks, and for the culture buffs, we have the Wadjuk Dreaming Dome and Dreamtime Stories proudly supported by Navitas.
There will be live entertainment all weekend on the Lotterywest Stage with magicians, dance groups, acoustic singers, science shows, and story time.
From 6.15 pm the sky will light up with WA’s biggest-ever drone light show over the Matagarup Bridge on the Swan River. Watch 500 drones tell the stories of WA, set to an iconic WA soundtrack and an amazing fireworks show, all thanks to Roy Hill.
HOW DO I GET THERE
We advise you to visit transperth.wa.gov.au to take advantage of the FREE public transport on offer as no Festival parking is available.
FREE LIVE MUSIC ON THE MAIN STAGE
FREE Music Concert – Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 10AM
Hear from some of WA’s best bands and DJs live on stage and some amazing headline acts, featuring Amy Shark, BabyAnimals, Mark Seymour and the Undertow, and Voyager fresh from Europe.
The Sunday FREE Music Concert is a Licensed event. Under-age patrons can attend with a parent or legal guardian within the licensed area.
FULLY LICENSED EVENT. UNDER 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.
There is a zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking at this event. All under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will ensure that the child/children accompanied will not be sold or offered alcohol under any circumstances, and will remain in their direct care at all times. Under 18s being able to view the FREE Music Concert
To the right-hand side of the stage, outside the licensed area is where those who are underage can gather.
WHAT CAN I BRING TO THE EVENT?
To help with planning for the weekend festivities and to create an enjoyable festival for everyone – here are some tips and information to help you prepare.
There are no cloakrooms or storage facilities at the festival, so dress for the weather and pack light!
This event is smoke-free. Get there early to enjoy all the entertainment and activities by planning your trip with transperth.wa.gov.au and take advantage of the FREE public transport as there is no Festival parking available.
You can bring anything you may need, including picnic supplies and chairs, but please note NO ALCOHOL is to be brought into the festival, and any picnic supplies will not be allowed into licensed areas.
ACROD PARKING BAYS
ACROD Parking bays are available at Marlee Lawn. Please show your ACROD parking pass to obtain access via security.
What is WA Day?
In April 2012, Foundation Day was formally changed to WA Day following bipartisan political support in the Western Australian Parliament.
This welcomed in a new era for the State with WA Day being a universal celebration of all Western Australians, recognising our Aboriginal history, early European settlers and the many people from all over the world who have made, and continue to make, Western Australia their home.
As a vast geographic area comprising many different urban, rural and regional communities, as well as being a very multicultural community, the emphasis for WA Day celebrations is on inclusion of all people no matter how long they have called themselves Western Australians.
CelebrateWA@celebratewa.com.au
What is the history of WA Day?
Prior to 2012, June 1 was known as Foundation Day, which marked the day when the first European settlers, under the command of Captain James Stirling RN, Lieutenant Governor, arrived from Britain to settle the Swan River Colony.
In April 2012 Foundation Day was formally changed to WA Day following bipartisan political support in the Western Australian Parliament.
The legislation emphasised that the new ‘State Day’ was to be inclusive of all people no matter how long they have called themselves Western Australians.
What are the Western Australian of the Year Awards?
The Western Australian of the Year Awards recognise Western Australians who demonstrate excellence in their field and make a positive contribution to our community.
There are seven award categories – Aboriginal, Arts & Culture, Business, Community, Professions, Sport and Youth.
The overall Western Australian of the Year is selected from the winners of these award categories.
10 things to do WA Day Festival
World-class coastline to our enviable lifestyle, it’s clear that Western Australia is the best state of all. This WA Day weekend, gather your family and friends and celebrate our amazing state with lots of fun, good vibes, and a deep appreciation for living in the West!
We’ve partnered with Celebrate WA to bring you 10 exciting things to check out at this year’s WA Day festival on Sunday June 4 and Monday June 5. With free entry and free public transport on both days, this family-friendly event is accessible for everyone with attractions and entertainment across Burswood Park from Optus Stadium to Crown Towers
Be amazed by the drone light show and fireworks
The return of the now iconic drone show will light both the night sky and audience’s imaginations with 500 drones showcasing images, landmarks and activities from around the state. Set to a WA-themed musical score there are plenty of viewing opportunities along Burswood Park near Optus Stadium. This drone light show is on both nights and will be followed by amazing fireworks over the Matagarup Bridge thanks to Roy Hill.
