Wrap up the Summer! Your Perth Festival 2026 gift guide
Broadening minds, sparking conversations, staying out a little too late – Perth Festival is back to turn summer nights into stories you’ll talk about for years. From main-stage gigs at East Perth Power Station to soul-drenched sessions at The Embassy, this year’s program is packed with experiences that feel like gifts, no wrapping required.
1. For the one who loves soul - Somi
The friend whose playlists are full of jazz, soul and big feelings? Take them to Somi at The Embassy. The soul of East African folk meets the improvisational spirit of New York jazz, as Somi - born between the USA and Zambia - reshapes jazz for a new generation. Late-night sets, luminous vocals and a room that feels like a hidden club above the city.
Dates Fri 13 & Sat 14 Feb
2. For the dance die hard - U>N>I>T>E>D
For the person who loves big visuals, club energy and sci-fi vibes. U>N>I>T>E>D is a Perth Festival commission from Chunky Move - part ritual, part cinematic battle, part future vision. Human bodies collide with digital culture in an epic vision of machine mysticism, with fierce sound, exoskeletons and a full-theatre immersion at the Heath Ledger Theatre.
Dates 19 - 22 Feb
3. For the Bowie fans - Rebel Rebel
They still know every word to 'Heroes' and 'Let’s Dance' - this one’s for them. At East Perth Power Station, Perth Symphony Orchestra joins forces with powerhouse vocalists to reimagine David Bowie’s greatest songs in a one-night-only symphonic celebration. Dress up, sing out and watch those anthems explode across the riverfront main stage.
Date Fri 13 Feb
4. For the one who wants a massive night out - Baker Boy
Got a mate who just wants a huge, feel-good gig? Gift them Baker Boy at East Perth Power Station – a main stage celebration of First Nations music from around the world, headlined by the 'Fresh Prince of Arnhem Land' and featuring Haisla nation rappers Snotty Nose Rez Kids. One powerful night of infectious hooks, fearless lyricism and big crowd energy.
Date Sat 21 Feb
5. For the one who loves clever storytelling - POV & Dragon I (double feature)
Some people just want sharp writing and big ideas.
In POV, an 11-year-old budding filmmaker and two unrehearsed actors build a daring live docu-drama about family, memory and truth. It’s theatre, documentary and rehearsal room all at once - crackling with wit, emotion and the kind of inventive staging that stays with you.
You can even level up the gift with Dragon I, where WA artist Adam Kelly - who really, really likes dragons - collides his lifelong obsession with the rise of AI in a playful, thought-provoking world premiere about technology, imagination and who gets to tell the story.
Perfect for the friend who loves seeing theatre experiment with cameras, screens and big contemporary questions.
Date 10 - 15 Feb
6. For the surf-rock, band-tee friend - King Stingray
If their wardrobe is mostly band tees and they’re always talking about Yolŋu surf rock, point them to King Stingray. The Arnhem Land band’s self-titled debut has been hailed as an instant classic, blending modern rock with ancient songlines and delivering huge live singalongs. It’s the perfect gift for someone who wants their summer to sound like guitars, choruses and open-air joy.
Date Fri 27 Feb
7. For the person who'd rather be at the movies - Lotterywest Films voucher pack
Some people are happiest under the Somerville pines. A Lotterywest Films voucher pack lets them choose any night and any film across the season. From global dramas and thrillers to heartwarming comedies and docs - all at Perth’s iconic outdoor cinema under the stars. Vouchers can be used on any night to any film, subject to capacity, making them a flexible gift for film buffs, date-night planners and 'let’s just see what’s on' types alike.
8. For the kids (and the young at heart) - Cine Wonders
Perth Festival’s dedicated film program for the young and young at heart is back! Cine Wonders brings together contemporary adventures and cinema classics, curated especially for budding film lovers and their grown-ups.
Kick off the school holidays in January at Luna on SX with family-friendly screenings, then go old-school in February at The Revival House in Como – complete with hands-on activities that reveal the magic of 35mm film and the secrets of the bio box.
9. For the friend who's hard to buy for – Perth Festival Gift Certificate
Not sure what they’re into? A Perth Festival Gift Certificate keeps things easy. Gift Certificates can be used for events across Perth Festival’s 2026 season when purchased via Festival channels, and are valid for that season only - so they can build their own summer of shows, from main stage gigs and theatre to film. Give them the freedom to pick the moments they want to remember.
