What’s happening in January?

From the much-loved annual favourites to easygoing summer sessions plus plenty of school holiday fun, the region is alive with colour, energy and feel-good vibes.

Think long days, warm nights, live music, family adventures and every excuse to get out and soak it all in.

Get set for summer fun at the Festival of Busselton!

Running throughout January, this beloved annual celebration features a lineup of free, family-friendly activities, from outdoor movies, concerts and twilight markets to the epic Big Water Fight and the much-loved Bluey’s Picnic.

Imagine kicking back under a blanket of stars, wine in hand and laughter in the air, that’s the magic of Cape Mentelle Outdoor Movies, where the winery lawns transform into a summer-night cinema.

Running throughout January, this alfresco film experience pairs great movies with award-winning wines and delicious food curated by Little Hand Dumplings.

Get ready to dance the night away as Dan White (DJ Brightsider) brings his high-energy sound to Settlers Tavern.  Expect a feel-good mix of House, RnB, Afro and Nu-Disco grooves, with infectious beats that keep the dance floor buzzing well into the night.

Sip, snack and soak up the views at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton’s 4th Floor Pop-Up Bar, where sunsets over Geographe Bay steal the show. Open for a limited time, this elevated hangout pairs signature drinks and bar snacks with breezy coastal vibes.

Ease into summer afternoons with Sunset Sounds at Fishbone Wines, where live music sets the vibe. With local musicians, lawn lounging and favourite Fishbone drops flowing, it’s a laid-back way to soak up the Margaret River Region sunshine.

Celebrate the best of the South West at the Strange Brew Moon Market, where local producers, artisans and musicians come together under one roof. Enjoy wine and beer tastings, browse art, clothing, vinyl, jewellery and craft stalls, and tuck into delicious offerings from local food vendors while live music sets the mood.

Head to Howard Park for Oysters & Riesling, a relaxed weekend of fresh seafood, crisp Rieslings and scenic vineyard vibes. Enjoy oysters shucked to order, dumplings, ice cream and a chilled soundtrack from DJ Erik in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Don’t miss Mr Barval’s Annual Open Mic Night, one of Margaret River’s favourite community gatherings. Bring a picnic rug or camp chair and enjoy local musicians, from classical to rock, against the stunning backdrop of Karri Valley and Calgardup Brook.

Pack a picnic and head to the serene Voyager Estate gardens this summer for Djilba: A Moment in Time, a captivating performance blending dance, poetry, sound and projection. Inspired by the Rainbow Coast, the show offers a sensory experience that celebrates the beauty and magic of the season.

Relax on the lawn at the Augusta Hotel for the Arts Margaret River Sundowners, a free annual series of family-friendly concerts set against the river and sea. Enjoy local talent from award-winning songwriter Tanya Ransom and South 76’s coastal-country-rock grooves, all while picnicking with friends and family.

Celebrate the release of Mr Barval’s coveted Nebbia with a sunset party featuring a glass on arrival, free-flowing pizza from CIBO and smooth, groovy tunes by DJ Layerz. Set against Calgardup Brook with a full moon rising through the karri forest, it’s a rare chance to sip, snack and dance before this wine disappears.

Take it easy this summer at Sip and Sunset at Island Brook Estate with live music from Luxee Duo and the perfect backdrop of golden vineyard sunsets. Pull up a stool by the barrels or spread out a picnic rug, sip on estate-grown wines, enjoy a DIY grazing board or local pizza, and toast the day with friends, family, and your furry friends too!

As a part of Fringe World, Mark Canny is heading to Busselton to present his show Bad Dad, serving up dark dad humour, wild family stories, and hilariously questionable advice. Join him at Shelter Brewing Co. for a comedy of errors that’s both relatable and riotously funny, perfect for anyone who’s ever been a “bad dad” or had one.

The start of vintage is an incredibly special time of year in the Margaret River Region. Traditionally used to cleanse and purify the spirit, body and soul, a smoking ceremony signifies the beginning of something new. Come and share in the Wadandi culture and heritage celebrating the beginning of the grape harvest. Guests are encouraged to bring a flag from their home country to celebrate the multiculturalism of the wine community.

The iconic Busselton Jetty Swim is just around the corner! This is the annual 3.6km ocean swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty spread across two days and is open to swimmers of all levels from pro to ‘give it a go’. If you would rather stay dry and cheer on the athletes on the day, good news, there’s lots of family-friendly entertainment & activities all weekend long on the Busselton foreshore.

Celebrates the South West’s rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and our beautiful country with Bunuru Festival presented by Undalup. Designed with children and families in mind, the festival offers a day full of live music, workshops, kids activities, food trucks and stalls. If you or your family haven’t had the opportunity to connect with Aboriginal culture or music or feel the power of connection with place and country, this festival is the perfect introduction.