What’s happening in September?

It’s time to roll out the red carpet for Australia’s premier film festival. CinefestOZ kicks off this weekend with an awe-inspiring program of premiere screenings, In-conversations, gala nights and free community screenings, plus Deadly Days – a free event celebrating First Nations filmmakers. Grab your Cinepass and join in on the fun.

Join The Servo Taphouse for a night of dark, delicious beer. They’re turning their taps over to 15 local and international brews, with brewers on site spilling their secrets. Whether you’re a stout enthusiast or a porter aficionado, the Down South Dark Beer Fest is perfect for those who love their beers on the rich and robust side.

Now on at REDSEA Gallery,  The Obsessive Observer is a powerful new exhibition by acclaimed Margaret River artist Chris Williamson. At 81, Williamson reflects on industrial Britain through finely detailed ink and watercolour works, paired with sculptures crafted from reclaimed objects. From 12 29 September, Chris will also be in residence in the gallery, creating a new work to accompany his exhibition.

Start the month by celebrating the wonderful dads and special father figures in your life. Treat them to a hearty Father’s Day Fiesta at Bettanays, a special three-course feast at Rustico at Hay Shed Hill, or take them out for a fun evening of Musical Bingo at Origins Market. The latter might trigger a dad joke or three –  you have been warned.

The South West Japan Festival is a two-week celebration of Japanese art, culture, music and food. Workshops, themed dinners, performances and more will be springing up across the region. Try matcha flavoured ice cream at Elski Danish Ice Creamery, a decadent four-course Japanese feast at Yarri, or jump aboard the Busselton Jetty Sushi Train.

Join Wayfinder Wine Bar for a soap opera riot of flavour. The Bold & The Beautiful is an incredible shared-style three-course dinner prepared by Wayfinder’s Chef Felipe, paired with six cool-climate Pinots from Tasmania, Burgundy and Germany. Your host, Paul McArdle, will guide guests through the beauty and nuance of Pinot Noir, exploring its roots, expressions, and relevance today.

The Big Bike Film Night is on a mission to bring the best cycling short films from around the world to you. You’ll find everything a cycle-centric audience could want – action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration.

Over the last 10 years, photographer Daniela Tommasi has built a career as a leading sports, travel and event photographer in the region. This free exhibition at Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia​​​​​​​ is a collection of Daniela’s award-winning images capturing the beauty of Western Australia and the world.

Step into the creative space of more than 150 of the region’s arty and crafty folk with Margaret River Region Open Studios. From painters to potters and printmakers, timber craftspeople to textile creators and illustrators to installation artists, uncover emerging artists or finally purchase a piece to treasure from artists long admired.

Alongside esteemed local winemaker, Bruce Dukes, of Domaine Naturaliste, ilma Beach House invite you to a beautifully curated four-course degustation. Highly acclaimed with a deep connection to the region, Bruce brings insight and storytelling to every glass, making for an unforgettable evening.

Emergence Creative returns in a new and exciting iteration. Emergence Creative Collision is one and a half days of high-energy sessions where creativity, technology, and innovation meet to shape a sustainable future. From arts and culture to the creative and tech industries, connect with thinkers, spark new ideas, and leave inspired.

You Am I are one of Australia’s most beloved live acts, and this year, their most loved record, Hi Fi Way, turns 30. To celebrate, You Am I are playing Hi Fi Way​​​​​​​ plus many live favourites as far and as wide across this great land as they can – including Margaret River!

A South West Log Fest Mini-Fest is landing at Southcamp! Whether you’re back from overseas, out of winter hibernation, or just chasing the long weekend vibes, this is the ultimate South West reunion. Expect live sets from Death By Denim, Bush Telly, and Diddy Cream, plus tasty eats, cold drinks, and top-tier energy all day long. This year’s theme? Coastal Cowboy.

The Cape to Cape MTB riding event is nothing short of epic; accessing stunning private trails, vineyard visits, brewery finishes and some of the warmest hospitality the region has to offer. Starting at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta, and finishing four days later at Cape Naturaliste, the Cape to Cape MTB course makes its way through a network of trails along the coast, through National Parks, forests, farmlands, mountain bike parks and bush.

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.