What’s happening in May?

The iconic Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival celebrates storytelling across multiple art forms and includes a dazzling array of talent from WA, interstate and overseas. This year’s international lineup includes Samantha Harvey, Marian Keyes, Peter Godwin and Professor A.C Grayling, back for his second festival. Highlight events include Dinner with Charlotte Wood, Dinner with Samantha Harvey, plus workshops, cultural walks and free activities for the family. If you’re staying in Busselton, look out for the Busselton Book Festival!

Australian electronic/pop royalty Peking Duk are bringing their new single Thrills and their high-energy show to Busselton and Margaret River. They’ll be lighting up Shelter Brewing Co. on Friday 2 May, before heading down to Settlers Tavern for round two on Saturday 3 May.

With events for all ages and abilities, Busselton Festival of Triathlon is not just for regular triathletes – it’s the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into the water of multi-sport events. The littlest triathletes get to shine at the Sunsmart Kids Triathlon, and everyone else can choose between the Busselton Foreshore Triathlon, Aquabike and the iconic Busselton 100. Compete solo or in a team, or just show up to cheer on the amazing athletes and enjoy the buzzing foreshore vibes.

Ball Park Music are hitting the road and heading to Margaret River in support of their new record Like Love. This new record explores the more tender, introspective side of the band. Mixed in with their fan favourites, their latest tour promises a great night at The River.

With a gruelling and gorgeous track that winds through our region’s most beautiful forests, trails, beaches and bluffs, this 80km point-to-point trail race is the true test for runners. Starting at Hamelin Bay and ending at Howard Park Wines, the Margaret River Ultra Marathon will see contestants challenge themselves like never before. Designed for all levels from elites through to newcomers, runners can tackle the course as a solo competitor or in a team.

Get ready for delicious food, beautiful wine and great music celebrating the launch of one of Australia’s First Nations wine labels Mitu Wines. In collaboration with Margaret River Tuck Shop, they’ve specially curated a canapé menu to match their current wine offerings in the Mitu Wines Collection.

Looking for Mother’s Day plans? Catch up for High Tea at Cherubino with Maison Lassiaille, or a roast lunch at The Pav. For something a little more hands on, enjoy a floral painting session at Happs Wines or connect over a special clay workshop at Origins Market. When in doubt, you can always take your loved ones to Settlers for a relaxed Sunday sesh.

Prepare to be blown away by the world’s best surfers with the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. Positioned as the mid-season decider, expect to see the most talented pros put everything on the line to advance to the second half of the world tour.  Will Jack Robinson take out the title once again? Head to Surfers Point and catch all the action for free.

The South West Beer Festival returns for its 13th year this time at the breathtaking Aravina Estate. Inspired by the region’s surf culture, sip and soak up over 150 brews from 20 local brewers. Children’s tickets are available so bring the whole family along.

The Edible Gardens Festival is your ticket to get behind the gate and get up-close-and-personal with the green thumbs behind some of the best fruit and vegetable gardens in the region. Hear the stories and pick the brains of the growers, to bring your own gardens to life.

triple j’s One Night Stand will touch down in the Margaret River Region, marking the event’s long-awaited return to WA after nearly a decade. This year’s lineup includes Spacey Jane, LUUDE, Ruby Fields, 3%, Blusher, Velvet Trip and this year’s triple j Unearthed Competition Winner. This is an all-ages event, with all proceeds donated to local and national charities.

Some of the world’s most hilarious acts are coming right to our doorstep! Gather your pals, secure your tickets, and get ready for a well-deserved blast of comedy when the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow graces the stage at Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia.

Cabin Fever is bringing all the fire, food and fun across 10 wintry days that will leave you fuller than a late-night fridge raid. Tickets for the iconic winter warmer festival will go on sale in early May, so make sure to secure your spot at the most popular events, which will sell out fast and book your accommodation sooner rather than later.

Regarded as Australia’s premier destination film festival by the filmmakers and film-lovers alike, CinefestOZ is filled with world premieres and screenings, red-carpet events, after parties, and intimate in-conversation lunches across the region’s cinemas, wineries and more.