Party the night away at the free music concert on Sunday
Music lovers will be delighted with the free concert on the main stage on Sunday June 4 featuring Amy Shark, Baby Animals, Mark Seymour, plus fresh from Eurovision; Voyager as well as Boox Kid, Dulcie, Mitch Santiago, Priscilla and South Summit. What a great line-up of Western Australian talent and national acts
Pan for gold with the Perth Mint
Young explorers can get ready to channel their inner prospector and pan for gold with the Perth Mint. This exciting experience allows kids to learn about Western Australia’s rich gold rush history while trying their luck at striking it rich. This hands-on activity will leave children captivated by the tales of fortune and adventure that once gripped WA.
Grab lunch at the Coles Community BBQ
This year marks Coles’ 7th year of participation, and they will be serving up delicious sausages donated by WA’s British Sausages, accompanied by buns and bread provided by WA’s largest independent bakery, Mia’s Bakery. All proceeds from the BBQ will be generously donated to Telethon, making a positive impact on the community.
Dance your heart out at the Giant Silent Disco
Get ready to dance like nobody’s watching at the WA Day Giant Silent Disco! This crowd favourite is making a triumphant return, offering over 1,000 sets of glowing headphones for attendees of all ages and abilities to enjoy. With more than 20 talented WA DJs spinning tunes across multiple channels, the silent disco will have you dancing and singing to your heart’s content. Adding to the excitement, the famous 25m giant inflatable octopus named Henry will serve as the incredible stage for these fantastic DJs to deliver non-stop bangers throughout the day and night.
Shoot some hoops with Dream Courts Basketball
Get ready to shoot hoops and show off your basketball skills at the WA Day Festival, courtesy of Dream Courts – the official partner of the NBL and NBL1! Experience the thrill of playing on a state-of-the-art basketball court, get a chance to meet basketball legends Bryce Cotton and Damian Martin and put your skills to the test in exciting competitions, including dribbling, dunking, free throw, and 3-point shooting. You’ll even have a chance to win incredible prizes like signed basketballs, a Perth Wildcats jersey, tickets to NBL1 games, and even a one-hour personal Dream Courts basketball clinic with NBL icons.
Get hands-on science with Scitech
Explore, investigate, and discover as Scitech brings hands-on experiences that will engage visitors of all ages. From interactive exhibits to mind-bending challenges and captivating science demonstrations, the whole family will be enthralled and inspired. Scitech’s mission is to ignite curiosity, and they’ll be doing just that with their stimulating activities that will leave both kids and adults.
Experience a RAC helicopter rescue mission
Through cutting-edge VR technology, visitors can take to the skies and join the crew on a life-saving adventure. This immersive 360-degree experience puts you right alongside the crew as you transport a patient to medical care. Discover the vital work of WA’s only emergency rescue helicopter service and get a taste of what it’s like to be a part of this incredible team
Enjoy food trucks and carnival rides
This year, the festival introduces the exciting new addition of the Woodside multi-cultural Food Alley. Among the 80 plus amazing food trucks throughout the event, you’ll find Perth favourites Baolicious, Hot Jam Donuts, and Ninja Cuisine. Come hungry, leave happy! Carnival rides are all free for the whole weekend, including the Dream Swinger, Dodgems, Runaway Train and many more
Get a photo at the 7News desk
Get a photo at the 7News desk and meet your favourite TV presenters! Have a go at the handball competition to win fun prizes, get yourself on the front page at The West Australian photo booth and walk away with your free copy of The Sunday Times or The West Australian.
The WA Day festival is on Sunday June 4 and Monday June 5. With free entry and free public transport on both days, this family-friendly event for everyone. Visit the website and socials to find out more.
A to Z guide WA Day Festival 2023
From Eurovision star performers to a mesmerizing drone show and free entry, the WA Day Festival is back bigger and better over two days come June 4 and 5.
[A] is for aahh! Or whatever sound your body makes while upside down. Test your guts on the numerous carnival rides stationed at the Lotterywest Family Zone and the WA Festival Zone.
[B] is for bigger is better! This year’s WA Day Festival will start in the Optus Stadium precinct and head down Burswood Park towards Crown Towers. You’ll get your steps in by lunch and can devour as many Coles Community BBQ snags as you like afterwards.
