WA's Biggest Family Festival Returns This September

The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things returns from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October 2026, bringing five days of theatre, music, visual arts, storytelling, and hands-on creative experiences for children aged 0–12 and their families during the September school holidays.

Presented by Barking Gecko Arts, the 2026 Festival will be its largest to date, expanding to two Perth hubs: the Perth Cultural Centre and the Subiaco Arts Centre, and travelling to regional hubs in Kununurra, Albany, Beverley and Bunbury throughout October.

For nearly 30 years, the AWESOME Festival has been Western Australia's leading children's arts festival, connecting young audiences with international and local artists.

This year’s program features two world premieres, international artists from Scotland and the Netherlands, and a mix of free and ticketed events to inspire creativity, curiosity, and play.

Festival Director Jenny Simpson said the Festival’s expansion demonstrates Barking Gecko Arts’ commitment to making high-quality arts experiences accessible to more Western Australian families.

“This is one of our most ambitious Festivals, featuring two world premieres, two Perth hubs, and an expanded regional program. There is something for every family to discover these school holidays,” Ms Simpson said.

“We are especially proud to premiere Walk of the Whales in our home city. Nick Bland’s story is funny, heartfelt, and imaginative, and we are excited to bring it to audiences. With our new Hubs, families will have more opportunities to experience theatre, music, creativity, and play.”

In response to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, Barking Gecko Arts will introduce a flat $10 ticket price for all ticketed events in 2026, while continuing to offer free programming across Perth and regional Western Australia.

The Festival adopts a Social Model of Disability approach, embedding accessibility throughout the program and providing a comprehensive Access Guide to ensure broad participation.

Festival Highlights

World Premieres

Walk of the Whales, Barking Gecko Arts’ new adaptation of Nick Bland’s award-winning picture book, headlines the Festival alongside Sensorium Theatre’s Snuggle Play, created especially for babies with disabilities.

International Artists

Scottish theatre-maker Alice Mary Cooper presents Experts Radio Lab, an interactive pop-up where children become experts in a colourful 1980s-inspired radio studio. Dutch artist Simone de Jong brings the enchanting family production Hermit to the State Theatre Centre.

Free Family Experiences

The Festival offers a range of free experiences for families, including the Bean Bag Proms outdoor concert series, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions. Yagan Square will feature four shows by Born in a Taxi, with zebra-led Beyoncé dance parties, rogue security guards, and giant lizards. At the State Library of Western Australia, clown librarians will engage young visitors with storytelling and laughter. At Boola Bardip, children can create their Perfect City with artist Charlotte Meagher.

Beloved WA Stories

Following a sell-out season earlier this year, the outstanding production based on James Foley's Stellarphant returns to the Festival, alongside the launch of his new book, Amazing Astro Animals. The Festival's literature program is back with local authors bringing WA stories to life.

Festival dates and locations

Perth

Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 3 October 2026

• Perth Cultural Centre (WA Museum Boola Bardip, State Library of WA, Yagan Square, and State Theatre Centre of WA)
• Subiaco Arts Centre 

Regional hubs

• PCYC Kununurra, 5 - 9 October 2026
• Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, 7 & 8 October 2026
• Albany Entertainment Centre, 24 October 2026
• Beverley Station Arts, 5 - 9 October 2026

The full festival program is expected to be released online in late August, with the exact go-live date to be confirmed soon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.