Margaret River Festivals
The end of summer does not mean the end of fun and excitement in the Margaret River Region. If fact, there are so many fantastic activities you will want to make plans to visit soon so you do not miss anything.
This is a sampling of events and festivals you will want to check out.
1. Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival
If you are a lover of books, arts, culture, and the Margaret River Region, you will not want to miss the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival.
In 2009, the festival began as a local project aiming to encourage a love of literature, writing, and the arts. Since then, the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival has been Western Australia’s largest regional literary festival. Visitors flock to the event, which features numerous journalists, academics and novelists. Additionally, storytellers (both emerging and established) from Western Australia, across the nation, and overseas come to the festival to share their works.
Those attending the event can enjoy conversing with authors, book launches, writers’ workshops, panel discussions, and visual storytelling exhibitions.
The widely acclaimed Young Readers and Writers Program tours primary and secondary schools. Children’s authors from the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival join children in the schools to share creativity and open the door for a life-long love of reading and writing.
Another popular event designed for children is the Storytelling Snug. The free event will inspire creativity and storytelling while fostering a love of reading and writing.
The theme of the 2023 festival is Let’s Take a Moment, and the event will be held from May 12th through May 14th.
2. Cabin Fever
Fun is still on the program during the winter months in the Margaret River Region. The annual Cabin Fever Festival kicks off on July 14th and runs through the 24th. During the ten-day event, you can enjoy a reason to celebrate, not hibernate. The hospitality of the region beckons you to relax and have a great time. Join in on exciting parties, bonfires, music, gourmet food, and the finest wines and craft beers the region has to offer. Over 40 events can keep your temperature and spirit up, and you will not want to miss a minute of the event.
Consider booking a one or two-bedroom chalet from Forest Rise, an original accommodation partner of the Cabin Fever Festival. You will get a special s’mores hamper and a bottle of local red when you do.
3. Cinefest Oz
The premier destination for Australian film festivals, Cinefest Oz, has been delighting lovers of cinema for over 15 years. Visitors to the event can partake in opulent gala events along with red-carpet moments. The immersive experience includes more than 40 program activities, including feature film premieres, screenings, winery lunches, short films, boutique breweries, galleries, and more.
The featured films compete for a $100,000 prize, which is the largest film prize dedicated to Australian feature films. The movies are judged by a high-profile jury that aims to acknowledge excellence in the Australian Film Industry.
The festival runs from August 29th to September 3rd.
4. Margaret River Region Open Studios
Art enthusiasts should set aside some time between September 9th the 24th to enjoy the award-winning Margaret River Region Open Studios event.
The newness of spring opens the doors of studios, galleries, sheds, and art rooms where you can discover a whole new world of artistic creativity. During the 16-day event, you can meet over 100 artists excelling in painting, sculpture, glasswork, drawing, printmaking, furniture, jewellery, ceramics & textiles.
You can take advantage of this up-close opportunity to expand your collections, learn more about specific mediums, or bask in the artistic beauty that surrounds you.
The 2022 artistic gathering received gold in their first entry into the Festivals and Events Category of the 50th WA Tourism Awards. Additionally, the event had a significant impact on the region. There were 130,000 studio visits, where 71% of the visitors purchased art. This netted the region approximately 10 million in revenue. And 2023 is shaping up to be every bit as marvellous.
5. Strings Attached
From Friday, October 6th through Sunday, October 8th, Lovers of guitar music can enjoy over 90 masterclasses, shows, panel discussions, and more at Strings Attached, the Western Australian Guitar Festival. Australian guitar players, along with those from across the globe, will be on hand, displaying their talents across several genres.
You can also enjoy several fascinating exhibitions and speak with masters of the craft. A kids’ program will take place to help encourage the future generation of musicians and artisans. You do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind event.
6. Fine Vines
Whether you are a connoisseur, enthusiast, or someone who enjoys a lovely glass of wine from time to time, you will have a delightful time at the 10-day celebration known as Fine Vines.
An exceptionally well-curated affair, Fine Vines was named Australia’s Best Wine-Themed Event by the Wine Communicators Australia. Fine Vines allows the opportunity to celebrate the passion, people, and places of Margaret River wine country. You can enjoy 35 unique wine experiences over ten days, delving into the renowned winemaking region. Take part in special private tastings and behind-the-scenes tours at the vineyard. Fine Vines Festival is a can’t-miss event that is truly amazing.
7. Cape to Cape MTB
Now celebrating its 15th year, the Western Australia Cape to Cape Mountain Bike Race is the ideal way to enjoy a beautiful spring weekend. Whether you are participating or a spectator, the Cape to Cape MTB is guaranteed to be a memorable event.
The 200km race begins at Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, ending four days later at Cape Naturaliste. The course is challenging, but most riders in at least average condition can successfully manage the terrain. You will see incredible beauty as you make your way through trails along the coast, National Parks, forests, farmlands, mountain bike parks, and bush. Along the way, enjoy vineyards and brewery finishes, then head up to the northern cape for the finish line.
The event runs from 19-22 October 2023, and entries are being accepted now.
The fun keeps going even after you have ticked off all the events on this list. The region’s hospitality never ends, and you can take the time to explore natural wonders, delicious food, and incredible wineries and distilleries in the area.
Remember to reserve your accommodation early, so you have a beautiful and comfortable place to rest after a busy day. When you book directly with Forest Rise, you will receive our Complimentary Seasonal Welcome Pack with every stay of two or more nights. This is an ideal way to sample the tastes of the region when checking in to Forest Rise.