Is the March long weekend the best one of the year? I may have birthday-related bias towards it, but there’s a case to be made.
It’s the delicious filling between the Aus’ Day and Easter long weekend sandwich; it’s basically the only long weekend that’s not tied to something (its origins relate to celebrating the eight-hour working day — remember those?); the weather is still excellent… The list goes on.
In fact Labour Day is so cool, chill and flexible, that it’s happy to be moved to the second week of March from 2028 onwards. And while I don’t love that for my birthday, I do love it for Labour Day — the best long weekend of the year.
Find out the best things happening over this year’s Labour Day long weekend in our guide down below, plus big news for Tame Impala fans, some epic Vietnamese that opened in Northbridge over December, and where you can find a free taco today (if you’re a student).
Troy Mutton, Editor-In-Chief, Perth is OK!
EAT & DRINK
Hem Street Food brings a bite of Ho Chi Minh City to Northbridge
Perth is passionate about meat in bread.
As the birthplace of the conti roll, we’ve historically directed our fervent attention towards the European world of sandwiches – but in more recent years, our collective passion for bánh mì has more than matched that of its Italian counterpart.
You just have to tiptoe your way into a Facebook group (or, on occasion, our own comment section) to see endless robust debate on every aspect of the Vietnamese street food staple – from the ideal protein to the ratio of filling to arguments about who does the best.
At Hem Street Food, owner Danny Nguyen Thanh Thien Dang takes bánh mì from day to night, alongside a curated selection of Southern Vietnamese snacks – bringing a little slice of Ho Chi Minh City to a Northbridge laneway.
“The inspiration behind Hem Street Food was to create a space that feels like home — a place that captures the spirit of Vietnamese street culture,” says Danny, also the owner of nearby William Street phở spot Sup So Good.
“Guests can expect a warm, welcoming space in a convenient location – close to the city, near ECU, and with easy access to parking. What makes Hem Street Food different is the strong focus on homemade ingredients and authentic street-style dishes, offering flavours that feel just like home.”
THE LATEST FROM PERTH IS OK!
EVENTS
Tame Impala return to Perth for huge live show this October
Fresh off the release of his fifth studio album Deadbeat, Kevin Parker has announced a massive Australian tour that culminates with a final show in his home state on October 24.
EAT & DRINK
Cott fave makes WA dining history with back-to-back Restaurant of the Year wins
Last week at His Majesty’s Theatre, the city’s hospitality heavyweights gathered to celebrate the very best of WA dining at the 2026 WA Good Food Guide Awards.
SCIENCE
Australian threatened species list grows to include rare WA wildflowers
Earlier this month, 36 plants and animals were added to Australia’s threatened species list, including four Western Australian species.
NEWS
Annika Moses takes over as Music Director at RTRFM from next month
Over the past seven years Moses has volunteered across the station, while also shaping WA’s musical landscape behind the scenes through Tone List and its festival counterpart Audible Edge.
TODAY/TONIGHT
Pink Taquito is serving up 100 free tacos for lunch today!
Pink Taquito celebrates its 1st birthday and ECU’s city campus opening with 100 free tacos from 12pm for the first 100 students who rock up with a valid ID (any institution). They’ve also just launched all-day dining from Wed-Sat.
WHAT’S ON
The best things to do around Perth this week this Labour Day long weekend
This long weekend Sunday might be the biggest Sunday we’ve ever compiled!
CCAPTUREDD
‘Gram of the Week
Meet Fremantle Seaweed are a local business taking positive climate action by supporting cattle farmers to reduce methane emissions.
As pioneers of seaweed farming in Australia, Fremantle Seaweed are supporting sustainable practices by working with nature to help shape a cleaner, greener future for the industry!