Not subscribed? Get Perth is OK! daily — sign up here.
BEYOND excited to share with you today Sally’s report (including a heap of cracking photos) from her weekend down at Balingup Medieval Carnivale, in all of its wizardy, witchy, larpy, goblin-y glory. More than ever it feels like we could use some wholesome local stories and the 11,000+ attendees at the festival last weekend have delivered that in spades.
Because you know what’s nice? Spending time with people doing stuff they really love, and hanging out with other folks, furries and fairies, who feel the same way.
Speaking of, consider this a friendly reminder that lots of people who really love running are going to be doing so from the city to the surf this Sunday, which means there are a bunch of road closures you should try and avoid.
Troy Mutton, Editor-In-Chief, Perth is OK!
EXPLORE
We spent the weekend at Balingup Medieval Carnivale
We’re driving into Balingup on a sunny Saturday in August, and Enya’s “Carribean Blue” is pumping through the car stereo.
It’s unseasonably warm, and as our car winds its way past the rolling green paddocks, a glance out the window reveals clusters of knights, princesses and fairies by the roadside – the chiffon of the princess’ pointed hats floating in the morning breeze.
We’re in town for the 31st edition of the Balingup Medieval Carnivale. Visiting 10 or so years ago, I remembered it as more of a quirky, quaint weekend in a charming south west town, with camel rides and scrumpy cider – and although it was clearly popular then, it’s since grown into one of the region’s biggest events.
This year, Saturday saw a crowd of 11,000 attendees descend on the Balingup grounds, and 7,000 on the much more wintery, grey Sunday – and just about everyone we spoke to remarked on how big the event had become…
THE LATEST FROM PERTH IS OK!
POPPING INTO…
Neuromuscular WA Sunday Sesh at North Perth Bowlo
North Perth Bowls Club has been getting behind Neuromuscular WA throughout August, wrapping things up with a huge Sunday session this weekend. Get down for some good food, live music, flash tattoos, kids’ activities and loads more!
Pre-event image created using AI
SPONSORED
Follow the song of Kooyar to Elizabeth Quay this September long weekend
From September 25-28, experience Elizabeth Quay after dark with The Story of Kooyar — an immersive light and water show that follows the journey of Kooyar through the Noongar six seasons.
SEE YOU AT…
Soaking up some jazz by the beach at JazzConnect
Running from Friday-Sunday, this year’s fest takes over the Scarborough foreshore and its surrounding laneways, bars, hotels and community spaces for a weekend of contemporary jazz, Latin music, soul, swing and classic crooner performances.
EVENTS
Oktoberfest in the Gardens announces 2026 return to Langley Park
What began in 2011 has since grown into a national touring festival, but the WA edition remains one of the biggest with 15,000 people expected to descend on the CBD on October 10.
Rok Riley
TODAY/TONIGHT
Born Sandy at Freo.Social
A new night launches with some of WA’s finest DJs and bands swinging by including Rok Riley, Ningaloo Records, Doctopus, New Nausea and Symmetrical Dogs. From the same team behind Camp Doogs and Natty Waves, tickets are only $15 — crazy for the quality of talent!
EXPLORE
Mason’s Family Farm: A relaxed family day out just 30 minutes from Perth
A relaxed, family-friendly day out just 30 minutes south of Perth, Mason’s Family Farm should be on your radar for wholesome weekend activities.
You can stock up on farm-fresh eggs and seasonal produce, pat baby goats, get the kids involved in nature play and grab some plants from the well-stocked nursery.
Image credit: Sally Hall
CWEATHERD
Weekend Forecast
Today: Max 21
Mostly sunny
Saturday: Min 8 / Max 22
Partly cloudy
Sunday: Min 10 / Max 25
Mostly sunny
Monday: Min 12 / Max 21
Showers