What’s happening in February?

February marks the beginning of Bunuru season, also known as second summer (Season of the Adolescence) to the traditional owners of Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater People’s Country). As the hottest time of the year, the region’s clear blue skies and warm winds tempt you to hit the waves, seek shade in the forest and explore a horizon of epic events.

The iconic Busselton Jetty Swim, Geographe Bay Race Week and 2024 Woolworth WA Junior Surfing Titles will keep the water enthusiasts among us busy, while the Undalup Bunuru Festival, Lunar New Year festivities and a host of free live music at one of the region’s scenic cellar doors and breweries keep the festivities going all month.

Read on for some of the best events happening in February.

Start the month with a bang with Bob Log III + Abbe May + Lightning Jack at Settlers Tavern. Renowned for the absolute mayhem and madness of his fast and furious garage blues live show, you can’t claim to have truly seen live music until you’ve seen Bob Log III in his stuntman jumpsuit and helmet sing into his phone receiver, pound his drum and shred on his guitar with everything he’s got.

As the sun sets, connect with the Augusta community at the Augusta Community Resource Centre Movie Night: Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning. Watch Ethan Hunt and his IMF team as they track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands. BYO low chair, blanket and picnic.

Hosted on the pristine waters of Geographe Bay, Geographe Bay Race Week enjoys some of the best sailing conditions in the world. Competitors, spectators, family and friends come together to enjoy the festival atmosphere of the event’s spectacular on-water and off-water schedule.

If you can’t wait for this year’s Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival, then Secret Agent, Unsung Hero: The valour of Bruce Dowding is for you. Join Peter Dowding SC, leading Australian lawyer and former Labor politician, as he discusses his new book Secret Agent, Unsung Hero that traces his uncle’s extraordinary journey from suburban Melbourne to the hellfire of Europe at war.

After a successful inaugural Vintage Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony last year, this event has almost become a new local classic already. Join the local community as they gather to welcome seasonal workers arriving in the region to assist with the harvest. The Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony is led by Wadandi Pibulmum Elder, Dr. Wayne Webb.

Head to Yallingup to catch the best young guns of the surfing world battle it out for a spot on the WA State Junior Team. Soak in the sun and show these legends some support as they shred their way to the top at the 2024 Woolworths WA Junior Surfing Titles.

Join The River for a birthday bash like no other – Margi Pride is turning two! They’re doubling the glitz, the glam and the fun for this year’s birthday extravaganza with a DJ, phenomenal performances from Perth Drag Queens and Kings, local talent and a Glam Station. Come dressed to dazzle in the party theme “Let Your Love Shine”, and you’re set for an unforgettable night of glitter and glamour.

Don your best goggles and get ready for the iconic Busselton Jetty Swim! Centred around a 3.6 km ocean swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty, this event has grown into so much more. Designed with everyone in mind from professional swimmers to beginners, there are multiple options so you can truly choose your own adventure. There are also lots of family-friendly entertainment and activities all weekend long, such as the Free Sunset Concert on Saturday evening.

The Arts Margaret River Sunday Sundowners have become a local institution. Friends and family, some comprising four generations, gather with their picnic on the Pioneer Park lawn and delight in the location, ambience and free live music. Hot tip: leave the picnic basket at home and try the delicious local community food and drink options.

Step into a world where music meets nature at Botanik ft. Volen Sentir & Izhevski, hosted by Above All Else. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Black Brewing Co., this event is not just a musical journey but a celebration of the symbiosis between organic house beats and the lush beauty of nature.

Gather friends and loved ones, shake out your picnic blanket and welcome the new Chinese Year of the Dragon with an afternoon of scrumptious Chinese style dumplings and live summer jazz in the stunning surrounds of Passel Estate: Lunar New Year Jazz in the Vineyard 2024.

Can’t make it? Say hello to the Year of the Dragon at Lenton Brae’s Lunar New Year Celebration on 10 February.

If you crave some calm this summer, ĀNĀPĀNASATI two day silent retreat may be just what you need. Learn how to observe reality as it is and quiet your mind by diving into the Buddha’s teachings at the stunning surrounds of Fair Harvest Permaculture.

Dress in your most fashionable attire and join the inaugural Margaret River Lions Fashion 2024. Get some inspo for a make-over at the fashion parade, bid for your favourite outfit and win prizes for the best dressed duo – all while raising money for a worthy cause.

The Undalup Bunuru Festival celebrates the South West’s rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, our beautiful country and pristine environment. Bring the fam, enjoy a packed program of live music, workshops, kids activities, food trucks and stalls, and feel the power of connection with place and country.

Dust off your boots this March Long Weekend for the 2024 Beerfarm Rodeo. Beerfarm are throwing open their farm gates for all you cowboys and cowgirls – there’s big money and even bigger bragging rights on the line in 2024, for this Nationally Accredited ABCRA Full Point Rodeo. Add some live music, food trucks, markets and kids activities to the mix and you have the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable March long weekend.

The natural beauty of our Dunsborough foreshore paired with stunning sculptures by contemporary artists – Sculpture by the Bay is bound to be a must-see on every art lover’s schedule for the March long weekend. Part of the Dunsborough Arts Festival, it has become one of the region’s premier visual arts events.