2025 is here, and what better way to start the year off than in the Margaret River Region. 

With a seemingly endless supply of sundowners and Sunday Sessions, the South West certainly makes the most of January’s long summer days. 

Catch internationally acclaimed circus acts at Karnidale, get a glimpse of the country’s next surfing superstar at Taj’s Small Fries, and celebrate the best of Busselton all month long. 

New year, same epic event scene. Read on for all the events and festivals you need to mark in your calendar. 

Festival of Busselton | 31 December - 25 January

Busselton

Festival of Busselton
Festival of Busselton. Photo: Supplied

Cape Mentelle Movies | 13 Dec - 1 February

Margaret River

Catching a movie just got so much better because Cape Mentelle Movies are back! Every summer Cape Mentelle’s immaculately manicured lawns transform into the outdoor cinema of your dreams. Think cosy beanbag chairs and a big cinema screen set under the stars, with a lush vineyard as your backdrop. Sip world-class wine and savour some Little Hands Dumplings, or opt to bring your own gourmet picnic.

Watching the outdoor movies at Cape Mentelle, Margaret River.
Get cosy at the outdoor movies at Cape Mentelle. Photo: Supplied

Bottle Brush with Nashy Studio | 4 December - 29 January

Yallingup

Join Nashy Studio at Skigh Wine for a creative day out. Starting with a wine tasting, enjoy a glass from the Coda range, and discover watercolour techniques before creating your masterpiece in a guided art session, all set against the backdrop of Skigh Wine’s dreamy gardens.

Oysters & Riesling at Howard Park | 11 - 12 January

Cowaramup

Nothing says summer like seafood and sunshine! Add in some zesty, crisp white wine and you’ve got Howard Park’s fan-favourite event, Oysters & Riesling. The iconic and indulgent culinary pairing of fresh-shucked oysters and vibrant Riesling is at the centre of this event, but it’s the live DJ, food trucks, and gorgeous cellar door setting that have cemented it as the ultimate South West summertime event.

Howard Park Wines Summer
Seafood and sunshine unite at Howard Park's Oysters & Riesling. Photo: Supplied

Summer Live Music at Clairault Streicker | 27 December - 22 February

Wilyabrup

Sway as you swirl your wine to live music throughout summer at Clairault Streicker. The cellar door will be open from 10am, vineyard kitchen from 11am, and live music every Saturday from 12pm onwards.

Summer Sunday Sessions at LS Merchants | 5-19 January

Cowaramup

Pop by the LS Merchants cellar door for a vino, park up on the grass and enjoy the sunshine and music over the month of January. LS is dog-friendly (on leads) with plenty of space for the kids. Bring a picnic or grab a bite from their visiting food trucks. Their Cellar Door is open from 10.30am until 6pm.

Taj's Small Fries | 16-19 January

Yallingup

WA’s biggest and most prestigious junior surfing event but don’t let the name fool you, the talent on these young guns is anything but small. Celebrating its 20th year, Taj’s Small Fries is named after Yallingup local and international surf legend, Taj Burrow and is still the spot to catch the most promising young surfers before they are catapulted into the big leagues.

Taj Small Fries Surfing Groms
Come cheer on local junior talent at Taj's Small Fries. Photo: Supplied

Karnidale Circus Festival | 17-18 January

Karridale

The big tops are up, the bars assembled, and the circus magic is sprinkled through Karridale. Karnidale is a weekend full of circus acts, cabaret, and comedy performers including awe-inspiring international acts. The days are filled with kid-friendly fun, while the nights are dedicated to risqué burlesque, death-defying stunts, and DJs. Ever wanted to run away to the circus? From 6-16 January, the Lunar Circus International Training Project is your chance for two weeks of circus classes.

Karnidale_Sensation_Show_Charline_Fauveau_Photographer_Australie
Karnidale Circus Festival is a hugely popular annual event in the region. Photo: Supplied

Sou’West Vintage Fest at Swings | 18 January

Yallingup

Whether you’re into dancing, fashion, or vintage cars, the Sou’West Vintage Fest promises something for everyone. Featuring the Miss Sou’West Vintage Fest Pinup Pageant, swing dancing lessons and performances by South West Swing, The Whiskey Dogs, The Moonshine Stills and Doxy, plus a lively marketplace of vintage goods.

Djibla: A Moment in Time at Happs | 18 January

Quindalup

Join Happs Wines for a captivating performance by dancer/choreographer Floeur Alder, in collaboration with sculptor/writer Virginia Ward, artist Korin Gath, and videographer Phillippa Clarke. Djilba: A Moment in Time is inspired by the Rainbow Coast in WA’s Great Southern region during the time of Djilba (the Noongar season of transition and growing).

Djilba
Djilba is the Noongar season of transition and growing. Photo: Supplied

Kel & Amy’s Comedy Road Trip | 29 – 31 January

Busselton & Margaret River

SA’s Kel Balnaves and NT’s Amy Hetherington (Best Comedy – Fringe World 2023) have packed the VS Commodore full of relatable stories and are headed for the South West. Originally from Albany, Amy is a high-energy comedian, equal parts charming and cheeky, joined by crowd favourite (and Commodore supplier) Kel. Catch the pair at The River in Margaret River on Wednesday 29 January or Shelter Brewing Co. in Busselton on Friday 31 January.

Vintage Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony | 30 January

Cowaramup

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.

Vintage Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony
a smoking ceremony signifies the beginning of something new. Photo: supplied

For the Diary

Busselton Jetty Swim | 8-9 February

Busselton

The iconic Busselton Jetty Swim is just around the corner and this year it turns 30! 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.

Busselton Jetty Swim Elements
The iconic Busselton Jetty Swim is just around the corner. Photo: Busselton Jetty Swim

Undalup Presents Bunuru Festival | 22 February

Cowaramup

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. 

Bunuru Festival
Bunuru Festival is designed with children and families in mind. Photo: supplied

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