What's On this Australia Day Long Weekend

Australia Day (January 26th) falls on a Monday this year, making it a long weekend (Sat-Mon)! Whether you’re looking to celebrate, reflect, or relax, there are plenty of exciting (and free!) events happening around Perth. Here’s a roundup of some must-do events this weekend Australia Day long weekend.

Reflect Respect Celebrate Smoking Ceremony and Community Breakfast

Date: Monday 26th January
Time: 8:00am - 10:00am
Location: Victoria Gardens, East Perth

Kickstart your Australia Day by joining in the Reflect Respect Celebrate ceremony, hosted by Auspire and delivered by Whadjuk Noongar artists and performers. This cultural Smoking Ceremony is a beautiful tradition for healing and cleansing as a mark of respect to the land, and enders past, present, and future. For an $8 donation to charity, enjoy a BBQ breakfast served by the Rotary Club of Heirisson.

Click here for more information.

Hancock Prospecting Australia Day at Langley Park

Date: Monday 26th January
Time: 3:00pm to 9:30pm
Location: Langley Park, Perth

Head to Langley Park to reflect, respect, and celebrate at Hancock Prospecting's Australia Day event. Highlights include:

• 3pm - 8pm: Reflect Respect Celebrate Film Dome - experience inspiring short, educational films and enjoy giveaways and entertainment. 
• 3pm - 8pm: Multicultural Zone - celebrate Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and multicultural communities with performances, stalls, and hands-on arts and crafts workshops. Think henna tattoos, Australian bush craft, and weaving workshops.
• 3pm - 9:30pm: Carnival rides - from the Dream Swinger to the Cup & Saucer Ride, there's something for all levels of thrill-seeking.
• 3:30pm - 7:15pm: Freestyle Motocross & BMX stunt shows - watch jaw-dropping stunts and crazy tricks from Australia's best extreme athletes. 
• 7:15pm Skydive Display - watch in awe as five skydivers make their descent onto Langley Park! 
• 8:30pm - 9pm: Drone and Fireworks Display - see the sky above the Swan River explode with colour and dazzling lights with a 30-minute show!
• Food trucks and Picnic Area for a relaxing break and delicious food. 

Click here for the full lineup of activities and plan your day!

Fireworks over the Swan River

Date: Monday 26th January
Time: 8:30pm
Location: Elizabeth Quay / South Perth Foreshore

Watch as the sky over the Swan River lights up in a stunning 30-minute fireworks and drone display. Grab a spot at Elizabeth Quay or head to the South Perth Foreshore for a great view.

Celebrate Australia Day in Rockingham

Date: Monday 26th January
Time: 4:00pm - 8:45pm
Location: Rockingham Foreshore

Celebrate with this special community event at the iconic Rockingham Foreshore. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including a fireworks display, stage performances, roaming entertainment, children's activities, carnival rides, food vendors, and more.

The fireworks will kick off at 8:30pm.

Elizabeth Quay Summer Series

Date: Saturday 24th January and Sunday 25th January
Time: 4-8pm on Saturday, 6-8pm on Sunday
Location: Elizabeth Quay

On from now until 22 February, Elizabeth Quay comes to life 5 nights a week with a floating stage of free entertainment by the river. This Australia Day long weekend, dance the night away with a DJ and Salsa Night with Selina Murby on Saturday night, or enjoy Sunday Sounds with Catherine Summers.

Click here for the full lineup.

Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown

Date: Saturday 24th January
Time: from 9:00am
Location: Tune into Triple J on the radio (99.3FM)

Don’t miss Australia’s biggest music countdown! Grab some friends and tune into Triple J to hear their annual countdown of the top 100 songs of the year, as voted by listeners!

Melville Summer Music

Date: Saturday 24th January
Time: 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Piney Lakes Reserve, 555 Leach Hwy, Winthrop

This week's Melville Summer Music brings you TTT Afro Band, where African rhythms and global grooves ignite your soul, and Tchéga, a Creole folk music wonder. Pack a picnic or grab a tasty bite from the local food trucks at the event. Click here for more information.

Sunsets@Subi Concert

Date: Sunday 25th January
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Subiaco Market Square

Listen to hits made famous by artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Michael Bublé, performed by brother duo Carlos and Paul Basilio. Bring a picnic dinner and a mat and enjoy this evening of swing and soul music in the heart of Subiaco. Click here for more information.

FRINGE Festival

And of course, Perth's annual FRINGE Festival is on from 21 January to 15 February, with shows performed across 50 venues. From comedy to cabaret, musicals to circuses, there's bound to be something for you. 

Check out our guide to plan your 2026 FRINGE experience.

Tips for making the most of your weekend

• Stay Sun Smart: Perth is expecting hot weather this weekend, so wear sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated while enjoying outdoor events.  
• Public Holiday Reminders: Monday 26th January is a public holiday. Check your favourite restaurant or cafe for opening hours, and some places may charge a public holiday surcharge. Supermarket and shop trading hours may also vary.

Enjoy the long weekend, whether you're reflecting, celebrating, or simply relaxing with loved ones!