[C] is for could you be Channel 7’s next news reader? Sit behind the desk and meet your favourite 7NEWS faces, then read up on all the latest with a free copy of the newspaper.
[D] is for slam DUNK! Dream Courts is setting up a state-of-the-art basketball court for you to test your skills, meet some stars and dribble home with epic prizes.
[E] is for Eurovision down under. Fresh off their ninth place finish in Liverpool, WA locals Voyager return to our shores to remind everyone why they were Australia’s first-choice musical export.
[F] is for free entry to the WA Day Festival! Free carnival rides, family-friendly entertainment, free public transport … because you’re worth it, WA.
[G] is for get your groove on. Gather round your favourite big-name artists at the main stage on Sunday, or shamelessly bang out your favourite party anthems in the giant silent disco.
[H] is for Holy Grail of Aussie rock. Mark Seymour’s dulcet tones will ensure you throw your arms around your fellow nostalgia enthusiasts.
[I] is for interact with the world around you. Scitech’s brain-bending challenges and exhibits will ignite your curiosity, as Alcoa’s aluminium art workshop encourages recycling through creativity.
[J] is for juggle your time. With so much on, good luck experiencing every last thing on offer. Best part is, you can come back on Monday!
[K] is for Kalgoorlie. But have no fear as you, residents of Albany, Carnarvon and other regional towns across the State, will have your own WA Day celebrations too!
[L] is for look up. Seriously, you won’t wanna miss the spectacular WA-themed drone show and fireworks displays lighting up the sky above Matagarup Bridge on both nights.
[M] is for mascot race. Any mascot who’s worth your flipping time will face off for the title of WA’s fastest fluffy figure.
[N] is for no, really, there’s more! Including family-friendly activations from APM, Nova FM, Blue Tree Project, and even more live music and carnival rides than any parent could reasonably endure.
[O] is for open wide. The Optus Stadium Zone houses food trucks offering a multi-cultural culinary journey, and top local chefs reveal personal secrets and recipes that anyone pushing a Spud Shed shopping cart can master.
[P] is for pan for gold. Attention young explorers, a mission of discovery awaits as the Perth Mint throws back to WA’s gold rush era. Dig for hidden treasure and dust it off to claim a prize.
[Q] is for queue … Let’s face it, with so much free stuff you’ll probably find yourself stuck in the odd line or two. Once again it’s a FREE event. Don’t like it? Move along.
[R] is for rainbow of colourful giveaways. Bright bucket hats and bubbles are just some of the fun collectibles up for grabs over the massive two days. Remember to pace yourselves, kids, you can’t wear more than one hat at a time.
[S] is for shark attack on stage! Amy Shark is sure to have the crowd in a frenzy as she headlines Sunday night’s live concert. This is one sighting you don’t wanna miss.
[T] is for thirst quencher. If you’re after a cold bevvy, crafty locals Gage Roads will sort you out. And if a bit closer to the live feed above, the main stage is the other go-to for brews in the WA Day Festival Zone.
[U] is for UV rays … or umbrella. Cross your fingers it’s blue skies ahead in the city with 8200 annual hours of sunshine. Let’s hope the weather gods don’t rain on WA’s parade.
[V] is for very real virtual reality. The RAC & DEFS rescue helicopter offers a four-minute, 360 degree simulation of a rescue mission. If it doesn’t raise your heart rate, it will your appreciation for emergency services.
[W] is for wet and wild water activities. If not just a great spot to view the light show, down by the river you’ll find water-based fun that’ll really get your motor going, plus floating Freedom Fairies blowing life-sized bubbles to dodge and pop.
[X] is for xx. A love letter to you, WA, it’s always been you. Let’s celebrate all this great State has to offer with the ones we share it with.
[Y] is for yarning around the campfire. Immerse yourself in an intimate Indigenous storytelling experience, as local Whadjuk Noongar history is brought to life in a bespoke dome playing an anthology of four animated short films.
[Z] is for zzz. Chill out WA, it’s a long weekend. And if you are going to put your feet up, the BHP Amphitheatre is the perfect place to find peace among the noise.
For more info head to ~
www.facebook.com/WADayFestival or waday.com
History of WA DAY
