We kick off today’s newsletter with a story close to my heart as someone who used to be very deeply enmeshed in WA’s live music scene — both in bands and running music magazines. With a bunch of larger tours and festivals once again deciding to skip the trip over the Nullarbor recently, now more than ever attention could — and should — be turning to our diverse local music scene.
Harriet chats with some folks from WAAPA and WAM to get the skinny on why we’re getting left out, and what opportunities it presents for locals. Elsewhere Perth’s north is about to get a brand new glamping resort, a new “future-making” festival is coming to Fremantle, and there’s a bunch of fun to be had on the weekend for those who are looking for it!
Troy Mutton, Editor-in-Chief, Perth is OK!
NEWS
As Laneway leaves Perth in 2027, opportunity knocks to get around WA’s local scene
Laneway Festival’s decision to bypass Perth (and Adelaide) in 2027 has left plenty of music fans scratching their heads.
So why does WA keep getting the boot… And could the answer lie closer to home?
Last week, many Perth hearts were shattered when Laneway announced it would not be returning to the west coast (and Adelaide) in 2027. But judging by the crowds that have continued to pour through its gates, a lack of appetite for the festival hardly appears to be the obvious problem.
“It’s sad and it’s hard to understand, especially if an event is selling to capacity and it’s clear there’s an audience for what’s being offered,” WAAPA Arts and Cultural Management coordinator Dr Vahri McKenzie tells us.
According to Dr McKenzie, the explanation may lie less in how many tickets Laneway can sell in Perth and more in how much it costs to get the festival here in the first place.
THE LATEST FROM PERTH IS OK!
STAYS
Mindarie beachside glamping resort prepares to welcome first guests
Dunes Beach Resort has reached practical completion ahead of its opening later this month, bringing 38 ensuite glamping tents, a new restaurant, lounge bar and event space.
SPONSORED
Perth Boat Show is back next month, with a special Father’s Day Sunday session
On September 4-6, if you head down with dad on Father’s Day early he could score awesome freebies, including a free coffee or Perth Boat Show merch, plus Father's Day competitions and more!
EVENTS
A festival of future-making is coming to Freo next month
In its inaugural year, Make/shift launches with a two-week program that includes hands-on workshops and conversations with films, performances and storytelling – plus a pub quiz!
EVENTS
G Flip bringing Bed On Fire Tour to Margs for WA-exclusive show
The singer, songwriter and drummer will take over 3 Oceans Winery on October 31, marking their first-ever Margaret River performance. Presale tix launch tomorrow.
TODAY/TONIGHT
$25 steak knight down at The Old Courthouse
Head down to The Old Courthouse in Fremantle and cop a $25 steak, chips and salad from midday. Pro tip: Head down a little bit later and wash it down with some half price cocktails from 5pm, only on Wednesdays!
WHAT’S ON
Froth Town fun, 10 Nights in Port and more: What's on around Perth this week
WA’s biggest beer and booze fest rolls back into town this Friday and Saturday with the return of Froth Town, while Fremantle’s much-loved winter arts festival 10 Nights in Port is also back from Thursday.
CCA CAPTURED
‘Gram of the Week
Welcome to our Perth City Guide — Part One, featuring 20 of our fave spots to take out-of-towners.