What’s happening in October?

Seekers of adventure will be spoilt for choice, whether on or off the shore. Head out on a sensational walking trail to make the most of spring, join a fishing competition on the Blackwood River, or tune into one massive month for the South West’s live music scene. Visiting with little ones in tow? We’ve got you covered with kids’ workshops, activities, and special events during the school holidays. 

Read on for your October itinerary. 

Header image by Daniela Tommasi.

Explore Mammoth Cave after dark and learn about the extinct megafauna that once roamed the region. Encounter lifelike replicas of these ancient creatures at Megafauna Nightstalks and hear stories of their lives and environments before journeying through the karri forest by torchlight. 

There’s always something happening at Origins Markets, making them the perfect hang out spot for school holidays. Bring the kids along for some face painting, kids’ pop-up markets, or let their imagination run wild with a range of creative workshops. Find their full lineup of workshops here.

Ease into the weekend with Friday night drinks at Saltwater Gallery and Bar, as the space shifts tempo for a relaxed, after-hours experience complete with live music. If you missed Margaret River Region Open Studios, you’re in luck! Confluence, a limited-time group exhibition held by MRROS artists, is still running. 

Tony Mott is Australia’s most celebrated rock and roll photographer, capturing the raw energy and iconic moments of music legends for over four decades. From candid backstage shots to electrifying live performances, his images have graced the covers and pages of Rolling Stone, NME, and hundreds of other music publications around the world. From the triumphs to the chaos, Through the lens of Tony Mott is a thrilling journey through the untold tales and unforgettable images that have defined an era of music history. Hear his story at Saltwater Busselton.

Celebrate 20 years of Black Fingernails Red Wine with Eskimo Joe as they hit the road for their national 20th Anniversary Tour. Experience the multi-ARIA Award-winning album performed live in full at Settlers Tavern.

Studio 54 meets a five-course feast at Rústico’s first ever Disco Degustation. Dress in your disco best for bold flavours, retro-inspired cocktails, and dancefloor classics. The evening will feature DJs, a special appearance by The Roller Disco Collective, Best Dressed prizes and the crowning of the Disco King and Queen.

Embark on the Great Southern Wine Odyssey upstairs at Shelter Busselton, exploring 75+ cool-climate wines from our region’s Great Southern neighbours – plus canapés, cellar-door favourites, and the chance to meet the people behind the wines.

The 13th Anniversary Perth International Burlesque Festival tour is officially hitting the road, and they’re bringing unapologetic glamour, endless glitter and wild fun to the South West at the Margaret River HEART. Gather the gang and book a cabaret table for the full experience.

It’s Cape to Cape MTB time! Australia’s largest and most popular four-day mountain bike stage race, which is just as fun for the spectators, has arrived and it’s nothing short of epic. Starting at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and finishing four days later at Wise Wine in Eagle Bay, the Cape to Cape MTB course makes its way through a network of trails along the coast, through National Parks, forest, farmlands, mountain bike parks and bush.

Hear stories blending ocean knowledge, science, indigenous culture, art and dance at Wongi Waatu Gulyarra – Talking Oceans Together. This event is a celebration of connection, knowledge sharing and collective responsibility for our oceans, bringing together students, teachers, marine scientists, artists, community members and Wadandi Cultural Custodians at Arts Margaret River.

Caravana Sun have built a renowned reputation across the globe for their dynamic and energetic live performances. Their infectious grooves progressively merge their surfy coastal lifestyle with elements of explosive rock, euphoric electronica/dance and rambunctious reggae, and have earned the band slots on some of the world’s most coveted stages. Catch them live at The River Hotel with special guests Charlie Youngson & Nathan Parsons (Salt Tree).

Busselton Foreshore will become the ultimate beer garden and festival playground with the return of Beerhall at Shelter. Explore over 30 beers on tap from across the South West and the world. Beer isn’t really your thing? No worries. Head over to the Cocktail Bar by Banksia Tavern and the Credaro Wines Beach Bar. Enjoy the Oktoberfest-inspired Fire Kitchen, live music, Spicy Jibba’s Hot Sauce pop-up, keg rolling and more – there’s even a BEER-lin Rave Cave!

The Molloy Holiday Park Annual Bream Competition is a weekend of fishing, fun, and friendly competition. Seasoned anglers or casual line casters alike, this is the perfect event to enjoy the great outdoors and the beautiful Blackwood River, while raising money for Augusta Sea Rescue & River Angels Margaret River. There’s great prizes for the biggest bream plus live weigh-ins and leaderboard updates, BBQ, raffles, and entertainment.

Good Day Sunshine Festival returns to the region with an all star line-up. Two-time ARIA winner and multi-platinum Australian favourite Matt Corby brings his unmistakable voice as the headliner for this year’s festival at 3 Oceans Winery. Rounding out the all-Australian line-up is Macy Gray, The Cat Empire, The Forever Party, Teischa and Birdland.

Join creatives across the region to celebrate outstanding local and regional artists. Head to Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia for the 21st Annual Margaret River Art Auction, with a diverse collection of artworks on display and under the hammer. You might just come away with your new favourite piece for that pesky blank wall at home.

The Chats represent a rebel spirit, gallows humour and the endless hedonistic pursuit of ‘A Bloody Good Time’. Supported by special guests Mannequin Death Squad and Grub, get ready for a night of high-octane, unfiltered pub punk as Australia’s favourite shed-rockers hit the stage at The River.

Bask in spectacular scenery along the track whilst raising funds for Beyond Blue. Coastrek is an exciting mix of fun, fitness, friends and fundraising, hiking 35km or 20km along the Cape to Cape. Team registrations have closed, but if you still want to get in on the action, a great spectating spot is from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse grounds, where the 20km track begins. 

Riding a wave of global momentum, G Flip brings the Bed On Fire Tour to 3 Oceans Winery for their only Western Australian headline show on the tour. Presented by Here Comes the Sun, G Flip will be joined by indie favourites The Rions and award-winning Noongar singer-songwriter and producer Boox Kid. Expect an unforgettable afternoon and evening of live music, premium local food and beverages, and one of WA’s most spectacular outdoor concert settings.

Pair’d Margaret River Region will once again transform the region into a celebration of incredible wine, food and music with an event program that invites you to indulge, explore and connect across breathtaking locations in the South West.

Welcome summer in with a 20km swim in the pristine waters of Geographe Bay. WA’s newest open water swim event starts in Dunsborough finishing at the iconic Busselton Jetty. The action extends beyond the water with beach parties along the course where solo, duo and teams will have the opportunity to fuel up, swap swimmers and hear the cheers of spectators.